Archive for the ‘Discipline, Morals, and Ethics’ Category
Dress For the Occasion
Posted on: April 20, 2009
[This is a slightly edited re-post from my previous blog. It seemed appropriate in light of a post I recently wrote here.]
While visiting with my in-laws outside of Erie a couple years ago I went to their parish for the Epiphany. I noticed something there that I’ve noticed at other parishes, and it drives me nuts: slovenly attire worn by those attending mass, in particular those serving at the altar.
How can people serve at the altar in the Divine Presence wearing blue jeans and sneakers? How can parents allow their children to dress so poorly for such a high office? More importantly, I wonder how priests can allow children to serve like that? I’ve even seen it at weddings!
Dignity vs. Utility
Posted on: April 16, 2009
I’m as wowed by Susan Boyle as anyone, and I wish her continued success in the talent competition, but I’ve been bothered by thoughts similar to those that prompted Dennis Palumbo to ask, “What if Susan Boyle Couldn’t Sing?“
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On the Move
Posted on: March 19, 2009
CC image courtesy of Flickr user jds-emma
Red is nearing full mobility. Crawling is a skill he will soon fully possess and master. His days of contentment in his playpen are numbered. He’ll soon want to explore more freely.
That’s a problem. Our rented house has no carpeting, and the living room has old, bumpy, sorta splintery, poorly maintained hardwood flooring. DW and I are planning to rectify this by purchasing a large area rug or carpet fragment. My question to you, kind readers (both of you), is this: Should we use modular gates to pen Red into a limited region, probably half of the living room, or completely baby-proof the living room and give him full reign of it?
Why do kids fight sleep?
Posted on: January 21, 2009
I’ve been a parent for nearly five months now, and I’m still baffled as to why kids fight so hard against sleep. It’s usually really obvious when they need to nap. They’re cranky, lethargic, uninterested in playing, and rubbing their eyes. Obviously, kids of toddler age and older can willfully disobey or resist their parents, but what about infants? Why do so many kids cry and scream when put down for a nap? It’s clear from their behavior that they need naps, and they are happy and refreshed upon awaking, so why fight? By some kids’ tantrums, you’d swear sleep is life-threatening.
Any ideas?
