Summer time and the livin’ is easy…well, sort of. The Dog Days are laced with so many expectations—relaxed schedules, lazy days, warm evening bar-b-ques, no homework, lighter responsibilities, and vacations. Many parents have memories of fabulous family vacations from their youth. And for the kids, vacations are usually just that— fabulous! But that’s not always the case for mom and dad. Do you know the difference between a vacation and a trip? A trip is what you do with children; a … [Read more...] about When a Vacation is a Trip
Trips
The Lazy Days of Summer? No way!
First it was red jello. Then it was sugary juice. Now summer is the enemy! And it’s getting a bad rap. Summer Slide. Brain Drain. Whatever you call it, what was once the most carefree and welcome season of the year is being vilified as a threat to our kids’ learning. Even a recent Rand Corporation study points to the ways in which children fall behind in their learning during the beloved months of summer. Wait a second! Time out! This doesn’t have to be the case. The problem is the … [Read more...] about The Lazy Days of Summer? No way!
A Trip Isn’t Always a Vacation
The approach of summer is laced with so many expectations—relaxed schedules, lazy days, warm evening bar-b-ques, no homework, lighter responsibilities, and vacations! So many parents have memories from their youth of family vacations that were fabulous. And for the kids, vacations are usually just that… fabulous! But that’s not always the case for parents. It is for this reason that I challenge you with this question: Do you know the difference between a vacation and a trip? A trip is … [Read more...] about A Trip Isn’t Always a Vacation
Backseat Battlefield
It’s not likely that your car arrived factory equipped with a chauffeur’s screen, the one you flip up at the touch of a button. So, what the heck is a parent to do when the kids’ fighting in the back seat drives you nuts. To your kids, the back seat of a car is home sweet home. Just like they misbehave more, when they are at home, so do they squabble more in the car. ..when you are there! I am quite sure that your fellow carpool driver never complains that your child bickers with the other … [Read more...] about Backseat Battlefield