Teens Archives - MothersRest

Teaching your kids how to ask for consent

I’m raising white males who I hope will one day get into Princeton University and Yale Law School. (Nah, fingers crossed, they’ll get into state schools.) What’s a mom to do when she’s training up the next generation of the...

Don’t use your cell phone at the table (and other dinnertime rules for kids)

I got in this bad habit when my oldest was born of EATING LIGHTNING FAST – and only things you can grab and go, like pop tarts and brownies and french fries. That kiddo is 6 now and I still...

Life changes fast. Get ready, new momma.

College graduation is here. How is this possible? I'm celebrating my son's rise to adulthood. While feeling all the feels. Hug your baby tight, new momma.

We’ve had enough of your thoughts and prayers

Turn your thoughts and prayers into actions and noise. USE YOUR VOICE! Nothing will change otherwise. And mark my words: change will come. Thoughts and prayers to those who do nothing.

4 bizarre things the kiddos (probably don’t) need

There are things your kiddos DO need. Like broccoli, the occasional bath and 12 hugs a day. Then there’s all the junk you can buy for them online. Take my hand. (Think of it as a virtual hug. Because mommas...

Savor the moment: It’s back-to-school time!

Motherhood: the days are long, the years are short. So savor the season and enjoy the chaos. And mark this back-to-school time with a new family tradition to celebrate the milestones along the way.

I remember the school shooter drills

I don't teach anymore, but I remember the drills. I remember the nervous chatter of middle schoolers as we huddled in the farthest corner, the door locked, the room dark, objects in hand ready to throw at an assailant.

Here’s why your kiddo needs chores

Raise your hand if you LOVE CHORES! Okay, okay, you hated them as a kid and you hate them as an adult. Also, you wanna give your kids a magical childhood free from drudgery. If you’re lucky enough to have...

How I persevered over the mean girls

That day in 8th grade is forever etched in my memory. Here are 5 lessons from dealing with mean girls. I'm stronger than I look. You are, too.

How to throw your daughter a PERIOD PARTY!

I remember the day distinctly. I was 12. It was Thanksgiving. My cousin was in town. I told no one. Fast forward 3 months later when it happened to my cousin. She got a dozen roses and dinner out on...

It’s a mad, mad world. Don’t let them win.

Be brave, y’all, because the world is a little off-kilter right now. Cherish the mundane moments with your children when life feels chaotic. The kids cannot begin to understand the turmoil and pain gripping our hearts these days.

Here’s why you need to teach your kid to be a good human

Society tells kids it's cool to be cruel. Are you OK with this? If not, here are 5 tips to help you model kindness and teach your children that words matter.

Why can’t your kid write his own damn essays?

Let’s talk about teaching teens integrity. I was leafing through the glossy pages of my college’s alumni magazine when I stopped short. There was an article about a 20-something who made the Forbes’ Top 30 Under 30 List. Sounds pretty...

The 10 penis rules for boys

It’s a bit unnerving to arrive at daycare to pick up your children just as one of them emerges from the bathroom sans pants and undies, completely delighted, pointing and announcing, “I showed her my penis. And her my penis....

Hey pretty girl, beware the boogie man: Human trafficking is real

Human trafficking is a significant problem around the world. With women and girls sold into sexual slavery on an increasing basis. Hey pretty girl, with your sights set on traveling abroad, you must be aware of the dangers that lurk....