School is a whirlwind of styles, brands, and ever-changing trends—today it’s all about those chunky sneakers, and tomorrow it’ll be something else! But as parents, we know that the “right” friends don’t come with a price tag or a label. The friendships that truly enrich our kids’ lives are based on character, kindness, and fun—not on what’s in their closet. Let’s help our kids spot the difference between true friends and “trend friends”!

Why “Who You Are” Trumps “What You Wear”

In a world full of marketing and “must-haves,” it’s easy for kids to feel like they need to dress or accessorize a certain way to fit in. But focusing on material things can lead them down a shallow path. Instead, let's guide them to look for friends who value their quirks, cheer for their wins, and support them in times that even the coolest sneakers won’t fix.

Here are some...

In today’s world, kids have more information at their fingertips than we ever did. A quick search can answer nearly any question (well, except “why do you still have to make your bed if you’re just going to mess it up again?”). But with endless information comes an endless need for critical thinking—and not just the kind that gets them out of a chore! We’re talking about spotting facts, asking the right questions, and avoiding the “sharing-is-caring” approach regarding misinformation.

Why Critical Thinking Matters (Especially Now)

With social media, endless streaming, and chat groups, kids are bombarded with messages from every direction—messages that sometimes claim to be facts but have the credibility of, well, that kid who said he could actually fly off the swing set. Critical thinking is the ultimate superpower, one that’ll help our kids grow into adults who think things through instead of just going with the flow.

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As summer fades and the back-to-school season approaches, both parents and kids often face a mix of excitement and anxiety. The start of a new school year brings the promise of fresh beginnings, but it can also present challenges that can feel overwhelming for both children and their families. From adjusting to new routines to managing social dynamics and academic pressures, the transition back to school is a significant period that requires careful navigation.

Here’s how you can help your child overcome these hurdles and ensure a successful start to the school year.

1. Establish a Routine Early

One of the biggest challenges kids face when returning to school is adjusting to a new schedule. Over the summer, bedtimes often get later, and mornings become more relaxed. However, as the school year begins, it’s important to reestablish a routine.

Tips:

• Start early: Begin transitioning your child back to a school schedule a couple of weeks before school starts. Gradually move...

According to the International Women's Day (IWD) website, "...today, March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality."

How can we do this?

Vote against laws that hold women back

Mentor girls and women

Support victims of any type of abuse

Stop victim shaming

Support and/or donate to a female business owner

Support and/or donate towards a female student's tuition expenses

Educate yourself about women's history

Pay women fair and competitive wages for their work

But, there's more you could do to ensure that we DO NOT pass on old customs that reinforce inequality. 

Be mindful of how you treat your sons and daughters. 

Watch your words. Sometimes, when we tell our children that they can or cannot do things, we are unconsciously giving advice based on how we were raised and based on the expectations of others rather than from...

I’m sure that you’ve heard the phrase 'snitches get stitches.' I want you to really think about what that means.

You see, I think that people don’t understand what snitching really is when someone is seeking safety.

Bystander intervention has been found to be less common than expected. Many students witness bullying incidents but do not report them or intervene. Schools and organizations are working to educate students about the importance of standing up against bullying.

Unfortunately, I believe that bystanders choose not to act because the 'snitches get stitches' culture is so prevalent, and whether you know it or not, you and I have at one point or another supported that belief.

You see, there is great fear in REPORTING something out of concern that you will be seen as 'the snitch.'

I can think of several movies where a tragedy has happened, and the members of the community are still apprehensive or completely against reporting the perpetrator. The apprehension...

How are you doing with the school season starting up again? 

You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about kids’ behaviors because they’re definitely different than when you and I were growing up. I mean…they don’t do much outside!

That’s so weird to me. I actually kicked my two teens out of the house for an hour hoping they would take a walk or come up with some type of activity to spend the hour. 

Do you know what they did? 

THEY SAT AT THE FRONT DOOR. THE. ENTIRE. HOUR!

Can you believe that?!

And, YES! I took their devices. 

You see, studies show that being outside for at least 15 minutes around nature helps increase high energy and reduces depression, anxiety, and many other negative mental health effects.

Kids are spending too much time indoors, particularly in their bedrooms. Without having exposure to natural vitamin D (sunlight) and mixing that with always being in front of a screen, kids are more prone to developing...

Kids are more in tune with world affairs than you might realize. As a matter of fact, there has been a rise in minors using Twitter to keep up with the news.  

While it’s great that they’re interested in staying up to date, kids can get more and more anxious and fearful. 

So, although they might seem ok or unphased about what’s going on, start asking questions. The first thing you want to know is how much they know.

Before you start this conversation with them, consider a game plan. You might be surprised about what they could tell you. 

  First of all, ask open-ended questions. Example: What have your friends been sharing about the conflict in Ukraine? How do you and your friends feel about the school shootings in the U.S.? 

  Validate their feelings. Kids have a right to feel what they feel because their emotions are real to them.  

  Answer their questions with the truth. When you do this, adjust your language...