STORY DOODLES, Stephen Bly's Story Worksheet for Homeschoolers, Future Writers & Those With Writer's Block

Stephen Bly

Many have asked about my story worksheet that I've used at writer's classes, workshops and conferences.

What's a story worksheet?

 Do you remember those cardboard matchbook covers that said, "Draw Me!" If you're not of a certain age, probably not. They often included a cartoon character of a lady's or man's head.

Six Parenting Problems With The Crowded Nest

Once A Parent, Always A Parent

What Empty Nest? Parenting Adult Children by Stephen Bly ... Six Problems to Anticipate

Sometime between the ages of 18 and 20, our kids challenge us with a dramatic turn of events in our parenting. Like an eaglet stumbling from the aerie on its first flight, our child appears as a fully grown adult. Ready to take his or her plunge into society. We enter the world of our own solo flight: parenting adult children.

Or not.

The nest can seem more than full at times. It's crowded.

My Kids Drive Me Crazy: Am I a Good Mom?

Keaton Bly

Or when my kids drive me crazy, am I a bad mom? And who am I really, apart from them? by Stephen Bly & Janet Chester Bly

It's a challenge to keep an identity while kids grow up. "My kids drive me crazy," every mom says at least once. At those times, when you're life is so tied to them and their issues, it's hard to remember who you are, apart from them. 

A good goal: value your identity as a mother, but also as a unique individual.

Mothering Is Easy & Other Good Mom Myths

How To Be A Good Mom

Myths of Motherhood from How To Be A Good Mom by Stephen Bly and Janet Chester Bly

Family and parenting begins with a woman knowing the joy of her baby's first cry. Or smile. Or rocking her child to sleep. But it's also the time she bumps against certain good mom myths. Such as ...

Good mom myth #1:  Mothering is easy. No job on earth takes more physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual strength than being a good wife and mother.