Along a stretch of six-lane road that cuts through an eerily homogeneous commercial area, a marquee flashing on the side of a small building catches the attention of those not speeding, those not searching out the closest Walmart or Target, those who slow at the intersection. Its lights pulse brightly: Any weekend regrets? Full STD […]
Reading Rituals
Wild plots. Heroes with superpowers. Gadgets, get-ups, gizmos… Does anything go, if it gets our kids to read? I recall summers as a time for unwinding – at least in some measure: a little sun, a little swimming, no commitments that were too trying for the gray matter. But there was room for reading – […]
The (Family) Meal Plan
The family dinner. Especially tough for single moms.
Tough Topics for Teens: Dealing With Grief
Talking to teenagers about grief and grieving.
Dating After Divorce: Kids Have Instincts, Too
Dating after divorce… with kids…
Girls in Curls
Hello, 1980s? Are you there? I suspect you’re just around the bend corner, since Larry Hagman and Dallas are all the talk, and apparently returning to my local idiot box station, so surely the 80s aren’t a generation ago, and I can beg my Hair Guru for permed locks once again. Natch, I’ll be digging […]
“Powerful, Significant, and Elevating”
The soul-soothing qualities of the arts.
Coming Out: Anonymity, Identity, and Why People Hide
Hide-and-seek – don’t we love it? We play it as children, delighting in the chase, and calling to our friends “Come out, come out, wherever you are!” But in the adult world, whatever our reasons for preferring privacy – coming out isn’t always so simple. We don’t relish the spotlight. We don’t want to be […]
Rich Kids, Big Payoffs, Life Lessons
There’s no way I could ignore this news item on son of Sean (Diddy) Combs, who was reportedly awarded a full ride to UCLA, to the tune of $54,000/year. Justin Combs earned his merit scholarship, just like any other kid. Shouldn’t we reward those who work hard for what their brains and / or sweat […]
Regression Depression
One college student home, the other not. A teen plus fridge plus car keys equals what? He sleeps ’til two then eats, then since it’s hot, He’s schmoozing, cruising, sitting on his butt… However I have told him it’s okay, He’s weathered countless pressures many months. I know he needs the sleep he stores away; […]