In a country whose economy depends to a great degree on hype, it’s not surprising that school grades have been swept into the mix. There’s been concern about grade inflation – students getting better grades than the same work might have earned years ago. But my concern is due to the inflation and hype over […]
Winter break is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your teenager. Whether you’re looking to tap into their creativity, enjoy some friendly competition, or simply bond over shared experiences, these 10 fun activities will make this holiday season one to remember. Baking is an easy, fun, and delicious way for your teen to […]
Empathy is my superpower. If I detect the faintest hint of discontent in someone I love, I turn into a court jester. I launch into a song and dance of words and actions to set things right again. I am your partner in pain. I feel it in my bones. I put myself in your position […]
If you’re looking for something different, meaningful, and fabulous for your teen or college student, the creative artisans (aka elves) at Uncommon Goods have you covered. They make one-of-a-kind gifts and cleverly offer an inventive way to sort offerings by your recipient’s interests. Uncommon Experiences are live virtual classes that come packaged with the ingredients […]
My favorite part of Christmas when I was growing up was ‘The Pile.’ Once we got the “okay!” from my dad, my brother, sister and I would race from my parents’ bedroom where we had huddled on their bed to wait impatiently while they made coffee and turned on the Christmas lights, put on the Christmas music […]
© 2009 – 2023 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved What are gross motor skills? Gross motor skills involve the activation and coordination of large muscle groups in the torso, arms, and legs. These skills are on display during a number of activities, including the muscle-powered actions we take to get from one place to […]
For the last 20 years, every mid-November, is the time when I begin to think about what Christmas card I’m going to send out. Until this year. This year I questioned whether it made sense. Both my sons are now officially in college and I was feeling a little awkward about sending out cards with images of […]
Family orientation, Wright Auditorium, Smith College, August 2023: The dean of student life offers this, “You’ve given them their wings, now it’s time to let them soar.” The emphasis is on letting them go. People applaud. I do not. I didn’t give my daughter her wings. I would have. I tried. I would have happily built her an amazing set […]
My daughter is a brand new college freshman. I joined a Facebook group for parents of her university. It has amazingly helpful content. In the first few weeks of school it also seems to have a zillion (I exaggerate) parents posting about how their child is “living their best life” and “thriving.” I’m so sick […]
“Are you guys twins?” A very common and valid question I am often asked. I mean, I understand the fascination and curiosity that develops when you see two people who look exactly the same. Most people look and then do a quick double take. When they realize that they are not hallucinating or tripping and […]
Three years ago, I watched my son fall in love for the first time. I could tell something was going on with him; he was dressing up a bit more and wanted to get cologne, and I could hear the low murmur of his voice each night behind his closed bedroom door. Of course, I […]
Source: Yan Krukau/Pexels These days, people telling parents of “only one” that they should have another child is rare. Most people now understand how difficult it is to raise children and the roadblocks some face just to become pregnant. Nonetheless, we might still be inclined to think of a traditional family as mom, dad, and […]
