My version of the ‘You’re Grounded’ Points List

I recently became enamored with a Points List that a mother used when her kid got grounded. Basically, the mother created a list of things her child could do to get off groundation, each task attached to a certain number of points. Once the child reached 500 points, they were done being grounded. I think... Continue Reading →

June 6, 2014 2

Keeping kids entertained

This article will be published in the Press Democrat on Friday, February 8. A friend of mine had to teach a group of teenagers about how seeds travel so they can germinate. Her challenge: how to teach about the topic and also keep these technology driven kids interested for more than an hour. As a... Continue Reading →

February 1, 2013 1

Sibling Rivalry, Sibling Bond

With DQ and Taz away from each other for a week, the sibling rivalry developed into something shocking….

July 26, 2011 3

"Can I come home?"

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth."

July 13, 2011 2

I taught my daughter how to drink

After the news about Takeimi Rao, a 14 year old who tragically died after a night of drinking with her friends, I had a very different kind of conversation with my daughter and her friends about alcohol.

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July 12, 2011 5

Video Game Addict

The doctor told us we needed to limit the Taz’ screen time to help with some weighty issues we’re having.

“Really, he only needs 1-2 hours a day of TV, computer, or video games,” she noted, making sure to also include my iPhone, handheld devices, and anything else that was electronic and promoted staying seated.

I nodded in agreement, but my mind was swirling. As I racked up the amount of time the Taz could stay glued to his video games, I realized that it was sometimes more like 5 or 6 hours a good weekend day, sometimes even more.

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May 23, 2011 12