RIP Recess

There was an item in our local newspaper which caught my eye because I thought it was so very odd. The headline was “Recess thrives in Wisconsin”: The national PTA reports many schools in Wisconsin grant 30 minutes for recess during the day, half at mid-morning and half in the afternoon. That’s the maximum allowed by state law. (Emphasis mine.) But nationally, the PTA says … Continue reading RIP Recess

Is "Failure to Launch" Really Such a Failure?

There has been some talk lately about people in their 20’s or even 30’s who still live at home with mom and dad. Now, when I was in my early 20’s, I certainly did not want to live with my folks and truthfully, I didn’t really respect those who did. I have always said that I fully expect my kids to strike out on their … Continue reading Is "Failure to Launch" Really Such a Failure?

Is “Failure to Launch” Really Such a Failure?

There has been some talk lately about people in their 20’s or even 30’s who still live at home with mom and dad. Now, when I was in my early 20’s, I certainly did not want to live with my folks and truthfully, I didn’t really respect those who did. I have always said that I fully expect my kids to strike out on their … Continue reading Is “Failure to Launch” Really Such a Failure?

My kitchen table is under-used (and I think I’m OK with that)

This is our third year homeschooling and perhaps I’m a little slow on the uptake, but half the time I feel like I’m just starting to figure out what we’re doing. I do think I’m ready to make a confession, however: my kitchen table is sorely under-used. (Actually, I think it gets way too much use from greedy munchkins who expect to be fed 3 … Continue reading My kitchen table is under-used (and I think I’m OK with that)

"Smart Sex"

It is really difficult to over estimate all the ways in which our culture bombards us and our children with the idea of sex as merely a recreational activity whose consequences can be avoided. Too many parents indulge their discomfort about the topic and fail to provide their kids with an equally strong, consistent and frequent alternative view. They think that making sure their kids … Continue reading "Smart Sex"

“Smart Sex”

It is really difficult to over estimate all the ways in which our culture bombards us and our children with the idea of sex as merely a recreational activity whose consequences can be avoided. Too many parents indulge their discomfort about the topic and fail to provide their kids with an equally strong, consistent and frequent alternative view. They think that making sure their kids … Continue reading “Smart Sex”

Websites about money management for kids

February’s issue of Black Enterprise Magazine has a great list of websites about helping kids learn financial management that I thought I’d share: http://www.myownbizkit.com This Website offers business opportunities to parents and their children who are highly motivated and interested in learning about entrepreneurship. http://www.youthventure.org This Website helps young people across the country start youth-led organizations that achieve a lasting benefit for their schools and … Continue reading Websites about money management for kids

"Mostly I just get to play a lot"

Recently my grandfather passed away and we went down to Chicago for the wake and funeral and such. My mother reported to me that at the wake one of my uncles asked my six year old, Collin, what grade he was in. Collin promptly replied, “I’m in first grade, but I don’t go to school. I homeschool.” “Oh you do!” “Yeah, but most days we … Continue reading "Mostly I just get to play a lot"

“Mostly I just get to play a lot”

Recently my grandfather passed away and we went down to Chicago for the wake and funeral and such. My mother reported to me that at the wake one of my uncles asked my six year old, Collin, what grade he was in. Collin promptly replied, “I’m in first grade, but I don’t go to school. I homeschool.” “Oh you do!” “Yeah, but most days we … Continue reading “Mostly I just get to play a lot”