Watch this.

I love this story and have been telling everyone I know about it. This is what learning should look like. Parents so often come to me concerned about their children’s academic achievement. And, I get it. We live in a world where our worth is very much a reflection of our achievements.  Collectively, we have bought into the understanding that learning must be measurable. We are as smart as our test scores say we are. Anything that can’t be quantified is just ‘extra’.  Read more...

Kid’s use of technology is on every parent’s mind these days. Is there such thing as ‘too much’ screen time? How much is too much? Should limits be established and, if so, what kind?  What are the risks of spending so much time at a screen?  These are great questions, and I will get to them in another blog- I promise.  Today, I want to point out an opportunity that screen time provides for you, Mom and Dad.  Read more...

Why do we, so often, say this about kids with such distain? When was the last time you felt you had someone’s full attention? Having someone’s full attention feels great. And, to a child, it serves an even greater purpose.  Read more...

Valentine’s Day is the a favorite day to celebrate love relationships.  When we think Valentine’s Day, we generally think romantic, extravagant dinners… away from kids.  This year, I would like to suggest that you expand on that notion.  Read more...

It occurred to me that, perhaps, our collective challenge with parenting stems from our choice in language when describing it. Parenting is usually referred to as a job. “It’s the hardest job in the world.” “It’s a job for which there is no training.” “She’s doing a great job parenting.” The term ‘job’ implies a certain level of expected performance. A job has a certain set of required duties. And, job performance is something that is assessed by others.  Read more...

Amar is 9 years old and lives in an orphanage in India. He is one of the 20 boys at the orphanage whose ages range from toddlers to teens. Amar is a special kid. He is not only extremely intelligent, but he has also claimed a leadership role amongst the other boys, despite his young age.  Read more...

Four-year-old twins had their first trip to IHOP recently. This was a family outing with extended relatives and grandparents.  Read more...

School’s been in session for a few weeks now, and the allure of the shiny new school supplies is slowing waning.  So, here are some basic tips to survive the reality of back-to-school setting in.

1. Make friends with the teachers.  Read more...

Someone once told me that life is like a speeding train. When it comes at you with a challenge, you have two choices. You can stand in front and try to stop it. Or, you can jump on board and go for the ride. While I think this metaphor provides us with a good plan for just about any of life’s challenges, when it comes to parenting, it’s even more appropriate.  Read more...

I always stop for a lemonade stand. Regardless of whether or not I actually want a Dixie cup filled with sugary water, supporting the budding entrepreneur always inspires me. I love watching the little ones take charge.

“What can I get you?”
“That’ll be 50 cents, please.”
“Here’s your change… and a napkin.”  Read more...