I wouldn't say I am a helicopter mom. I wouldn't describe myself as free-range parent either. I am a hybrid mother, and on my best days, I think I've got the hang of it. I protect when I need...
My sophomore daughter has scheduled her SATs, and the reality that these are some of the first steps in preparing for college has truly hit home. Talks about where she might like to go when she graduates and what...
It’s almost here, the first day of school is right around the corner and since we know you’re busy getting new backpacks and lunchboxes as well as enjoying those last few days of summer, we’ve created some First Day...
It was February 2011. I had done everything right--toured the school, received the principal's signature on my applications, and submitted the applications on time. I put all my eggs in one basket and selected only one school on my...
Last summer, my kids joined a swim team for the first time, and it was such a great experience for our family. We joined the team with several friends and were able to enjoy the time together at practices and meets....
This time of year is hectic. School is back in session. Orientations, open houses, meeting the teachers, and the chaos of back-to-school shopping are all behind us. You are almost through the transition to the school year routine when...
Last year, when my son was in 3rd grade, we hit a milestone familiar to most parents in Florida. It was time for him to take the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA). There’s been a lot of controversy about this standardized...
By now, most of us have survived the first week of the school year. With tears in my eyes, I took my oldest to kindergarten and my youngest will go back to preschool in one week. Whether you are...
There’s a new type of equipment popping up at school playgrounds all over Jacksonville, and after working to get one put in at my kids’ school, I’m going to say that EVERY school needs a Buddy Bench.
What exactly is...
At 2-and-a-half years old, my son, William, showed early signs of spectrum behavior and received services from Early Steps. With a recommendation from our pediatrician, we were able to get our son privately evaluated and diagnosed with autism by a...
Are you looking for places you can take your kids that you don't need to constantly say "no, no...don't do that, don't climb on that, don't go over there, don't touch that... don't, don't, don't..."? Would you rather say... "What's...
It enters a young mother’s mind sooner than she thinks. Her child starts to walk early, and their cooing turns into “Mama” and “Dada” before others in the playgroup. Mom mindlessly starts comparing her child to others, and before...