Teenagers

“Mom, are there any chores I can do to earn an extra $10?” This is a common question in our house. We're glad our kids have learned that if they want to earn something extra, they need to work for...

Recently I met my high school girlfriends for a weekend trip to Galena, Illinois. We had not been in a room together for over 25 years. As is the case with many people in their mid 40’s, we reconnected via...

If you're an adult biological female, chances are you vividly remember getting your period for the first time. I was twelve years old when it happened–I hid it, deeply embarrassed, for a couple days before I screwed up my...

I have fond memories of watching TV shows with my family when I was a kid; Mork and Mindy and Happy Days were some of our favorites. Now everyone has their own device, which means that one person can...

I have a rising high school senior (that's what you call them when it's summer time and they're not in school, you see), and many of us are thinking about the impending change that is "sending our kids out...

It's August now, back to school time. I was going to write something like "Tips for Dropping Off Your College Freshman." Turns out, I’m not qualified to give you any advice on how to drop your kid off at...

I grew up in Missouri, and I remember my dad giving me the driver's manual for my 15th birthday. Thank goodness, too, because the day I turned 15.5 years, he took me up to take my written test. Those...

What a year! When I was journaling over winter break at the end of 2019, I wrote down some goals and dreams for myself and my family. I had plans and ideas. Three months into the year and all...

You’ve purchased all of the school supplies your child needs. Their backpack is full and ready to go. Your child’s favorite lunch foods are packed, and you even had time to stick a little love note for them in...

Halloween is one of our family’s favorite holidays. Each year we all get in on the spooky fun, from dressing up and trick-or-treating, to Halloween-themed activities. With a family as large as ours, it can be difficult to find Halloween...