Getting teenagers excited about reading can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Between homework, sports, social media, and busy schedules, finding a book that can truly hold a teen's attention isn't always easy. Fortunately, adventure and mystery novels have a way of pulling readers in from the very first chapter. The best adventure and mystery books combine suspense, action, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists that keep readers turning pages late into the night. Whether your ...
Lifestyle
Signs Your Teen Is Struggling With Stress (And How Parents Can Help)
The teenage years can be exciting, but they can also be incredibly stressful. Between school, friendships, extracurricular activities, family expectations, social media, and planning for the future, today's teens often carry more pressure than many adults realize. While some stress is a normal part of life, ongoing or overwhelming stress can affect a teen's mental health, physical health, academic performance, and relationships. The challenge for parents is that teens don't always come right ...
Executive Function Skills Every Teen Needs Before Graduation
As parents, we spend a lot of time helping our children earn good grades, complete homework, and prepare for life after high school. But there is another set of skills that often has a bigger impact on long-term success than any report card ever will: executive function skills. Executive function skills are the mental processes that help us plan, organize, manage time, control emotions, solve problems, and get things done. These skills are what allow adults to pay bills on time, show up to ...
What to Expect at Your Child’s IEP Meeting: A Parent’s Guide to Feeling Prepared and Confident
If you've ever received a notice for an IEP meeting and immediately felt nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to expect, you're not alone. Many parents walk into their first Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting wondering who will be there, what they'll be asked to do, and how they can best advocate for their child. The good news? An IEP meeting is designed to be a team effort. Everyone at the table should be working toward the same goal: helping your child succeed at ...
How to Teach Your Child to Do Laundry (Without the Stress)
One of the most important life skills we can teach our children is how to do their own laundry. While it may seem easier to toss their clothes into the washer yourself, teaching middle school and high school students to manage their own laundry helps build responsibility, independence, and confidence. The good news is that laundry is not as complicated as it seems. Most teens can learn the basics in just a few sessions. Once they understand the process, they'll be better prepared for high ...
10 Things Incoming High School Freshmen Should Focus on This Year
Starting high school is a big milestone for both teens and parents. For many students, freshman year feels exciting, overwhelming, and a little scary all at the same time. New teachers, larger campuses, tougher classes, and increased independence can make the transition challenging. The good news is that freshman year doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, the goal isn't perfection at all. The goal is learning how to navigate high school successfully while building habits that will help your ...