In the late 1990s, author J.K. Rowling invented the term “muggle” as a derogative term for the normal people of … More
Tag: Community
The Holidays Are a Magnifier
The Holidays — the six weeks of Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Years — are a magnifier. In general, happy … More
Fear Less, Parents
With the tragic news of the abduction and murder of ten-year-old Hailey Owens this week, many parents are afraid that … More
The Peril of Productionism
My wife and I struggle with what I call productionism. It is a variation of perfectionism. It is the … More
Ten Ways to Help Someone in Personal Crisis
Our family has been going through rough waters related to some serious medical issues, and we have only been making … More
Storm Preparation
A Creeping Crisis Some crises develop gradually. Some are excruciatingly slow. Perhaps it is the approaching death of a parent … More
Social Development and Kids’ Activities
Social life. Social skills. Social anxiety. Social media. Social Security. She’s so social! When we think of the “social development” … More
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Anne Lamott says that in her experience the two most powerful prayers are “Help me, help me, help me.” and … More
The Power of No (Part 3)
Young teenagers often “cross the line.” It’s inevitable, so it should not surprise us. Yet, we should not just acquiesce … More
The Race to Nowhere
The Race to Nowhere is a film that will make you think deeply about what a good education looks like. … More
Good Sports
Football is just a sport. However, it is a platform for parents and coaches to teach some of life’s most … More
Family Matters
Imagine two American families, living on the same street, both successful in pursuing the American dream. Their Christmas cards are … More
Questions to Ask Kids
Kids want to be known, and not just by their parents (their #1 source of value). They want their teachers, … More
Questions Kids Have But Don’t Ask
Here are some of the big questions kids (10-14) have, although they will rarely, if ever, vocalize them. Understanding the … More
Fandango: How boys make friends
fandango |fanˈda ng gō| noun 1. a lively Spanish dance. 2. a foolish or useless act or thing. In May … More
Avoiding a Mid-Life Crisis
If you are growing old well, then you are likely to help a child grow up well. 40 is not … More
Healthy Adults, Healthy Kids
Being healthy as an adult will yield both direct and indirect benefits for the kids in your care. Take care … More
It’s a Wonderfully Difficult Life
It’s a Wonderful Life strikes a chord — several chords — deep in my soul, every time I watch … More
Kids Need Community
“No man is an island,” said John Donne, in reference to the ripple effect of the death of one man … More
Teenage Media Addiction
Children of the Screen As much as I like FaceBook and text messaging, I know that it needs to be … More