by Betsy McMillin
I truly don't know how to do justice to long-time Ann Arbor Public Schools teacher Rick Dekeon. Anyone who knew him knows exactly what I am talking about. He was by far one of the most amazing teachers you will ever…
The Parent Trap: Are Active Kids Smarter Kids?
by Betsy McMillin
Any time you read about youth in America, you are bound to happen upon the obesity epidemic currently sweeping the nation. The overall health of our kids is at risk due to horrible diets, lack of exercise/active life…
The Parent Trap: Tales From The (Unexpected) Family Bed
by Betsy McMillin
If you had told me, in the first twelve years as a parent, that I would be one to partake in the Family Bed (a.k.a. co-sleeping), I would have flatly said that you were without a doubt wrong, wrong, wrong.
I remember…
The Parent Trap: This Year Is Going To Be Better…Really
by Betsy McMillin
Happy 2012 to all my readers!
When another year approaches, parents always look ahead with a fresh, new perspective, hoping that the New Year will bring better parenting. More patience, more fun times together, more…
The Parent Trap: Trippin’ With Six — Travel With Kids
by Betsy McMillin
This article is my Holiday gift to you. No advice, no deep thoughts, just the gift of a thought: "Thank God I don't have to travel with six kids."
Many of you will be traveling soon, by car, plane, train. And yes, we all…
The Parent Trap: Should Pre-Teens Date?
by Betsy McMillin
Definition of tween dating: "Awkwardly walking down the hall at school together."—an anonymous (but very cool) tween
So.... when can I, technically, "date?"
This from my almost thirteen-year-old son. Okay, I'll say…
The Parent Trap: It’s ALL Our Fault—Parental Guilt
by Betsy McMillin
I am feeling a great deal of parental guilt lately.
My eight-year-old daughter has a medical (non-life threatening) condition. She is being tested for a learning disability as well. She is a sweet, bright, funny, happy,…
The Parent Trap: Raising Girls “Full Of Awesome” (Self-Esteem)
by Betsy McMillin
I am raising four girls ages three to fifteen, and I am scared. Cautiously optimistic, yet wary and scared.
Every day I, along with countless other parents of young girls, face obstacles that interfere with raising…
The Parent Trap: When Parents Have Favorite Children (And We Do)
by Betsy McMillin
Okay Parents. Time to face facts.
According to many studies, you have a favorite child. Never mind that studies don't know you or your kids or your family unit. Chances are pretty good that whether you are able to admit…
The Parent Trap: An Interview With Annie Zipser—Mother to Hundreds
by Betsy McMillin
Eleven and eight years ago, my two oldest kids had the great fortune of attending Stone School Co-op Preschool. The teacher of the 4s class was Annie Zipser. I knew I liked Annie the first time I met her. She was honest,…