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Parenting Blog
Teens, Social Media and Mental Health
Depressing, Uplifting or Complicated?
“I know there is a lot to be excited about, but I can’t help but feel depressed about all the time that kids are spending online,” a father of a middle schooler said at a workshop recently. Another parent added, “Well, you aren’t alone. I am not sure that social media isn’t making my daughter… Read More →
How to Talk to Teenagers Without Yelling
Does it seem like every conversation with your teenager ends in a power struggle or argument ? There are no guaranteed strategies to eliminate all parent-teen miscommunication but learning some tips for how to talk to teenagers can improve the odds! Be very clear about your emotions instead of leaving it to your teenager to… Read More →
Gift Ideas That Encourage Free Play
I wish I could say that my children made simple gift requests this holiday season reflecting the spirit of the season – perhaps asking for a beautifully illustrated book and some simple wooden toys. My five-year-old punctured this vision last week announcing he would like his very own and “very new” iPad and every single… Read More →
The Brain Benefits of Boredom
My mom had a consistent and clear response to me and my two older brothers when we complained of being bored. Her response was always simply, “If you’re bored, I’ll give you something better to do.” Keep in mind that her assigned activities didn’t include playing, Pinterest activities, or popsicles. We quickly figured out that… Read More →
Read to Slow the Summer Slide
After the graduation caps have been thrown in the air, school picnics held, and final report cards mailed, families greet the summer months with a similar question: what do we do with our kids? Many are eager for the unstructured time and play that summer provides. Others worry about how to fill the gaps in… Read More →
Summer Activities: Boredom Busters and Resisting the Summer Slide
Summer is here! This means more hours for fun, more opportunities to hear the word “I’m bored!” and tons of opportunities for learning. Resource Round Up Rather than recreate the wheel we wanted to share the incredible work of friends and colleagues who’ve done a great job compiling lists and ideas for summer fun. Digital… Read More →
Nurturing Writing Skills in the Early Years
Some parents worry that as kids spend time texting, they aren’t writing as often as children in past generations. The digital age demands that children be skilled in multiple ways of communicating, from GIF keyboards to writing stories and essays. In addition to being a practical skill, writing contributes to clear and organized thinking. A… Read More →
Empathy and Teens: Raising Kids Who Care
“I’d like you to close your eyes,” I often say at workshops that I facilitate across the country. “Now visualize the kind of adults you hope your children become.” I add that I am not interested in them conjuring up logistical visions, for example, where they hope their children go to school or the kind… Read More →
Media Literacy Matters
Children and youth today have the world at their fingertips. They can access libraries with the click of a button, download thousands of books on smart devices, and read newspapers from across the globe. While many young people may be physically separated by geography and/or socially separated by race or income, the Internet has been… Read More →
Helping Young Children Cope With Stressful Events
For families experiencing stress following a traumatic event in their community or in the world more broadly, it is important to remember that children’s feelings are rarely mediated by conversation alone. If young children are feeling (or absorbing) stress or uncertainty, we would do well to think and notice what they do with what they’ve… Read More →