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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Tag: parenting

No Contact Kids? It’s Like Walking Face-First into a Spiderweb.

I've become an expert at baiting my no-contact kid into a conversation. My methods? Forwarding mail, paying for college, having a death in the family, etc.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Parenting 1 Comment August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 5 Minutes

Skin Scans, Schedule Chaos, & Travel Fails.

A week of chaos, ranging from expired passports, weekday graduations, skin scans, and no-contact children. Can I get an amen? No? How about a margarita?

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Blended Families, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment April 20, 2026April 19, 2026 5 Minutes

Bringing Back the Red Tent

Would they have been better off if their father had never met me?  The guilt of a stepmother.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Blended Families, Thoughts on Marriage, Thoughts on Parenting Leave a comment November 10, 2025 6 Minutes

What Should You Do? Start by Cutting the Apron Strings.

Six weeks and I’ve resisted the urge to throw on the ALL CAPS button before responding, “WHICH ONE OF YOU IS IN COLLEGE?” 

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Parenting Leave a comment September 29, 2025September 28, 2025 5 Minutes

The Skid to Summer’s Finish Line

Currently, the broken rules in my youngest’s room represent the actual bridge between childhood and adulting: Teddy Grahams on one side, Stoli on the other.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Parenting Leave a comment August 18, 2025August 17, 2025 5 Minutes

Chotchkes & Chickens

Was I avoiding my first trip "home?" Well, yes, actually. How'd it go? All the ways.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Aging, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Mental Health 2 Comments July 28, 2025July 27, 2025 5 Minutes

Clear(ish) Eyes, Full Heart

What’s that saying?  You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t shove its head in for a drink? 

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Blended Families, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Parenting Leave a comment July 21, 2025July 20, 2025 4 Minutes

Trans-Versation: Our Story

Apologies for the big lead-up to this post, but it comes with years of thought behind it. While the trans-versation has been a topic within our household for nearly a decade, we have learned to be careful with it outside of our home (further explained below). With recent modifications to "how" transgender youth are being … Continue reading Trans-Versation: Our Story →

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear 4 Comments June 23, 2025June 21, 2025 12 Minutes

At Some Point, Their Journey Becomes Their Journey.

At some point, the travel planning mantra goes, their vacation becomes their vacation. I'm learning that the same is true when raising children.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Parenting, Thoughts on Travel 2 Comments June 16, 2025June 13, 2025 3 Minutes

What Should You Do? Or Not Do.

I have a new dirty little secret. Secret? Maybe not so much a secret as I often share tales of this new habit with my husband. Guilty pleasure? That’s better, yes.  I have a new guilty pleasure: I’m a voyeur in my child’s university Facebook group. For those who haven’t experienced the empty nest yet, … Continue reading What Should You Do? Or Not Do. →

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear Leave a comment January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 4 Minutes

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Blogs that you just missed:

No Contact Kids? It’s Like Walking Face-First into a Spiderweb.

No Contact Kids? It’s Like Walking Face-First into a Spiderweb.

I’ve become an expert at baiting my no-contact kid into a conversation.

My methods?

Forwarding mail, paying for college, having a death in the family, etc.

by Jyl Barlow August 3, 2026August 3, 2026
When a Calendar Fail &  Lack of E.S.P. Collide.

When a Calendar Fail & Lack of E.S.P. Collide.

Look, it was my mistake, okay?

Still, having hope for my husband’s E.S.P. to come in is fine, as long as I consider that a very loose and unpredictable fallback plan.

by Jyl Barlow July 20, 2026July 19, 2026
The Price of Pets (is totally worth it)

The Price of Pets (is totally worth it)

“She brought an emotional support toy into the appointment.”

The price of pets? Worth it.

by Jyl Barlow July 6, 2026July 5, 2026

Hiking the Mendenhall Glacier: A Questionable Adventure

Did I have any business hiking across a glacier in Alaska?

Probably not.

Did I live to tell about it?

Mostly.

by Jyl Barlow June 22, 2026June 21, 2026
Banana Ball: Six for Six

Banana Ball: Six for Six

Banana Ball’s season may be short but for a super-fan, seeing every game just takes a little creativity and coordination.

Oh, and maybe a few friends who will say “yes” to anything.

by Jyl Barlow June 8, 2026June 8, 2026
Vacation Alert: Back to Alaska.

Vacation Alert: Back to Alaska.

I’m off on another adventure!

Want to follow along? I mean, why wouldn’t you? Join me on the socials under Bearly Home Travel.

by Jyl Barlow June 1, 2026May 28, 2026
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