Parenting from the Trenches

War may be hell but plotting a course through the minefield of raising children can be categorized that way too; a war of words of will and of wisdom.</P><I>Parenting from the Trenches</I> is an often tongue-in-cheek sometimes deeply personal always helpful compilation of columns written by a parent for parents. Julie Butler Evans draws from her nearly 25 years of experience as a mom by seeking to inspire with a humorous look at the serious side of child-rearing.</P>For example on the subject of kids and cleaning: <I>Hand a teenager a can of Pledge and a rag and they will most likely just spray the scent into the air.</I> Regarding slumber parties: <I>'Slumber' party is such an oxymoron. 'Slumber' is so very much not part of the equation.</I> Or on the strength of mothering: <I>The height of motherhood is being able to love your child even when that child feels temporarily unlovable. When the two-year-old tantrum takes on epic proportions; when your 11-year-old shouts at you like a whiny drunken sailor on leave or when the impulsivity of adolescence reaches a cringe-worthy dodgy low.</I></P>The myriad topics are sure to resonate. You'll laugh cry and identify. And your skirmishes with your offspring may be easier to power through.</P>