A snippet of a routine afternoon conversation with my seventh grader confirms I will never learn. I know better than to seek information from my 12-year-old about his school day as soon as he gets in the car after school, but I do it anyway a couple times a week.Me: How was your day?Beckett: GoodMe:… Read more »

There are certain moments a parent never forgets.Last Sunday afternoon was one of those for me. I had a decision to make. It was 1:15 p.m. and Beckett and I were sitting in my truck watching the Ravens game on my phone with rain flooding the ground all around us.Beckett, 12, never said anything about… Read more »

There are days when it all seems like a nightmare, but I see inspiration when I look at my kids.They, along with others around them their ages, are taking everything in stride. They are adapting and figuring it all out. Maybe it’s the kids who all adults should look to for guidance on navigating this… Read more »

It’s interesting to me how I feel about celebrities weighing in on politics compared to how compelled I am hearing them talk about their families.Though I have no tolerance for celebrities waxing passionately about Biden vs. Trump, I do find their takes on parenting and the challenges that come with it interesting. I can’t explain… Read more »

I was told repeatedly to enjoy the early years with my kids because once they get older life will get tougher.There are daily tastes of these harsh realities with our 12-year-old Beckett, who seems to be craving independence in all things but especially with his school work. However, the fact is he requires constant monitoring…. Read more »

Monday was all about the new for Carson — new school, new people, new earlier start time and new routine.Ocean City Elementary was the only school he has known for the last seven years. Though he officially started his fifth grade year at Berlin Intermediate School online a few weeks ago, his first true day… Read more »

Expectations clearly need monitoring with children these days. Our own actions and decisions as parents will go a long way toward keeping our kids’ requests in check.As we talked with Beckett about how he should not expect us to buy or build him a new skateboard ramp (a half pipe) if he gets all A’s… Read more »

Rachel Scott.It was a name foreign to me until a few months ago when I heard my 12-year-old son’s school was looking to present a program called Rachel’s Challenge to students. Rachel was the first student killed in the horrific Columbine High School attack in Littleton, Colo. in 1999. She was just 17 years old… Read more »

I have learned a lot from my kids since the pandemic hit.Most of all I have learned adults need to be more like children when it comes to resiliency. I marveled this week as I watched dozens of students and teachers leave Worcester Prep Tuesday with their facial coverings firmly planted. It was the first… Read more »

I have been thinking this week what’s more difficult – parenting a pre-teen or a special needs child.Each kid in our house comes with challenges, but they are as different as they come.Parenting a pre-teen is complicated. There’s some things going on with our 12-year-old that are mysterious and not always confirmable. We communicate a… Read more »