We all want our kids to grow. How do we expand their skill sets? Where do I jump in and where do I stay hands off? I have three guidelines, and they apply to any age and stage.

It all began with my own frustration. I was done asking, “How was your day?” and getting, “Fine,” as a response. Of course I would prod for more, following up with, “Did you learn anything?” To which they would shrug their shoulders.

When the tables turn…I learn an important lesson…from my kids!

Aren’t I the TEACHER? Shouldn’t I TELL them what they are going to learn today? Teachers teach. Students learn. Isn’t that the process?

Does instant = better? What do we sacrifice in the ever quest for efficiency? And what message does that send our kids?

My brother and I would get into some sort of spat, feelings would escalate, and it would end with one or both of us running to our parents ready to report the damage incurred from the incident.

I’ll start out by saying yes, this is a true story.

I vividly remember bursting into tears in the middle of my elementary school library. It surprised me.

Lately there’s been a ton of change in my life. I’m not in the classroom anymore. I've dropped my gym membership. I’m not hanging out at the baseball fields during practice. Some of those changes were choices that I made, some just naturally happened as I age. All, however, came with a level of loss.