Have a question for Andy: andyw@innovativeparentingsolutions.com

Don't make him talk

>> Saturday, January 31, 2009

Dear Andy: Our little Larry is 4 years old and refuses to talk. How can we make him understand the importance of speaking when he knows he can get what he wants by motioning and pointing? Or should we enroll him in martial arts to prepare for a future as a secret agent? How much do traffic cops get paid? Looking forward to your innovative insight. - Your faithful student, Jim

Dear Jim: I feel your son is stuck in a box. I see mime school in his future.

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The college fund

>> Thursday, January 29, 2009

Dear Andy: I want to prepare a financial nest egg for my darling daughter's future college education. Should I buy gold bars or US Treasury Bonds? - Floyd in Alger

Dear Floyd: Only a complete idiot buys in this economy. And since your daughter shares the genes of an idiot, save your money, a college fund is unnecessary.

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Sucking CO2

>> Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Dear Andy: When the oxygen masks drop in the airplane, should I help my child first, or put my mask on first? – Doug in New Jersey

Dear Doug: Definitely put your mask on first. If you don’t, while you’re sucking CO2 and fighting consciousness struggling to put the mask on your kid, the stewardess will sign you up for one of those damn frequent flyer bonus miles credit cards that charges you $75 a year and gives you discounts at the Motel 6 in Fargo. I say no. Put your mask on first and save the $75.

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Tragic consequences

>> Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Dear Andy: My 11 year old son had a girl over to watch movies after school and they sat together on the couch. I think their hands may have touched. Is that okay, or is he a little too young for physical contact? – Diane in Bellingham


Dear Diane: Here’s how it goes down:
1. Your son touches hands with the girl.
2. She convinces him your tuna casserole is lousy.
3. His grades slip.
4. He’s expelled from school, turns to a life of crime, and perishes in a tragic hotel fire.

If you love your son, keep that dirty wench off the sofa.

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Kids belong inside

>> Monday, January 26, 2009

Dear Andy: My son wanted to go outside yesterday. I am very worried. Outside it can be cold, and sometimes it is hot. There are germs and squirrels and strangers. I would be much happier if he only stayed inside and did something much more safe, like play video games, watch TV, or just stare at the wall. How can I best steer him in a positive non socially invasive manner? - A. F. Raid

Dear AF: Here’s one I have to agree with. History’s most prominent killers, dictators, and thieves have one thing in common, they all went outside. That’s why today’s best parents turn to TV and video games to raise their children. Outside is full of wolves, bears, cars, mowers, and rope swings. I have only one word to describe parents who expose their children to the outside: pathetic, irresponsible, lame-ass, inside-phobic morons. Together Wii can make a difference.

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A little misunderstanding

>> Sunday, January 25, 2009

Dear Andy: My boyfriend wants to name our child Jismine and call her Jizzie for short. Is this wrong? Help! - PPTC (Possible Parent of a Tortured Child) in Bellingham

Dear PPTC: Don’t worry; this is a very common misunderstanding. If I had to guess, I would say your boyfriend is from the south, probably Louisiana. How do I know you ask? It’s his accent. You heard Jismine, but what he said was Jasmine. My spell check concurs; try in yourself if you don’t believe me. And personally, I think Jazzie is really nice nickname. Of course when my spell check removes the accent, it comes back “Jazzier”, which seems a little presumptuous, don’t you think?

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No longer friends

>> Saturday, January 24, 2009

Dear Andy: I invited another parent on Facebook to join your group and now they are no longer friends with me. What happened? - Amy in Bellingham

Dear Amy: It’s not your fault. Your friend feels threatened by my straight talk and innovative parenting solutions. In one sentence, you’ve told me more that I need to know about your so-called friend. She’s a narcissistic, self centered bitch that’s hell-bent on destroying your relationship with your child, your husband, and most importantly, your love for Innovative Parenting Solutions, the website dedicated to finding innovative answers for tough parenting questions. Lose your friend and log on, I’m here to help.

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The coed slumber party

>> Friday, January 23, 2009

Dear Andy: How old should my Daughter be before I let her attend a coed slumber party? – Carl in Phoenix

Dear Carl: 42

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Booze, stink, and sex

>> Thursday, January 22, 2009

Dear Andy: My son has taken a virginity pledge. Does that make him less of a man? Jill in Philadelphia

Dear Jill: Men are made of equal parts booze, stink, and sex. When you remove the sex, you’re left with stink and booze. So yes, your son is now two-thirds of a man.

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Stinky painting solution

>> Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Dear Andy: My son just made a great painting of Bode Miller out of poop on my wall. Should I let it dry and enjoy this stinky, wonderful painting or should I clean it off quickly. The corn sort of looks like death cookies. It's pretty cool, but smells. Respond quickly! - Toby AKA Spoda in Missoula

Dear Toby: Here’s what you do. Step 1 -Take a long stiff knife and cut that chunk of drywall out. Step 2 - Laquer the poop and surround it with a nice frame. Now you’ve got a presentable piece. Step 3 - Rename your kid something artsy like Didier Couche or Carlo Janka. 4th and final step – Ship the signed painting to Hollywood, auction for six-figures, and laugh all the way to the bank. Californians love shitty paintings.

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Keeping drunks upright

>> Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Dear Andy: My functioning drunk husband has alienated all of our friends and is teaching our son likewise. Any tips to make him an upright drunk? Sincerely, Boozed, off Meridian

Dear Boozed: Buy him a Segway. All he has to do is hold on, the gyroscopes do the rest.

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Laura's daughter and the bad boy

>> Monday, January 19, 2009

Dear Andy: My daughter confided in me that her boyfriend has been pressuring her to have sex, but she is not yet ready. I’m glad she came to me. How do I deal with the boyfriend without betraying my daughter’s trust? - Laura in Vancouver BC

Dear Laura: I have one word for you – restraining order. But don’t let your daughter know what’s up. That would make him the “bad boy”. And I can tell you from experience, chicks dig the bad boy. This arrogant prick needs to be dealt with pronto. If you want to kill his street cred, just plant a copy of Michael Bolton’s Greatest Hits 1985 to 1995 in his ride. Your daughter will be out of that relationship faster than you can say home school.

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Skid marks and TP shrapnel

>> Sunday, January 18, 2009

Dear Andy: My husband’s regressing and now I can't get him to wear pants around the house. I'm finding skid marks and TP shrapnel in the darndest places. Do I give-in and just buy brown color sofa covers or what? - Sandy on Lummi Island

Dear Sandy: I usually comment on parenting issues only, but I think I can help you. Women have no idea how confining pants can be for a well endowed man. Let me tell you, it’s no party down there. The little guy and his sidekicks get twisted, bent, squeezed and crushed, and that’s just the beginning. What your husband needs is a little patience and understanding during his time of need. To say that he is “regressing” is not only bigoted, but also shows a lack of class and maturity. Buy yourself a case of hand sanitizer and learn to not sweat the small stuff.

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Pink-eye

>> Saturday, January 17, 2009

Dear Andy: My son has Pink-Eye. Is this a bad thing? - Allison in Missoula

Dear Allison: I can help. Follow these steps and the pink eye will clear up immediately:

1. Open Internet Office Picture Manager
2. Choose “Edit Pictures” from the task bar
3. Choose “Red Eye Removal” from the menu on the right (red-eye and pink-eye are the same)
4. With the mouse, center the cross-hairs on one eye and left click, repeat for the other eye
5. Click “OK” in the right menu
6. Remember to save your changes

Voila, pink eye is removed. There are many programs that work just as well, shop around to find the one that best suits your needs.

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Two story shed

>> Friday, January 16, 2009

Dear Andy: I recently impregnated Shaniqua, my girlfriend of two months. She has decided to keep the baby out of respect for Jesus, and I have resolved to stand by her. Since continuing our college educations really isn't an option with a baby on the way we have decided to move back to my home town where my parents have offered us the top floor of their shed free of charge. My question is this: is the top floor of a shed a suitable place to raise my bastard child? - Baby-Daddy to be in California

Dear Baby-Daddy: Don’t blame Jesus. The word around town is your girl’s a ho. And while we’re on the subject, it takes one to know one. Is the top floor of a shed a suitable place to raise a child? The answer is……sometimes. My parent’s shed was a shit hole. Between the slug bait, rat poison, and the fertilizer, I was lucky to make it out alive. You my friend have no room to complain. Do you know how many young fathers dream of a two story shed? You can park the Huffy on the ground floor, which leaves the top floor open for your beautiful, young, ho family.

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The perfect son

>> Thursday, January 15, 2009

Dear Andy: I just wanted to share that I feel my son is perfect. Do you have any suggestions on how to raise a perfect child?? - Allison in Missoula

Dear Allison: You fall into one of two groups. The 95% of all mothers who think their son it perfect, or the .0002% of mothers who do, in fact, have a perfect son. If you fall into the first group, don’t feel bad, it’s what you think that really matters. If you are lucky enough to fall into the second, far more exclusive group, I can put you in touch with my mother. She has over 37 years of experience with a perfect son.

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Facebook and 5-pin

>> Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Dear Andy: My 14 year old daughter is addicted to Facebook, she claims she's bored. How can I cut down her computer time and get her out of the house? – Tom in Manitoba

Dear Tom: What the hell do you expect, you live in Manitoba? You know better than me that your top exports are teen pregnancy, English/French translations, and lame Ontario jokes. Just put her on the snow machine and take her down for a couple games of 5-pin. Short of relocating, that’s your best shot of keeping her off-line.

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Where do babies come from

>> Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Dear Andy: Last week, I went in the emergency room with kidney stones and came out with a baby! How did this happen?? What do I do now???? - Puzzled in Pennsylvania

Dear Puzzled in Pennsylvania: Do I look like an idiot to you? How did this happen! As we all know, babies come from alcohol, while kidney stones come from flaxseed oil. You got drunk, horny, and easy, now you’re going to puke, stretch, and buy a minivan. What do you do now. Pray to God that the flaxseed oil doesn’t kick in.

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Don't eat your children

>> Monday, January 12, 2009

Dear Andy: Jonathan Swift suggested in an essay from 1729 that he "recommends that Ireland's poor escape their poverty by selling their children as food to the rich." Noting, "I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food...” While a shocking prospect, I wonder what your thoughts are on the subject. Thanks for your work. - Stacey in unincorporated Whatcom County

Dear Stacy: This is one of the most misquoted statements of the early 1700s. You see, it’s a little known fact that Mr. Swift grew up a chicken farmer. Some even say he was still secretly breeding chickens at the time of his death in 1745. His original essay encouraged Ireland’s poor to sell their chickens, not their children. It is believed that Mr. Swift was encouraging the poor to sell their fowl so he could secretly build his own chicken monopoly. In March of 1730 the local chicken farmers caught wind of his scheme. In an effort to cover his tracks, he rewrote the essay to refer to children. Now you know the truth.

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Beat back the bullies

>> Sunday, January 11, 2009

Dear Andy: My son is in the 2nd grade and he’s already having trouble with bullies at school. They push him around, steal his lunch money, and taunt him in front of the other children. Do you have any advice on how to make it stop?

Dear Mike: I feel your pain; bullies can be a big problem. Here’s a sure fire solution: Buy your son some black nail polish, a little black eyeliner, and a floor length black leather trench coat. Not only will it keep the other kids at bay, it’ll also ensure you son gets the attention he deserves from the teachers, principal, and even your local school board.

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Window licker

>> Saturday, January 10, 2009

Dear Andy: My 4 year old has started licking the windows when angry. Should I put down cayenne or predator powder to prevent him? Todd in Bellingham

Dear Todd: Prevent him? Follow up with a squeegee and you’ve got yourself a home business. Some parents dream of an opportunity like this.

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Get your child the dog

>> Friday, January 9, 2009

Dear Andy: Our son really wants a dog, but we can’t because my husband is allergic. What’s the best way to explain this to a 5 year old. – Ann in Michigan

Dear Ann: Your husband’s not allergic, he’s faking. Not all, but most people who claim to be allergic to dogs, just don’t like dogs. It doesn’t necessarily make them bad people, just liars and selfish pricks. So, back to your original question, what’s the best way to tell your son he can’t have a dog? Don’t. Tell him he can have that dog because his selfish prick of a father is moving into the small apartment building down the street where the other recently divorced fathers live.

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To leash or not to leash

>> Thursday, January 8, 2009


Dear Andy: I’ve been seeing more and more child leashes being used around town. Do you think it’s proper to leash your child? – Jen in Denver

Dear Jen: Child leashes probably don't cause any negative physical or psychological effects. But please remember to scoop your child’s poop.

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Fight fire with fire

>> Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Dear Andy: I was surfing the web today and stumbled upon a partially nude picture of my daughter, she is 19. How should I approach her about it? – Paul in San Diego

Dear Paul: At the moment your daughter holds all the cards. What you need sir, is an ace up your sleeve. Here’s what you do: You and the misses run down to the local Rent-a-center, pick up one of those new HD video cameras, and make yourselves a porno. Those new cameras force every dimple, ripple, and pimple right into focus. Post this beauty on the site, text her the link, and watch your daughter squeal in disgust. She may not take her photo down, but you can walk tall and know you’ve given it your best.

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Rent-a-cops crampin' your style

>> Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Dear. Andy: My problem isn't so much with my kids, it's with the "casino rent-a-cops." You see, every time I go to the casino to drink and gamble I prefer to leave the kids in the car. This saves me money so I can drink and gamble the money I would use for babysitting. The kids are fine. I always lock the door and leave the windows down. I also make sure there are plenty of Cheetos and lots of Cola products available so they don't get hungry or thirsty. However despite my willingness to make sure the kids are fine while I gamble until 2am, I am constantly being harassed by the casino rent-a-cops as they apparently don't have kids and don't see the benefit of leaving them in the car. Any help here would be appreciated as I am heading down to Tukwila to hit the jackpot again tonight. - Bloated and Broke in Bellingham

Dear Bloated in Bellingham: I used to have the same trouble with my Saint Bernard. The hippies at the co-op kept leaving nasty notes on my windshield telling me my dog was hot, usually written on that goddamn hemp paper. There’s nothing worse than getting a lecture from the 50 year old bagboy at the co-op. Shit, that dog got more baths than he did. Sorry, I got a little off topic there. Here’s what you should do: Set the kids up by the casino entrance with two chairs, a card table, a case of chocolate bars and a big pink ribbon. Bingo, your kids are doing their part to fight breast cancer, you’re making some extra cigarette money, and best of all, it’s now the cop’s job to keep an eye on the wee ones.

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Shut 'em up in style

>> Monday, January 5, 2009

Dear Andy: My sons, ages 9 and 11, are constantly arguing in the back seat of the car. How can I make them get along? – Lisa in Bellingham


Dear Lisa: Run out and get yourself a 1969 Chevy Kingswood, that's what my parents did. It's got one of those rear facing seats in the way-back that'll keep your kids quiet, while giving them some serious bonding time. You may get your ass kicked at the next stoplight due to the barrage of middle fingers, pressed hams, and thrown juice boxes flyin' out the rear, but for your trouble you get a 327 with a 4-barrel pushin' power though a TH350 transmission. I'd suggest the addition of a pair of Flowmasters for full cruisin' style.

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Needs more support for nursing

>> Sunday, January 4, 2009

Dear Andy: My breasts become very sore while nursing. Do you have any suggestions on how to ease the pain? – Mary in Billings

Dear Mary: I can tell you that scrubs don’t offer much in the way of support; a good underwire bra should offer you some relief. Beyond that, I need a little more information. Do you work in the ICU, Med/Surg, or as a floor nurse?

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Shrinkage and pregnancy

>> Saturday, January 3, 2009

Dear Andy: Is it true that you can’t get pregnant if you have sex in cold water? – Les in Everson

Dear Les: Yes and no. It is true you cannot become pregnant if you have sex in cold water, provided you and your partner are of the same sex. It is possible however, to become pregnant if the sex occurs between a man and a woman; this is where mermaids and ice road truckers come from.

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You can have it all

>> Friday, January 2, 2009

Dear Andy: I love children. I already have one and would love to have several more. However, my co-worker keeps harassing me and telling me that over population is the biggest crisis currently facing the world. I believe this to be true. I consider myself to be committed to sustainability and yet, I fear that if the only people populating the earth are God-fearing right-wing fundamentalists we are going to have an even bigger problem on our hands. To have or not to have, that is the question. Thank you for your sage advice – Courtney in Bellingham

Dear Courtney: First off, your coworker is an ass. The number of children you have is between you, Jesus, and the sperm donor. If you want it bad enough, you can have it all. Here’s how: Get yourself a death row pen pal, the kind you see in those made-for-TV movies. The more he’s killed, the better. If you’re fertile, a conjugal visit or two should do the trick; remember to pack a good antifungal cream. When all is said and done, you can claim the death of the father, and those he has wacked as a kid credit. Bingo, you get a kid, the net population drops, and you get angry prison sex to boot.

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Tiptoe around the wiener

Dear Andy: My son, 3-years old, is constantly touching himself… down there. It is becoming quite embarrassing, how can I get him to stop. – Lori in Austin

Dear Lori: “Down there” huh? If you want your son to stop touching his penis, then tell him to stop touching his penis. “Down there”, includes 10 toes (maybe 11 in your case), right up past the poop shoot and on to the “chest circles”. It’s painfully obvious from your tiptoe around the wiener, that the bigger issue here is your lack of self confidence. As for your son, sharpen his nails and the problem will take care of itself.

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There is no Santa

>> Thursday, January 1, 2009

Dear Andy: My son was told by kids at his school that Santa doesn’t exist. Should I come clean, or tell him Santa is real? – Mike in North Carolina

Dear Mike: Hasn’t this charade gone on long enough? You’ve convinced your son there’s a 400 pound deer musher from Alaska, wrapped from head to toe in red velvet, that travels the skies like a fat fairy delivering toys to good little boys and girls. For Gods sake, listen to yourself; it’s pathetic.

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Bodies in the basement

Dear Andy: My 5-yr-old just found the headless bodies in the basement. What is the best way to teach her that Daddy is a vigilante and the tights, cape, and mask are just a representation of his love of justice? - Tim in Bellingham

Dear Tim: If I had a nickel for every time I was asked this one, I'd be a rich man. Shell Silverstein published a book that covers this subject in its entirety. It’s titled, There’s Torsos in my Trunk.

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Writer needs to be honest with herself

Dear Andy: How do I keep my daughter from crying hysterically whenever she sees the neighbor dressed in a gorilla suit?

Dear Diane: Let's be honest. I can't help you until you want to help yourself. By "daughter", you mean husband. By "neighbor", you mean truck. And by “gorilla suit”, you mean rust. You think your husband is embarrassed by his rusty old truck, but that’s just a cover. The real issue is his self esteem, or lack thereof. You need to get your husband off welfare, out of his pajamas, and off the booze, porn sites, uppers, downers, tweeners, and whatever else this sicko is into. I think we both know your husband really wants to be that gorilla down the street, and he needs you to help him get there.

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It's mothers fault

Dear Andy: When I was 9 months old, I became a bit of a toe sucker. Didn't matter whose, off came the socks and I was sucking away like there was no tomorrow. Now I am much older, and I wish my mother had figured out something--anything--to stop my fetish. So, my question is: how can I learn to stop blaming my mother for making me the most popular boy in school? - Randy in Bellingham

Dear Randy: Randy Feller……. from Lakeville Jr high? If it wasn’t for you, my athletes foot would have never cleared up. Your tongue truly holds magical fungus fighting powers. To answer your question, It’s okay to blame your mother, for she, and mothers like her, are responsible for 50% of the worlds evils. Fathers are equally responsible, but are more likely to kick your ass, so channel your blame towards mom.

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Serial toe sucking

Dear Andy: How do I get my 9 month old to stop taking off other babies' socks and sucking on their toes at day care? - Amy in Bellingham

Dear Amy: Don’t, you should nurture his special skill. When gas is $20 a gallon, and he can suck your neighbor’s fuel tank dry in a matter of minutes, you’ll know who to thank.

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