Tweens
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 […]
Continue reading about Healthy parenting of rising-star athletes
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 […]
I started to tell you last time that I had my daughter “sign her life away” to get her cell phone. Here are most of the terms and conditions we put in the agreement, in case it would be helpful to any of you. I, (child’s name), understand that my phone is a privilege given […]
In my post of June 8, “To Cell Phone or Not to Cell Phone,” I struggled over my decision about whether and when to activate a cell phone for my 11-year-old daughter. I’ve completed my research and made a decision: yes. The bottom line for my decision: my comfort. My daughter has started babysitting and […]
I didn’t blog yesterday because the day was filled with “last days of 5th grade” events. Graduation in the morning, the outdoor celebration lunch, followed by the annual field day. Whew! At the luncheon, one of my friends asked, “Are you going to miss elementary school?” (This is truly the end of our own kids […]
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!
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 […]
Given that many of you will be drawn to the presidential inauguration on Tuesday, I’m posting today and I’ll leave it up until Wednesday’s post. You’ve all probably heard of tough love before, but what does it mean? Does it mean yelling at our kids? Does it mean pulling the no-flex authority trip, or copping […]
One piece of parenting advice that has stuck with me through the years is the phrase “wait thirty days.” I don’t remember the source, but I’ll explain why it had to be someone very wise. Does your young lady rush in the door after school, proclaiming her need for the latest music, book, toy, fashion, […]