The only word that aptly describes the new PSA from Sandy Hook Promise is bone-chilling. The PSA works because it juxtaposes three things that DO NOT BELONG together, ever; violence, education and our kids. We’ve all seen those back-to-school ads featuring smiling, shiny kids with all of their exciting new school paraphernalia, folders, notebooks, pencils and pens. And that's how this PSA initially lulls us as we begin to watch it. And then with little fanfare and no hysteria, the PSA turns ... View the Post
The Only Word for the New PSA From Sandy Hook Promise; Bone-Chilling
Dear Teens, This is What I Want You To Know About Falling in Love
I see the look on your faces as you all sit around the dinner table and talk about how the Homecoming dance is coming up. I remember the excitement of the leaves changing, getting a new dress, and the feeling of being in someone's arms while dancing awkwardly to Stairway To Heaven. It was almost too much for my body and soul to handle. The rush made it so I couldn't eat. I wanted to do everything right for the boy I had my eye on at the moment, so much so, that it was probably painful to ... View the Post
My Teens Are Over Halloween, But I’m Just Not Ready to Give It Up
When I was younger, my mom would make Halloween costumes for my sisters and me. She could create anything we wanted to be. If we needed an idea, she would come up with one. One year she suggested I dress up as a candy store. She tied liquorish in my hair, got two big pieces of poster board and cut them into the shape of a store and attached them together with string that fit over my shoulders. I had so much fun gluing different kinds of candy to my store and ended up winning first place at our ... View the Post
Taking One Teen Out Of the Mix Changes the Entire Family Dynamic
Last Saturday, I had the most glorious time shopping with two of my teenagers which is something that hasn't happened in a very long time, if ever. This is usually how it goes down: My daughter and I get really into taking our time and looking around while my two boys complain, and sometimes lie on the floor of a department store complaining about how tired they are and how badly their feet are throbbing. I get they don't love shopping and I am deliberate about not dawdling too much--we save ... View the Post
Fifteen Biggest Financial Aid and FAFSA Mistakes
"College is one of the most expensive purchases a family will make in their lifetimes" according to Jeff Levy, Certified Educational Planner with over a decade of experience as an educational consultant. Levy shares the mistakes families make that can have serious consequences for their teen's ability to maximize merit and financial aid. Financial Aid and FAFSA Mistakes 1. Believing advice from people who aren’t qualified to give it. Yesterday I heard from a parent that an English teacher ... View the Post
I Hope My Teens Always Stay Best Friends, It’s My Greatest Joy
I hear the slider door of our beach house squeak and the sound of footsteps as they amble down the wooden deck stairs. I can hear them before I see them: my teens are headed out on their summer evening ritual. Every night, shortly after dinner, they grab an ice cream from our beach house freezer and head off down the beach for an evening walk. What they talk about on these evening strolls, I’ve never asked. Presumably, they discuss their parents, school gossip, and the latest Marvel movie. As ... View the Post