Our kids may party. They may party hard. And — what if some useful learnings may result from unlikely places? This isn’t saying we should start handing out free party passes for irresponsibility — learning to handle ourselves thoughtfully and…
Big Decisions: It’s Been Sitting Out So to Eat or Not to Eat…
Lexie recently wrote about her experience and learnings via freedom that has come with college and being more on her own. After reading the post (particularly the line “…but there’s something different about having to completely care for yourself…”), I…
Teen Speak: Make Me Happy
Consider: The only person’s happiness you’re responsible for is your own. This has been a big learning for me. I suspect it’s a big learning for most (if not all) of us — and our teens need to learn this too. Teen…
Fuel for Hope
When you hear the words “gratitude” and “appreciation” — how do you feel? What do you think? Do you feel like punching a wall (“Quit ramming “Now be grateful!” down my throat!”), or does it feel like a useful concept?…
A Checklist for Senior Year of High School
Have or know a high school senior (or someone who will be one in the next few years)? Here’s some food for thought on what to do (or not) senior year from a recent graduate. A Checklist for Senior Year…
Learning through the Freedom of College
What if we’re our own best teachers, mentors, guides, and gurus? Note that this isn’t saying we don’t need other people and outside resources — we all do! Outside ideas can offer new perspectives and ideas (especially helpful if we…
Make Good Decisions (that I’d like)
Lexie recently chose this post I’d written to write her own thoughts about: Be Proud of Your Actions and Decisions. As I read through her take (check it out below), immediate facepalm: oh, the number of times I have noted…
Teen Speak: Talking Clumsy and (Not) Taking It Personally
Clumsy remarks — yeah, we all make them. And it’s okay — and we can learn from them for the next time. Today’s thoughts are from a teen’s perspective on clumsy remarks, courtesy of Lexie. Teen Speak: Talking Clumsy and…
Teen Speak: Notes to Self When Life is Changing
This summer was a season of unknowns. I felt untethered, unsure, and unsteady most of the time. Frankly, it kind of sucked. And now the summer is over. There is comfort in being back in the routine of school, though…