Independence Therapy Works. Just Ask My Patient, A Girl, 11, With Autism
I was treating a girl with Autism who would always say, "That's too hard," or, "My mom will do it for me." But everything changed -- dramatically -- when I...
Don’t Be Afraid of Silica Gel Packs—You Can Do Cool Things with Them!
It seems like those little silica gel packets come with just about everything you buy these days: medications, electronics, clothing, and more. They always have two instructions: DO NOT EAT...
When our world here in Nashville shut down in response to COVID-19, my kids found a much-welcome distraction through daydreaming. At first our boys, ages 16, 13, and 9, were...
My Kids Unlocked the Magic of LEGOs by Ditching the Instruction Manual
When I was pregnant with our first daughter, my husband rubbed my belly and whispered, “I can’t wait for the time of playing with LEGOs with you.” While my children’s...
Why Hands-Off Learning Is a Huge Opportunity for Kids
My kids are used to roaming the nearby streets. They are used to finding friends and wildly running through the common spaces of our neighborhood. Each of my kids is...
I am not much of a baker. I have a signature one-bowl chocolate cake recipe that tolerates unsifted flour and a generous dose of extra cook time when the timer...
How Lawnmower Parenting and Takis Killed My Daughter’s Friendship
Like many moms these days, I could probably be a lot less involved in my kids’ friendships. Have you heard of lawnmower parenting (aka snowplow parenting)? They’re like helicopter parents,...
Enter the Let Grow Independence Challenge By Showing Off Your Child’s Independence
We want to know how your kids are stepping up to be more independent right now. This is why we've created the Let Grow Independence Challenge—your kids could win up...
Short on cash but looking for new games kids will love? Dig out the penny jar, because these penny games are just what you need! These are all easy enough...
Is the Coronavirus Crisis Going to Have a Long-Term Impact on Kids?
The long-term impact on kids of an unprecedented, worldwide, unstoppable bio-calamity? Yes, that does seem worth pondering. But before we go any further, let me just say, truthfully: Your kids...
Growing a Victory Garden Might Be Just the Thing Your Family Needs This Spring
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” This famous quote by Audrey Hepburn is resonating with people around the world right now. While most businesses are struggling, many...
Once I Started Letting My Kids Figure Out Their Own Schedules, I Finally Got Some Relief
During this time of social distancing, it is not difficult to find loads of articles offering advice on a schedule for kids or how to keep children entertained at home....
