So, picking up where we left off last week... What specific guidelines should we use with preteens and young teens? Utilize parental device checks as needed.  While this does not mean constantly confiscating phones or other devices,

In a WHAT kind of world?  Technology has now become a primary medium for the social dynamics of adolescence from middle school through college and beyond.  Parents MUST understand that digital social media is more than just

Halloween is one of the most active evenings of the year in neighborhood after neighborhood across our nation.  What a great opportunity to be a blessing to our neighbors - especially the children!  Whether you will be

In my last post, I shared some ideas for helping make homework time a more peaceful and successful part of your family life.  In reflecting upon the importance of academic success for our teens, it occurs to

Frustrated with the tension at home with your kids and homework?  Here are four simple steps to help increase the peace, along with your child's or teen's personal responsibility and growth: 1.  Insist on a homework area

Whether they like it, or not, our kids need us to watch out for their missteps, so we can give them corrective guidance.  And with the increasing social connections, life opportunities, and freedoms that come with the

The tips I shared for leading your family forward after the damage and chaos of Hurricane Gustav seem just as relevant, and perhaps more important, in helping with moving forward after the Great Flood of 2016.  I

One of the most fundamental changes in parenting teens in our times is the lightning speed with which new technologies are embraced into and throughout their world.  We are still working on how to handle emerging digital

  Another summer break is nearing an end.  Time to get the kids and the whole family back into school rhythm, and hopefully set them up for success as much as possible.  As you do your best

      My family has officially reached that time where we have made the decision for our young adolescent son to have his own smartphone (after having his own tablet for gaming/YouTube only for a year