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…
“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…
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…
Raising an entitled teen can be the nightmare that leads to out-of-control spending, an entitled attitude, and disrespect for authority. But what if you could prevent it from happening in the first place? Read on for my tips for raising a grateful, humble, and well-mannered teen!” I co-founded a middle school from scratch with another…
Sexting has become a common occurrence among teenagers. As a parent, it is important that you are aware of what sexting is and what the consequences can be.
One of the most important skills for children to learn is self-regulation. This means being able to control their emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. It’s essential for academic success, social interaction, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, kids do not come wired with this skill from the get-go. In middle school, it can feel like you are starting…
When a parent discovers that their child is cutting, they are often shocked and panicked. It’s tragically common, but how parents react can affect their adolescent children’s healing. Middle and high school self-harm is hidden, misunderstood, and shameful. Self-harmers usually have challenging emotions and concerns to deal with. They cut themselves to cope with extreme…
This is a letter written to a mom from a teen daughter’s perspective. (TW: Self-Harm) Dear Mom, I am sorry. I am so sorry. It hurts. I push the pain down, just like when you push a ball underwater in the pool. I hold it there, but it pushes back, and I can’t hold it…