Children and Cell Phone Use
May 31, 2022
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I spend the majority of my days associating with an amazing group of ninth graders. That’s the life of a junior high teacher. My students are funny, sincere, a little quirky, and a joy to be around (most days). But it’s not an…
Fifty-Five Creative Uses for Tech
April 26, 2022
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Remember the good old days when a phone was used for—wait for it—making phone calls? I remember the transition from the rotary phone hanging in my grandma’s hallway to the thoroughly modern cordless phone of my youth. When cell phones first came on…
Life Skills for Teens
April 15, 2022
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I can’t believe I’ve arrived at this point. After nearly 26 years of hands-on parenting, I’m mere weeks away from watching my youngest child graduate high school and venture out into the real world on his own. Then, two days later, I will…
Letting Kids Fail
March 28, 2022
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Probably one of the worst days in my storied career as a mother was the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby race for my oldest son. Our family was in the process of moving to another state for work so I was shouldering all…
Kids and Tech: Tips for Parents to Decrease Tech Consumption
February 7, 2022
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If you sometimes feel overwhelmed parenting children in the digital age, you’re not alone. Parenting and technology are a tough combination. I remember—and it hasn’t been that long ago—when most teens didn’t get personal smartphones until well into their high school years. And…
Teaching Your Kids About Money, Budgeting, and More!
January 31, 2022
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I grew up in a small farming community in southeast Idaho. Consequently, I heard one question over and over: “Is your dad a potato farmer?” Sadly, the answer was no. Not only did he not grow potatoes, but we didn’t even have a…
The Benefits of Healthy Boundaries with Your Children
January 3, 2022
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In our house, fall equals football. For years, we have supported our son through the ups and downs of seasonal play. But here’s the thing about football—and many other worthwhile pursuits. It doesn’t just happen in the fall. For those dedicated to outstanding…
The Importance of Christmas Traditions for Kids
December 23, 2021
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Like most kids, I loved the standard traditions of Christmas—decorating Christmas cookies, caroling with family and friends, giving presents, and watching Christmas classics on TV. But in one way, Christmas at my house growing up always looked different, especially on Christmas Eve. That’s…