Stop Driving Your Child's School Success — and Start Navigating It If you've ever caught yourself managing your child's homework more than your child is, checking the grading system more often than they do, or running around to help them finish a last-minute project, this one's for you. The biggest advice I can offer to foster more independence, ownership, and capability is this: stop driving your child's education-- and start navigating it. You want to pull back and let them

Eye rolling. Door slamming. “I hate you.” If you’re a parent, you’ve probably experienced at least one of these. It can really hurt if you take it personally, and when you are hurting, a common reaction is to hurt back by taking away privileges, yelling, or punishing as a way to try to stop that behavior. Unfortunately, these responses just cause a cycle of disrespect that worsens over time. So what should we do instead? Well, first, it's important to understand a very import

For centuries, we’ve been told that strong leadership means being a "boss", taking full control, and demanding obedience. But here’s what I’ve learned after 25+ years as a teacher, family coach, and parent: Authoritarianism is not strong leadership. It’s harmful, and it’s no longer working. We can see its downfall in nearly all areas of our world right now- law enforcement, schools, and governments are all struggling to maintain authoritarianism. It's time to move toward a le

As parents, we all want our kids to thrive—not just in school, but in life. Between grades 6 and 12, your child is not only learning math and history; they’re also developing the traits that will determine how they navigate the world after high school. So, take a minute and imagine your child at age 18. What is the most successful version of them you can imagine? Who do you want them to be when that time comes? What qualities will help them succeed, no matter what path they

Elementary school is about building the foundation for how your child will learn and relate to school for years to come. These early years are your chance to set the stage for independence once they hit middle school. To do this you will gradually give your child more ownership of their school experience, while you stay right by their side, cheering them on. The best way to approach your child's school career is to do it together. You want to be on the same team. When sc

Summer can be such a fun and exciting time, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Your children have a lot more time on their...