Using Tech to Journal Your Family History
December 1, 2022
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A few years ago, a friend mentioned some interesting findings he read in an article in the Washington Post entitled “Study: Teen’s knowledge of family history a sign of social-emotional health.” As the mom of four teens, I was intrigued enough to learn…
A Tech-Free Classroom
November 9, 2022
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The challenge was simple: Could my students survive one day with no technology in the classroom (at least not of the personal variety)? Could they last 75 minutes without access to their phones, laptops, watches, earbuds, or any other personal electronics and focus…
What to Do When Your Kid Isn’t Invited
July 25, 2022
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I’ve been a mom long enough to know that watching your kids suffer is way worse than suffering yourself. I’m pretty sure it’s a mom-gene thing. And I don’t think it’s just limited to moms. I’ve watched my husband worry over our kids…
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…