Big Kid
Why Your Teen Should Join Marching Band
Think marching band is geeky? It is, but it’s also a great way for any teen to find a great tribe, stay busy, and have a boatload of fun.
Big Kid
The Case For Low-Tech Anxiety Management For Teens
Teens are likely to turn to their computers and/or peers when they’re stressed out, but could old-school hand-crafting be a better solution?
Big Kid
Feeding A Vegetarian Kid When You’re A Carnivore
Our family is most definitely composed of omnivores, with a heavy carnivore bent when it comes to cheeseburgers. However, my teen daughter is a vegetarian. This is how we make it work.
Big Kid
Difficult Parenting Situations Turned… Cooperative?
Can a “cooperative kid” be made of a troubled teen? With a lot of parental changes (and tongue-biting), signs point to yes.
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The Secret To Blending A Family
The secret to successfully blending a family is making peace with it being messy and ongoing and scary and wonderful.
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Lessons From An Accidental Homeschooler
I never thought I’d homeschool my kid, but somehow this is where we ended up. Spoiler: We both kind of love it.
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A Summer Manifesto For The Big Kids
There’s a no-man’s land, I think, in those big-tween/young-teen years, when it comes to summer break. Here’s my current Summer Manifesto for this summer. What’s yours?
Big Kid
When A Cell Phone Is Something More
My neurotypical teenager has had a cellphone for years; deciding to get a cellphone for my autistic teenager was a very different proposition.
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Summer Reading Book Recommendations From My Teens
A summer recommended book reading list from my teenagers; they love sci-fi, fantasy, coming-of-age teen drama, and (of course) manga.
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A Guide To Thrifting With Your Teen
Think clothes shopping with your teen has to be excruciating? Thrifting together is a great way to save money and have fun while you do it.
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The Best of the Internet: When Your BFF’s Kids Embrace Your Own
What happens when you internet BFF’s kids meet your own? It’s really a best of the web type story. Seeing our teens become fast friends proved to be an unexpected gift to a dear far-away friend and me.
Big Kid
When Your Teen’s Friend Has Mental Health Issues
No one wants their kid to be unkind to others, but when it comes to issues of mental illness, are you teaching your kid kindness or fear?
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It’s Never Too Late To Be A Good Sport
When your teen (who is on the autism spectrum) is still a poor sport, game time can be tricky. Sometimes there’s a pleasant surprise in store, though.
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Need Quality Time With Your Teens? Go Camping!
I never thought I’d grow to love camping, but with a few creature comforts we’ve discovered some of our best family time with the teens, out on the road.
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Well-Adjusted Teens, Sans Team Sports
Team youth sports are a fantastic way to nurture multiple avenues of personal growth, but what about when your teen isn’t into them? Relax, it’s okay.
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Dysfunction Junction: Improving Executive Function In Challenged Teens
A disorganized teen can make for an unhappy family. A few good coping strategies for improving executive functioning, everyone ends up happier, more productive.
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A Tale Of Two Teens Headed Back-To-School Two Ways
When back-to-school means different things for different teens in the same family, the name of the game is making sure that everyone gets what they need.
Big Kid
Special Needs, Yes Indeed: Find Your Family’s Tribe
When you’re parenting kids with special needs, finding another family who gets it is invaluable, for both kids and parents.
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Fuel For Feeding Bottomless Teens
If, “Mom, I’m hungry!” is a common battle-cry in your house, check out these tips for creating nutrient-dense snack options to soothe the savage teen.
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Navigating IEPs and 504s With Older Kids
The dance of special education gets a lot more complicated as kids hit the teen years; the challenge is to balance support with increased responsibility.