I’ve been writing a parenting column for almost three years now and a few weeks ago I took a little hop, skip and a jump – landed right back in front of my laptop – and here I am.

I am very excited to begin writing for The Salisbury Independent.

You might think that I would have run out of things to write about by now.  But with a 14-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter, there’s always something going on that has me scratching my head, riddled with worry, beaming with pride or hiding in shame.

You know what I mean?  And I guess I find myself giving a lot of thought to what is happening around us and how it impacts my family.

I am certainly not an expert on parenting (or anything else for that matter) but I do hold a Master’s Degree in Education and I did spend seven years working as an elementary guidance counselor in Dorchester County.  I currently serve as a member of the school board for Wicomico County Public Schools. I also serve as chair of the Winter Wonderland of Lights Committee and I’m an active member of Bethesda United Methodist Church.

I love kids and I love my role as a mom.  It is definitely the most challenging and rewarding job I’ve ever known.

 I enjoy hearing how other parents balance everything and isn’t it just a little bit comforting to learn you aren’t the only one struggling with parenting decisions.  Someone please tell me I’m not the only mom thinking she spends way too much time in the car shuttling her kids from one activity to another.  Do you ever wonder what we’ll think when we look back ten years from now?

 I’m excited to talk about parenting issues with you … and to share new stories and introduce you to some of your neighbors here in Salisbury.  In the midst of our crazy busy lives we don’t always get a chance to stop and say hello to the people we pass by every day.  I believe it’s the people that make our community what it is -- so let’s get to know them better.

I hope you’ll join me in this new venture as we explore our local community, get to know our neighbors better, find the best places to take our kids and of course tackle those parenting issues that affect all of us.  Be sure to find your copy of this paper each week.  And if you’d like to contact me you can send me an email, tkhudson@comcast.net.

I love hearing from you.