Big Kid
The Final College Reminder: Failure Is Human (and Temporary)
Preparing your kid for college is more than shopping and packing and pep talks; they also need to know that if things are rough, it will still be okay.
Big Kid
“Be An Iguana” (a Pep Talk for Your College-Bound Kid)
Beyond the sheets and towels and desk lamps, there’s one must-have tool you can give to your college freshman before they leave: resilience.
Activities
Wonder Woman is Slaying at the Box Office And Here’s 30 Reasons Not To See It (But Go Anyway)
Wonder Woman is receiving accolades all over media as this summer’s breakout film. If you’re thinking about taking your kids, well, read this (then go).
Big Kid
Revisiting The Handmaid’s Tale
With the new series out on Hulu, I went back to read Margaret Atwood’s book again, and have suggestions for how to read it with your teen.
Big Kid
Teen to Teen: How to Support a Friend Who’s Away in Treatment
A teen writes in to ask how to best support a struggling friend who’s in treatment for an eating disorder and suicidal ideation.
Big Kid
13 Reasons Why: The Book, the Series, the Issues
Unsure about whether 13 Reasons Why on Netflix is okay for your teen? My teen and an educator help me break it down for parents who have concerns.
Big Kid
Gearing up for College: College Dining Meal Plan Options
You thought your kid getting into college was the end of the decision-making, but now you have a whole new set of decisions to make! Like, college dining plans.
Big Kid
When It Comes to Siblings, Can You Change Your Rules?
Is it okay for parents to change their rules when it comes to different siblings? And how do you deal with it when your kids cry, “That’s not fair!”
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.
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
This is the Way the Break Ends: Both Bangs and Whimpers
I thought I was ready for my college freshman to spend Winter Break with us, but I really had no idea what we were both in for, I guess.
Holidays
Give Your Teens the Gift of Fun Experiences
Challenged when it comes to holiday shopping for your teen(s)? Consider a fun interactive experience instead. We make some suggestions.
Party & Play
Family Game Night with Teenagers
There are a ton of game options for the younger and older crowds, but finding something in the middle of too babyish and too mature isn’t easy. But we found some great choices.
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
Rules For When Your College Freshman Visits During Holidays
Getting ready for your college freshman’s first (or first longer) return to home? There’s much for which to be thankful, starting with having a game plan.
Holidays
Let’s Talk Halloween Candy: Which is Best?
I’m sure you’ve got costumes and how you feel about your own kid(s)’s Halloween activities under control, so let’s get to the important stuff: The candy.
Big Kid
Another Portrait of Senior Year Triumph (or not)
As my youngest barrels through his senior year of high school right after my oldest, I’m reminded of what I love (and don’t) about this time of life.
Parenting
If Your Kid is Coming Out, Today or Any Day (What To Say and NOT Say)
Today is National Coming Out Day, and so I have some words of wisdom for parents with the help of my oldest.
Big Kid
‘Tis the Season… to Panic About Shopping for Teens
It may only be early October, but if you find holiday shopping for a teen a monumental task, read this and relax a little. It’s okay!