Spring is not yet here, but I am answering parent questions daily about how to structure their child’s summer. Usually, the temptation is to fill it too full, to sacrifice quality for quantity. If we are not careful, we can start to view summer as a time to build resumes with flashy credentials rather than [read more] …
passion
Leveraging Talent
I’m not a big believer in talent. Oh, I know it exists, but I don’t put much stock in how it will ultimately impact a child’s future. I’ve watched too many kids over too many years to believe that IQ or giftedness or aptitude has the final say in how that individual’s life will play [read more] …
It Matters That We Matter
As human beings, we are hardwired with a deep need to matter to someone. Even those of us who are extreme introverts want to be in relationship with others who care if we show up, who depend on us. This is part of the reason that the empty nest hits so hard. Suddenly children don’t [read more] …
Questions for a New Year
At the turn of the year I love to remember Anne of Green Gables and her optimistic pronouncement, “Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it.” This new year gives us the time to catch our breath and take a realistic look at the things that populate our lives. It presents us the [read more] …
Watching for the Spark
It is a tough thing being a parent. Those of us who take our responsibility seriously are ever alert, always researching, constantly thinking about the future to figure out what we need to do today. We can unwittingly use our own experiences in extracurricular activities as a model of what would be best for our [read more] …