Dave Franks was enjoying a relaxing retirement in Brighton, Colorado after a 50 year career in the construction industry, when his wife Sherry suggested he become a volunteer football coach for their local middle school, Vikan Middle. Realizing he deeply enjoyed working with youth (and had a lifetime of knowledge about the skilled trades industry that he could impart on students), he asked the principal if he could voluntarily teach shop class. She happily agreed but there was just one problem- ... View the Post
Six Questions to Ask Before Your Teen Registers for an AP Class
To AP or not to AP? That’s the question nearly every teen (and their parents) finds themselves asking at some point during the high school years. There are plenty of reasons to go the AP class route, and quite frankly, there are also plenty of reasons no to. But what are the real questions parents and students need to be asking before committing to enduring the Advanced Placement route? Questions to Ask About AP Classes 1. How much is it? Many families don’t realize that there may be a ... View the Post
Moms Weigh In, Is It More Beneficial to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom With Toddlers or Teens?
Almost 21 years ago, I quit my job to be a "stay-at-home mom" right after my first son was born. Economically it made sense, as my job at the time paid very little in comparison to infant day care costs, and emotionally I just wasn’t ready to leave my baby in the care of someone other than myself. I was also a firm believer that years 0-3 of childhood development were the most crucial in terms of both healthy physical and mental development, and I wanted to be the sole provider of both those ... View the Post
Your Teens Need to Know That Failure Really Equals Success and Here’s Why
What if right now across the country, as college acceptance letters are hitting mailboxes and proud, zealous parents are boasting about all the great success that is their high schooler (and sharing it liberally across multiple social media outlets), that there could also be a way for teens who have, or are currently “failing greatly” at something in their lives, to feel some sort of camaraderie? Is there a way for these “failing” teens to feel something other than complete defeat, shame, or ... View the Post
It’s Nice When Teens Come Home For the Holidays And Nice When They Go Back
My college kids headed back over the weekend, and I may be in the minority here, but there were no tearful driveway goodbyes, emotional breakdowns, or extended sessions of weeping affection. In my case, there were just some thankful goofy smiles and quick hugs, and I maybe displayed just a wee bit too much joy while tossing their clean laundry bags into the trunk. They. Are. Outta. Here! Recently, I wrote a very tongue in cheek column about the huge amount of chaotic disruption a ... View the Post
Listen Kids: Study Shows Drinking and Social Media Don’t Mix
If you’re the parent of a young adult or college student, it’s probably safe to say you’ve heard the term “drunk texting." If not, let me give you the quick (and often dirty) definition-it’s when tipsy, buzzed, or full on completely hammered, young people take to their phones or laptops and let it all hang out. And by hang out, I mean they type, text, photograph, Snap, and Tweet pretty much whatever happens to be on their very inebriated minds, and it never ends well. Ever. To make matters ... View the Post