mango mama's Page

I have a dilemma. Olivia wants to start reading the Twilight series and see the movies and thus far, I haven’t allowed it because at only 10 years old, I don’t think the series is age-appropriate for my girl.
I’m an avid reader and Olivia is also becoming an avid reader and that makes me ecstatic. On one hand, I’m happy she’s interested in reading the books,… Continue

What are the base requirements for an 8 yr. old boys’ birthday party?

I ask, because of what transpired last Sunday when I asked Lovermn to take Yannick to his buddy, Tommy’s (not his real name), birthday party. We received the invitation on Thursday for Sunday’s party. Sure, I know everybody’s busy as all get out, but jeez! I need more than 48 hours notice! Anyway, I promised Yannick we’d do our best to make Tommy’s party while I said a silent prayer of thanks because at least it was on Sunday… Continue

At 10 ½, Olivia is moving full-steam ahead into tweendom and yes, I often find myself taken aback when I or her brother or Loverman find ourselves face-to-face with one of her seemingly unprovoked funk-isms. Sure, I understand she’s maturing, growing, changing, but like my grandmother used to say… “Miss Thing is really smelling herself these days!”

One unexpected upside of this new and not-so improved Miss Olivia is her desire to earn some extra cash. I’m not one to pay for things she should na… Continue

We take homework very seriously in this household--- come in the house after school, grab a snack and get down to the business of homework before any other activities commence. This has been the Mango Tribe’s m.o. since Olivia started kindergarten six years ago.
At first, I’d sit with Olivia and make sure she… Continue