Original Article on Brooklyn Paper

See this story at BrooklynPaper.com.By Stephanie Thompsonfor The Brooklyn PaperThe other day, I asked one of my kids friends if hed like to have a sleepover. Do you really think Id say, No to that? the boy said excitedly. I was excited, too; it felt really good to know that my children are liked. So the other day over breakfast, I traded my usual style of parenting nit-picking, constructive criticism, disciplining to share the good news: Matthew really likes you guys, I said. Oscar snorted. Everyone likes us, he said, more than a little aggrieved with the idea that what Id said needed to be said at all. Nobody doesnt like us I looked over at Eli, legs pulled up to his chest. He didnt look up from his book. He just shrugged in agreement. I...(read more)