Big Kid
To New Parents, From A Parent of Teens
I don’t tell new parents the things I think they really ought to know, because I doubt they would believe me. But here’s what I always want to say.
Holidays
Why The “Best” Holiday Gift For Teens Isn’t For Us
Teenagers are notoriously hard to shop for, and mine insist all they want is money. I refuse to give up and just fork over the cash, and I’m okay with that.
Big Kid
Why I Volunteer Even More At The High School
At a time when many parents are backing off, we’re stepping up; volunteering at the high school level doesn’t make you a helicopter parent!
Big Kid
Puzzles
The longer I parent, the more I realize how much I don’t know. It’s all a puzzle, and thankfully, I like puzzles.
Big Kid
Teenagers, Politics and Voting
I voted this morning, but perhaps more importantly, I’m trying to make sure my kids understand why it’s a big deal.
Holidays
Halloween With The Teens
Halloween seems to have gotten a lot more complicated over the years, and I have mixed feelings about what that means for my teens.
Parenting
Sometimes Karma Is Furry
Every now and then life hands me a reminder that sometimes, you just have to roll with it and do your best. I’m trying.
Big Kid
I Have Teenagers, Therefore I Cook
The realities of trying to parent teenagers and keep my sanity are sending me more and more often… to the kitchen, where life makes sense to me.
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
When The Student Becomes The Master (Sibling Edition)
After years of my oldest taking the lead with my son, it’s his turn to teach her a few things. I love seeing my kids build their relationship in any form, but this is new!
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
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
Baby’s First Debit Card
I remember what a big deal my first checking account was, and can hardly believe I’m already there with my own kid. How does that little ATM card mean so much??
Parenting
Suicide Isn’t Just Other People’s Problem
Suicide isn’t something that only touches rich celebrities or people we don’t care about. Suicide touches the lives of regular people. Suicide touches the lives of people who are left trying to wrap their brains around why they couldn’t save their loved ones.
Big Kid
(A)synchronicity
Asynchronous development can be worrisome and/or baffling, but it’s simply a difference that brings its own challenges and even joys.
Big Kid
How to Turn Kids into Self-Sufficient & Productive Members of Society
Honesty is the best policy, but I routine lie to my teenagers on one very important point… and I’m going to keep doing it, too.
Education
12 Back-to-School Essentials You Didn’t Realize You Needed (…until now)
Back-to-school ideas for items that you might not even realize you need until you really need them! These are time-saving, must-have items for your family!
Parenting
Back on the Band-Wagon, and Loving It
I thought nothing could be better than witnessing the benefits marching band brought to my daughter’s life… until my son followed in her footsteps.
Big Kid
Advice to My Daughter on Navigating Teen Friendships
How do you talk to your teens about their friends that you don’t like?
Parenting
The Never-Ending Blended Family Dance
I may never know the “secret” to forging a successful blended family, but I will continue to quietly celebrate every small victory along the way.