Helicopter Mom and Just Plane Dad

Teens often feel like we are always nagging and looking to catch them acting out.  They are so used to their harried mom responding with a curt statement or short “no”.  It’s not that we want to answer this way, it’s just that we often do so without thinking of the impact our words have. […]

Thanksgiving is the perfect time for teens to get to know their family better. The holidays bring us closer together and since most family members are hanging out in intimate settings, it’s a great time to hold a family interview of each other. So while you are waiting for that lovely turkey to be ready […]

Saying thank you has always been an important part of our family’s culture. It’s a pet peeve when I don’t hear those two little words in the appropriate setting. It’s so easy to teach good manners when your kids are young that will carry over into their teens. Teenagers that know your expectation of manners […]

Summer vacation comes to an end eventually.  The new school year will kick off before you know it.  Parents and kids should start preparing several days (ahem weeks) in advance for an easy back to school transition.  There’s also a few things that can be done during the first few weeks of school that will […]

I know that everyone is conjuring up warm fuzzies for the end of December, but I’m talking about the last day of school.  Thank you Lord for bringing that special season called summer and its ever anticipated break from school.  I’m not sure if Just Plane Dad and me like summer better now as adults or […]