Young Child
Teaching Global Citizenship through Language
How can you get your young child excited about different cultures and countries around the globe? We have some ideas.
Education
Great Graduation Speeches: Because We All Need A Little Inspiration
There are some graduation speeches that seem to resonate with a lot of us. They make us think, laugh, and hopefully embolden us to be better people.
Activities
Watermelon Stand to Raise Money for Causes that Matter to Your Kids
Kids love setting up their own lemonade (or a watermelon in this case) stands during the summer. Here we discuss how our young active citizens donated their proceeds to a cause that’s been on their (and the nation’s) minds.
Education
Inspire Your Daughter’s Inner Engineer
How spending quality time together with their fathers inspired girls to pursue interesting career paths in the auto industry.
Education
The Homework Blues: Five Strategies for a Better Experience
Homework can be hard on families and we can all benefit from been-there-done-that advice and should be open to learning about new helpful resources, too.
Big Kid
College Application Time: Numbers and Considerations
Do you have a high school senior in the house? You’re likely right in the thick of college applications, so here are some questions to think about.
Big Kid
Six Great Kids’ Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers
For those children that struggle to enjoy reading, comics, and especially graphic novels, are a great solution. They tell a complete story, have developed characters, and combine visual cues with written words to add more emotional depth. Here are six great new choices out recently.
Education
Girls on Their Way to Changing the World
Meet Daniella Benitez, 13, and Naomi Wadler, 11, who are making a difference in their communities with their hands and voices.
Big Kid
College Textbooks: Saving Money and Your Sanity
Did your college student’s first foray into the bookstore cause palpitations? Take heart! While there are lots of options, that means lots of savings, too.
Big Kid
Preparing Without Scaring: Before ADHD Testing
A reader wants to know what (and how much) to say before her daughter is evaluated and tested for ADHD. As you might suspect, I have some opinions on this topic.
Food & Home
Beating the Summer Slide One Bowl at a Time
Tackling the summer slide doesn’t have to be a big deal. Kid(s) can practice a new vocabulary word with their breakfast. We show you how to make it fun.
Big Kid
Should You Read 1984 with Your Kids? (and, what to discuss)
George Orwell’s 1984 was meant to be an exaggerated dystopian reality and a warning rather than a blueprint. Time to revisit it with your (older) kids.
Parenting
Helping Kids Have Their Voices Heard By Our Representatives
Looking to teach your children Civics? The best mode of getting them involved is using their own voices. Some ideas and free postcards for them to write to their representatives.
Big Kid
Senioritis? Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!
Has a case of senioritis arrived at your house? Don’t wave it off; talk early and often about these last few months before graduation.
Big Kid
What to Do When College Decisions Arrive (Hint: Don’t Panic!)
If you have a high school senior, chances are college acceptances and rejections are rolling in, and along with them, some angst. Don’t panic!
Big Kid
The Waiting is the Hardest Part of College Admissions (for me)
While we wait to hear from my son’s top-choice college, I’ve taken to a somewhat unconventional coping method.
Big Kid
Globetrotting and Homeschooling and More, Oh My!
A reader is considering taking her four kids overseas for part of the school year, and asks for some advice on homeschooling and other logistics.
Education
Is There Such a Thing as Sort-Of Homeschooling?
A reader asked if there was such a thing as partially-homeschooling, and indeed there is! Homeschooling is a lot less about “home” than it used to be.
Big Kid
A Big Transition: Hello, Public High School (Goodbye, Homeschool)
My tips for a mother who is transitioning her high school freshman from homeschooling to public school.
Big Kid
Senior Year: The Last First Day and The First of Many Lasts
I thought getting my oldest off to college was the hardest transition, but now it’s time for the last everything as her little brother heads into senior year.