Family Room
Creating a homework routine
This is the first year homework has really started to affect our family. Homework until now has been predictable and tear-free. Now that my oldest is in third-grade, that’s changing. He […]
“Enhanced” school photos? No thanks
Tuesday is Picture Day at my daughters' school, which means outfits will be selected with care, hair will be brushed (more than once) and if it's raining we'll drive instead […]
Lower your standards for family meals
The dinner hour is one of the most fraught times of day for families. As if anyone couldn’t tell you that, there’s a new study by a trio of sociologists […]
Legendary teachers and brave books
Sept. 25 was Legendary Teacher Day in Ridgefield. That’s not quite the same as National Teacher Appreciation Day and Week, the first Tuesday of the first full week in May — […]
Someday my kids will pack their own lunches
I’m already tired of packing lunches and we’re only a few weeks into the school year. Unlike the bloggers who post daily pictures of the works of art they send to […]
Morning drive, morning talk
Strangely enough, the morning drive is one of my favorite times of the day. That isn’t to say I love commuting. I do love my job, but the morning slog can […]
When a friend moves away
My 6-year-old son’s best friend recently moved to Oklahoma. He didn’t see J every day, but he always felt a close connection to his little buddy. They've known each other since birth, […]
Care deeply and play it cool
Keep calm. Keep an eye out. Keep communicating. (And keep some frozen dinners ready.) Those are the back-to-school recommendations of Caitlin O’Dell and Jon Joebgen, mental health professionals with Children’s Center, […]
Quiet truths and big explosions at the movies: “Boyhood”
It’s summer, so moviegoers must by law shut down their brains and become laser fodder in extravaganzas like “Soldiers of the Solar System” or whatever’s raking in the megamillions now. But […]
Star gazing with the kiddos: Perseid meteor showers
Do you have happy childhood memories of lying on your back and watching shooting stars--technically called meteor showers? Have you made similar memories with your own kids? Here's an easy, fun […]