Are your kids sleepy this week?

The American Academy of Pediatrics in a new report is encouraging middle and high schools to push back start times.  Students in later starting schools have less daytime sleepiness, fewer tardies, fewer attention difficulties and better school performance compared to students in early-starting schools.  Thankfully, as my daughter starts middle school she begins at 8:30 which …

Robin William’s suicide shines spotlight on mental health

The tragic and shocking death of beloved comic and actor Robin Williams has slammed us with mental health media attention. If a man such as Robin Williams could quietly suffer so desperately with Depression and addiction we should be more vigilant and aware; encouraging and affirming those who need treatment.  Mental health awareness needs to stay on the societal …

We need a break from the Princess Culture

We all want to raise healthy, self-confident, well-rounded girls.  But the tight grip that the princess culture has on our daughters is scary as they move into adolescence and adulthood. Peggy Orenstein has written extensively on this topic.  She offers some suggestions for navigating this culture in an interview with PBS.  Expose and engross your …