If you aren't up for an outrageous graduation party, we have some low key alternatives. (Arina P Habich/Shutterstock) I’m trying to remember how we marked the occasion of my high school graduation, and I can’t. Maybe it’s because there wasn’t a big, overblown celebration, but more realistically it’s because it was over 30 years ago. Either way, I’m drawing a blank. One thing I do know for sure is that it wasn’t until I moved to the Midwest in the mid-90s that I even became aware of The ... View the Post
Twelve Things NOT To Do When Your Teen Gets Accepted To College
My daughter is officially going to college. I’ll be honest, I don’t think there are seven words that I’ve ever had such a difficult time wrapping my head around. Obviously, I’m elated, proud, and excited, but I also feel like the wind has been knocked out of me and a little bit like I may or may not have eaten bad sushi. Add “younger” to the syntax and you may want to take a few steps back. To have college acceptances midway through senior year—even if they’re not places where she’ll ... View the Post
Remember When You Had Your Whole Life Ahead of You?
“Remember when you had your whole life ahead of you?” My friend asked me this a few months ago after hearing about my 23-year-old daughter’s Disney Internship at Epcot where she’ll be working with the marine mammals; a job that combines her two favorite things in the world and is a dream come true for her… and for her 10-year-old self. “No, not really,” I replied, trying to think back to a time when I had dreams that didn’t consist of a clean house, a night with actual sleep, and energy. I ... View the Post
Avoid These 12 Mistakes When Your Teen Is Home For Thanksgiving
It’s finally here. The long weekend you’ve had circled on your calendar and in your mind since summer. The three or four full days when your mama molecules will be at full charge once again from being in close proximity to their counterparts, which are contained in the body of your college student who has (selfishly) kept them from their natural bond for months. The pantry is stocked with enough of their favorite foods to last for weeks; their bed is made with clean — possibly even new — ... View the Post
Is It Menopause or Empty Nest Syndrome? (The Answer is Probably Yes)
Six months ago, after having my hormone levels checked, my doctor declared me officially in menopause. The fact that he said he wouldn’t be surprised if I walked across the room and ashes fell out of my pants was all I needed to hear to throw out all my tampons, eat a cheesecake, and do a happy dance around my house —keeping an eye on the floor for ash fallout, obviously. Ironically, the symptoms I’d been having weren’t unlike the ones that had plagued me four years earlier when my older ... View the Post
What NOT to Do When Sending Your Teen a College Care Package
Sending a care package to your college kid is one of the easiest ways to make sure they still feel all the love and attention you’re desperately missing showering them with IRL (because nothing says “I miss you” like eight bags of Goldfish crackers). Regardless whether you’re a crafter or a baker (or none of the above), it’s easy to put together a great college care package that will make your child smile. However, it’s just as easy for that care package to become a box of good ... View the Post