Teens

Mama J on January 31st, 2012

It’s not unusual for a parent to notice a surge in their child’s skills in some favorite activity. This is happening right now with my youngest daughter and her competitive swimming ability. As we look to support her while she steps it up, I immediately wonder, “what is my role as a parent of a […]

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Mama J on January 11th, 2012

On my mind today are kids and athletics. It’s fairly well-documented that when a child and a sport find a natural match, the child experiences increased self-esteem from performance in the sport. I believe this is not only applicable to sports but can include any interest or activity in which a chlid excels. But since […]

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Mama J on April 14th, 2011

For those of you who have teens, you are well aware that prom season is upon us. I wanted to introduce you to a website that I appreciate, one that right now has several great blog entries about moms and prom, prom drama (a.k.a. prama), and how to talk to your teens about what could […]

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Mama J on April 6th, 2011

In the last month I have seen several references to the havoc that information overload can wreak on our brain power. (Most recently the cover article, “Brain Freeze,” from the March 7 issue of Newsweek.) In light of watching my youngest daughter grow up in an age of constant, excessive stimuli, I couldn’t be more […]

Continue reading about Cheers to the Recent Articles on Info Overload!

Mama J on April 27th, 2009

This post will pique the interest of parents with high school seniors.  The post-graduation summer between high school and college is a creature alive with its own personality.  These months require parenting skills unlike those in any other phase of parenting.   I remember the summer before I left for college I made a very questionable […]

Continue reading about That Senior Year Summer

Your turn:  If you have any comments or advice for this reader, please comment below or send me an e-mail at info@dianefromme.com.  I’ve recently been in e-mail dialogue with a concerned stepmother.  She’s stepparenting three elementary- and middle-school-aged children whose mother died several years ago.  My heart went out to her as I read about […]

Continue reading about A Reader Writes: If Everyone’s Fine, Why do I Feel Stressed?

Mama J on March 18th, 2009

I am running a slightly edited version of yesterday’s post for the Wednesday stepparenting blog because I think the theme of “hosting a stranger” also applies to stepfamilies.  Your partner’s kids are your brave new frontier. Will you to rise to the challenge?  One of my loves is to coordinate international exchange students.  I match […]

Continue reading about Kindness to Strangers, continued

Mama J on March 2nd, 2009

For both new and existing subscribers, I thought you’d want to know more about this blog as it evolves.   I am a writer, parent, and stepparent who constantly ponders family issues and dynamics.  Raising kids is one of life’s greatest joys and challenges.  If you are among those who wish you could consult the parenting […]

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Mama J on February 10th, 2009

“A lot of how kids find themselves by exclusion, as in ‘I know what I’m not.’”  — Brian M., Psychologist I’ve read several articles in the last year or so that indicate young adults are “taking longer” to find themselves and figure out what they want to do for work. And parents are kind of […]

Continue reading about Teen and College Pressures

Mama J on January 22nd, 2009

One parent asked me to comment on how to help a teen fill the “what will I do for fun” void she perceives when trying to move away from drugs and alcohol as a means of escape.  This is a tough one, but you have a jump start if your daughter is showing some willingness […]

Continue reading about Filling the Void