Archive By Author - Kari Apted

My argument against government health care — part 2

A poll conducted July 24-27, 2009 by the Wall Street Journal asked people whether they thought President Barack Obama's health plan was a good or bad idea – 42 percent called it a bad idea while 36 percent said it was a good idea. Only 15 percent of those with private insurance thought their health care would improve under his plan.

As the dog days wind down

Summer vacation always seems to drag by until the very end. Then today we wake up and realize: there is just one week left until school starts.

The house is slowly falling apart around me

I would've started writing this column sooner, but I got distracted by a long, fruitless search for a box of hair dye.

Help! I’m addicted to Facebook

My sister keeps asking where I find the time for such nonsense as online social networking. Honestly, it doesn't feel very time consuming. Where else can you read for three minutes and find out what's going on in a dozen or more of your friends' lives? I find it much more efficient than wading through e-mails, texting or spending hours on the phone.

Enjoy the fourth — wherever you are!

I've been trying to remember how long it's been since I spent a 4th of July anywhere but Florida. I'm thinking it was well before my oldest son was born - and he's 11.

Purpose of this weekend

Isn't it lovely to find ourselves in the middle of a peaceful three-day weekend? The gorgeous weather is beckoning all of us outside. Several of our friends are boating and camping, while others are soaking up the sun on Florida's beaches.

Snakes and snails and puppy dogs’ tails3

 The craziest thing has happened to me this year. If you aren't accustomed to reading the Wednesday edition of this newspaper, you might've missed the announcement.

The Other Coast

Parenting magnifies it all: thoughts from an ‘old pro’

For seven long, heartbreaking years, I watched them from a distance, longing more than anything to join them. Mothers knew things I didn't. They had a quiet confidence, a mysterious, comfortable bond that I never quite understood and doubted that I ever would. My empty womb, my empty arms, my hollow heart wanted to be one of them. Finally, when the time was right, after countless doctors' visits and treatments, it happened. I joined the ...

If you haven’t heard of Susan Boyle, you will

Since last Thursday, dozens of people have forwarded me the link to her "Britain's Got Talent" audition video on YouTube. At this moment, it's gotten 20 million hits. Boyle completely wowed cynical "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, two other judges, and the audience with her strong, angelic voice. And now she is being discussed around the world. Even Oprah Winfrey has invited Boyle to appear on her show.

Change is worth the pain

 I've spent the past three weeks discussing how the teachings of family psychologist and parenting expert Dr. John Rosemond have helped my husband and I redefine our family.

Love means letting kids do their chores

I've unknowingly insulted my children's intelligence for several years now, and I bet many of you are guilty of the same. How do otherwise loving parents do this? By grossly underestimating what our children are capable of.

The problem with parenting

Parenting seems so straightforward when you read the books. Limit your child's exposure to TV. Feed your children a balanced diet that includes lots of vegetables. Fill your home with books to cultivate a love of reading.

A day for couples

"So, Valentine's Day is coming up," I reminded my husband. "Have you given any thought to making plans?"

How quickly children grow

 It was just before Thanksgiving when we found out we were having a boy. This long-awaited pregnancy, filled with anxiety, stress and the most abundant joy you can imagine was going to result in the son everyone was hoping we'd have.