Jill Pertler

I have a friend who wondered out loud on Facebook whether it was weird for her to be excited about the purchase of a new vacuum cleaner. There can be only one answer to an outrageous question like this:

Boys will be boys, but at least some boys care about looking good for this annual rite of passage.

There is a certain amount of satisfaction that comes with restoring order to a closet. The same can be said for restoring order to life.

Nothing feels better than accomplishing what is perceived as the impossible.

This mom is doing her best, but today's math homework has her stumped.

After seven years columnist Jill Pertler says goodbye to her "Old Faithful" computer, replacing it with a sleeker, flashier model.

Shared memories can unite, give us common ground and even a commonality of spirit.

We are becoming a society where feelings of personal entitlement trump the rights of others — including families.

It's what parenthood is all about, but after raising a child to be independent, when it comes time for him to set out on his own it's hard to let go.

It's time to get rid of the regulations at banks that have us jumping through hoops like we're part of a three-ring circus.

Barbie and Ken's relationship has weathered the years, even if Barbie hasn't always been honest about her age.

Babies and teenagers have many similarities, including disrupted sleep schedules.

Stay strong in your resolve when discipline.

Take time to stop and smell the roses, to count your blessings.