Big Kid
How to Prep for College Without Losing Your Mind
Tired of “expert” advice on readying your high schooler to get into a top college? Me, too. I like realism, and a non-stressed kid. Here’s my take.
Big Kid
Senior Year Retail Therapy
Am I crazy for shopping for my kid’s college dorm room nearly a year ahead of time? Crazy like a fox, maybe. I have my reasons.
Education
Busting College Application Myths
In the fall-of-senior-year panic of “must”s and “should”s, I think applying to college ends up being a lot scarier than it needs to be. Relax. You can do this!
Big Kid
Loosening The Reins Before College
We have just one short year left before my oldest heads off to college. That means it’s time to start pulling back on some rules and letting her figure it out.
Big Kid
To Label Or Not To Label, That Is The Question
A reader wants to know the value of putting a label on a struggling older child, or does it even matter? I have strong opinions on this one.
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
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
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
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.
Big Kid
The Glass Is Exactly As Full As It Should Be
While trying to balance helping my autistic son’s potential and limitations, I don’t always get it right. The good news is, he does, in spite of me.
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
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
College Prep Shouldn’t Be College Madness
I’m so tired of the notion that it’s up to parents to figure out their kids’ college choices, and to do so starting in middle school, to boot. That’s silly.
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
Senior Year of High School: The Flip Side Of Struggle
Will I be sad during my oldest’s high school senior year? No way — the gift her struggles gave us turns out to be an abundant appreciation of forward movement.
Big Kid
Thoughts From An Almost-Empty Nest
I never felt like the years were flying by until now, and with my kids finishing up high school, we’re thinking about what comes next after they go.
Big Kid
May I Have This (Senior Year) Dance?
With just one (short) year left before college, I have to figure out how to give my oldest enough room to get ready to launch. We’re getting there.
Big Kid
Like Spreading Out an Enormous Pile of Rocks
Graduation is almost here, and so are all of the feelings that accompany it. Time to make a to-do list and focus on that, I guess.
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.
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.