Big Kid
Is Technology Making Us Better Parents?
We have the illusion of control and the peace of mind that comes with technology. But are we better parents or the same parents with more to feel guilty about?
Big Kid
A College Education, the Key to a Happy Life or Not?
A realistic look at the benefit of attending a private 4-year college education versus the amount of money it will cost.
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
Dear Cal: Advice To My Teenage Daughter (Part 1)
A couple of life lessons I have learned and want to pass on to my 13-year-old daughter, Cal, before she enters high school about age and frenemies.
Big Kid
Letter To My Son On His High School Graduation Day
Tomorrow afternoon you are to going stand in an auditorium with a thousand other kids your age. People will speak. Some parents will dab tears. Others will be elbowing their way to a prime position in order to take a photo with their zoom lens. I don’t need to tell you which group I will be in.
Big Kid
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
Lunch Boxes Of The Teen And Quirky
Worried that your teen is the only one whose lunch isn’t Pinterest-worthy? Allow me to make you feel a lot better about your life (and lunch) choices.
Big Kid
Bye-bye, Homeschooling: Heading Back To Public School
After two and a half years of homeschooling, my autistic teen is embarking on a new adventure. Here’s why, and how we’re hoping to make it work.
Big Kid
Taking Flight in the Cold
Schools are closed today due to “excessive cold,” and it’s all my fault. Sorry, I’m not sorry—because it hasn’t slowed down my autistic son one bit.
Big Kid
When My Kids Grow Up, I Want Them To Be Flexible
Today’s kids are being pushed to pick out their career paths way too young, I think, and I’d rather we teach them to keep an open mind and adventuresome spirit.
Big Kid
A Tale Of Two Posters
With my teens sharing a class for the first time, the inevitable comparisons are making me wonder how I can coax the best out of each of them.
Big Kid
The March Begins: College Planning, Ahoy!
Got a high school junior? It’s time to start planning for college! Here is some advice for finding the balance between being smart and not freaking out.
Education
Declare Your Future Career… At Age 14?
Have you heard about Texas Bill 5? It’s a somewhat controversial educational plan that will require kids as young as 14 to declare their future careers. Yep, 14.
Big Kid
Sidestep Homework Battles
Homework doesn’t have to be a battleground in your home; keep in mind a few simple rules for a practical approach and peace can indeed coincide with homework!
Big Kid
Marching Band Redux: Finding A Good One
A good marching band can be a fabulous high school experience for your child, but how do you know if a program is a good one? Here’s some things to consider.
Big Kid
Pride And Prejudice And Siblings
Sure, we know to avoid comparing siblings to one another, but in trying to bolster and protect my kids this way, I very nearly screwed up even more.
Big Kid
College Planning: Mid-Junior-Year Check-In
Time marches on, and now that my kid is halfway through her junior year, college planning is beginning in earnest. There’s so much to think about!
Big Kid
When Smart Isn’t So Smart
Is being gifted all it’s cracked up to be? In some cases, it can be more of a hindrance to success than you might think.
Big Kid
Lesson Learned: All Apologies
One of my teens learned a hard lesson about not always getting the apology you deserve, and I realized I have a long way to go in this area, too.
Big Kid
Helping Your Student Manage Year-End School Stress
As we near the end of my autistic son’s first full-time year back in public school, the stress is wearing him down, but really, he’s doing great.