So the beautiful truth about parenting teenagers is this:

They’re the same sweet loves who curled their chubby fingers around yours a decade or so ago.

And when you view them that way — and treat them that way — you’ll feel just as lucky to parent them now as we did then.

Even if there are a few smelly uniforms to wash today! :)

I’m over-the-moon excited to announce the launch of “You Do You,” a collection of essays and poems written by strong females from middle school to middle aged (I think that might be me!).

I’m going to tell you about the moment that I knew that I absolutely HAD to be involved with this project; what it has to do with punching people in the throat (!), how it led me onto the (live!) TV screen, and what this aallll has to do with raising your own strong girl.

Right inside this blog post!

When it comes to raising a digital kid — without ever having been one! — you’ll hear all sorts of different advice about what works best. And it’s true — there isn’t just one way to create a digital tattoo. There are many ways to do it well!

I have to confess, though, I get a little riled up when I see Facebook commenters completely dismissing teaching younger kids — tweens — safe and smart digital skills as a strategy to raising older kids — teens — whoalready have these skills in place.

You see, there are a LOT of myths circulating online about kids and phones in particular. Many of these myths are being spread by parents who have never even tried the strategy they’re so quick to judge.

So frustrating, my friend, and here’s a little hint: Never take advice from someone who hasn’t done the “thing” they’re talking about themselves.