Suzette Valle's Page

"Sure, you can have a $300 Ipod. How about a $400 Iphone instead?" you sarcastically ask your child while shopping at the mega tech store. That huge grin on her face turns upside down as soon as you finish your tone-charged question. But the real question on your mind is "shouldn't I be getting these expensive gadgets for myself first?"

You are not a lone parent in this technological jungle, and certainly not the only parent to second guess yourself when it comes to getting these seemingly comm… Continue

Sitting on your throne (chair), scepter (remote) in hand watching TV, you don't realize I'm watching you and thinking how much I love you. Your quiet concentration brings me peace and comfort, and your presence is enough to calm our kingdom every day of the week.

On Love Note Friday you’ll be on a plane, but we’ll be here waiting for you to come back. Your loyal subject, your son, will keep your throne warm, your scepter handy and will record your favorite shows so we can share them when you re… Continue

What is a mom suppose to do after dedicating all her time and energy to her family? Is the empty-nest looming in your near future? Are you ready to be yourself again?

I've started to ask myself these questions lately, and found a little help answering them in Maria Shri… Continue

We woke up late on Monday morning due to a power outage in our area. Instead of our electric clock-radios going off, my husband rustled the kids out of bed since he’d been up most of the night glued to the television anxiously waiting for news on the fate of several Wall Street institutions, and consequently his clients’ investments and our livelihood.

You see, the head of our household has been a financial consultant (FC) for the last 20 years; after the 1987 market crash and 9/11 this is the… Continue

The school year is in full swing, and it's time to get back to the normal pace of a routine; back-to-school, back-to-sports or back-to-work. It’s also time to GIVE back! I am a great supporter of volunteerism, and eking out time to give back to my community is an important part of my family’s life. Involving children in service clubs and community activities at an early age can help instill in them these altruistic values too.

If you are a stay-at-home parent with a little time on your hands, t… Continue