Many students find middle school is a time of change for them, but with the right tools and support from parents and teachers, they can thrive. Between cognitive changes, physical changes, social drama, and a newfound sense of independence, it’s a lot for our growing kids to handle.: Parents need to take a deep breath…
Most people dread middle school due to the perceived chaotic and misunderstood behavior of preteens or tweens. With this dread, many parents choose to “just get through it the best we can” and miss one of the most important times of human brain development. Setting up good habits means teaching kids self-discipline, which is an…
Do you have a tween or teen who doesn’t yet have their own smartphone? Although you are glad you have a phone-free kid, it can be isolating at times. Are the other kids in their peer group all seeming to be glued to theirs while your kid looks around feeling left out? I understand how…
Note: This blog contains affiliate links. As a mom of two girls, I cannot stress enough how challenging it is to navigate the world of social media and smartphones with children who are eager to explore the digital world. Social media is a double-edged sword that, on the one hand, allows us to connect with…
On Friday, my daughters and I hopped on a Zoom call to discuss things coming up in the book and have a check-in. My daughters and I had one hour to talk about all of the things needed. As a mom, it is never enough, but I take what I can get. One is “grown…
When you are a little girl, you are told that ladies do this and do not do that. Ladies wear dresses, but your mom never did. Ladies are quiet, but your mom yelled, and even her calm voice was loud. Ladies were polite and used their manners, but your mom’s language was vile, and “bitch’…
“Screen addiction” is a disturbing trend that has grown because technology is everywhere. This behavior problem has the potential to take over our lives and hurt both adults and children. Screens give off a dopamine rush, which makes using them feel good, but this can quickly lead to a dangerous level of dependence on digital…
Everyone knows how parenting should be done. Everywhere on the internet is an article about research and studies to make you a better parent. Do this. Do not do that. Be this. Don’t be that. Pinterest takes it to an entirely new level. It makes me so tired. I am really, REALLY tired. I…
When participating in youth sports, young athletes are able to learn many valuable life lessons. For many of these kids, these lessons learned from youth sports will stay with them throughout their entire life. Whether it is learning self-discipline, gaining leadership skills, or understanding self-control, these skills will help them become successful young adults. I…
Every year, my daughters get a “YES!” day, On this day, we say yes to mostly everything within reason. This is always an exciting day, and believe it or not, everyone is in a good mood that day. As I celebrated a big birthday this year, I dedicated it as the year of “YES!” for…
Are you breastfeeding? Good mom vs. Bad Mom Do you feed your kids organic everything? Good Mom vs. Bad Mom Are your kids on social media? Good Mom vs. Bad Mom Do your kids throw temper tantrums? Good Mom vs. Bad Mom And the ongoing saga is played over and over in our heads. I…