Much is being said today, in both social and high school circles, of so-called Tiger Moms and overprotective (or helicopter) parents; my wife and I were the very antithesis of all that. As parents we were both underwhelming in our need to regulate and direct our children’s academic aspirations. Yet we managed to help three daughters make their way to graduate schools at Harvard, Brown, NYU (Tisch) and USF Law School and a fourth to an undergraduate degree at UC Santa Barbara. Here’s how we did it. First of all some background: it helps to have education in the blood. D. H. Lawrence... (Read More ...)
If there’s one guarantee for the coming holiday season, it’s that the latest electronics will be at the top of nearly every child’s wish list. Last year’s most-requested item was the Apple iPad, and with the long-awaited iPhone 5 scheduled to land sometime this fall, it’s likely that Apple will have another lucrative mid-winter gift season. Other manufacturers of popular electronics — Samsung, Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, Motorola, HTC, Nikon, Canon, etc. — will not be far behind. But parents thinking about microchip-laden presents need to do some homework... (Read More ...)
On Thanksgiving, many Americans are preoccupied with turkeys, parades, football games, and even Black Friday sales. It seems that over time, this holiday has become more about getting things—whether that’s food, entertainment, or bargains—than about giving thanks for what we already have. (And really, that’s just a reflection of our society’s general gimme-gimme-gimme attitude.) If you’re like most parents, you don’t want your kids to grow up focused solely on themselves, concerned only with the latest video game or with how they can get their way. You want them to feel genuine gratitude... (Read More ...)
This Thanksgiving, help your children to follow in the footsteps of the holiday’s original Pilgrim and Native American celebrants by giving generously to others. Todd Patkin offers actionable ideas to help your whole family get started. On Thanksgiving, many Americans are preoccupied with turkeys, parades, football games, and even Black Friday sales. It seems that over time, this holiday has become more about getting things—whether that’s food, entertainment, or bargains—than about giving thanks for what we already have. (And really, that’s just a reflection of our society’s general... (Read More ...)
Think baby showers are just for moms? Not anymore! The “Daddy Shower” is the latest trend hitting the scene, allowing the daddy-to-be to be “showered” with gifts and fun as well. The first decision is “who is going to throw” the BSFD. For the mommy it is usually the best friend, mother, or mother in-law, or combination of the above. For the Daddy, this role has not yet been established and quite often it is simply put together by a pro-active daddy for his friends, but here are some thoughts if you are the “best Dad friend” and want to put the party together. Robert Nickell,... (Read More ...)
