Life isn't fair! My Dad had this saying to teach all of us about fair. As it teen and as an adult it made me feel less sorry for myself when life was rough. You might want to try it.

The Big Family SeriesAllison OchsSeptember 27, 2016fair, parenting, parent coach, Parenting ArticleComment

Oui maman! Discipline in France

Oui Maman! Living in France I came to understand and love the French education of children. It took me about 5 years and actually leaving the country for me to understand the key element! It is magical.

Expat StoriesAllison OchsSeptember 22, 2016expat life, france, living in france, discipline, manners Comments

9 o’clock bed time

How to manage your kids and still have some time for you! Give your kids a bedtime. Put a teen to bed at 9! Are you crazy? Well, I wouldn't say to bed as in sleeping but down time, time in their room, quiet time and relationship time with your spouse or just you time.

The Big Family SeriesAllison OchsSeptember 20, 2016bedtimes, family, couples, marriage, teens, parenting, parent coach Comments

In France “faire la bise” (cheek kissing) rules

The French love their kisses! If you live there you better learn to kiss on the cheek and do it well.

Expat StoriesAllison OchsSeptember 15, 2016expatComment

My First Memory

I always say my expat life started right back in Farmington, Utah. It sounds silly but adoption and being different has always been a part of my life from that first memory on.

The Big Family SeriesAllison OchsSeptember 13, 2016parenting, adoption, memories, expat life, parenting article, sisters, adventure, international adoptionComment

Home is where the heart is

If I have learned one thing as an expat it is about finding home where ever I might be. Open your heart and you will find home.

Expat StoriesAllison OchsSeptember 8, 2016Expat Life, Expat, Home, Heart, Happiness, Love Comments

What teens should say to their parents!

Raising teens... Do you want to pull your hair out on some days? This is a short and true story about a wild boy who got into all sorts of trouble and who finally said the words we all wish for.

The Big Family SeriesAllison OchsSeptember 6, 2016Parenting, Teens, Advice, Parent Coach, Thank you Comments

Grandmas and Grocery Stores

In the beginning of my life as an expat one of my fears was of old ladies and grocery carts. Yes, you heard me right… old ladies and grocery carts.

Expat StoriesAllison OchsSeptember 1, 2016Grocery Store, Expat life, expat, Life in Germany, Germany, Fear, Dare, Grandma, War childrenComment

The Ghetto Cruiser

Eight teens sharing one car and a real junker at that! Yes, it was and is possible. Teaching kids to share and that you don't need a lot to be happy should be a priority.

Strikes in France and Having a Baby!

I learned that having a baby isn’t necessarily a medical procedure but as well a cultural one. If in France you might run into a strike, get used to it, it’s part of their culture.