Lisa Endlich's Blog, page 351

Introducing the new Style@ Grown and Flown

We’re Pam and Mara – we are BFFs who are sort of obsessed with style and trying to figure out how to use our clothes to help us feel more confident and at ease in the world. We’ve found that dressing has become more challenging over the past few years as our bodies and perspectives have changed – more difficult to find go-to outfits in our closet and more frustrating to shop for new clothes.

As long-time readers of G&F, we figured that we’re probably not the only ones feeling this way and we...

College Kids Are Going Hungry And We Need To Do Something About It

My college sophomore called me last week to tell me he ran out of swipes on his meal plan card, and asked what food should he buy with the $40 he had left in his checking account. He has a part time job and uses his own paycheck quite frequently to feed himself in lieu of meal swipes- because he’s aware of how much more expensive eating a meal on the campus meal plan is versus having a package of vending machine crackers (And he tries to save and ration those pricier swipes).

Meanwhile, aroun...

This Is The Real Reason Why Teens Don’t Babysit Anymore

If you’re over the age of 40, I would bet my entire vintage collection of Baby-Sitters Club books that you spent nearly every weekend night of your early teen years babysitting someone else’s kids. And as much as you’d like to never admit it, I also bet you loved every second of it. (And the quick, easy cash in your pocket you made doing so you promptly be spent on jelly shoes and Wham! cassette tapes).

Sadly, when teens these days want money for music downloads and new shoes, they go straigh...

Here’s What Parents Need To Know Right Now About Juuling

Vaping, the inhaling of warmed up nicotine turned vapor through a device, is out of control.

It has taken over the tobacco industry in ways nobody could have ever imagined. Somehow, today’s youth have made traditional combustible cigarette smoking dirty and taboo, while simultaneously becoming addicted to nicotine in the most fashionable and technocratic of ways. In a twist nobody saw coming, today’s teens are no longer frantically puffing on Marlboro Lights in high school parking lots before...

Here’s What To Expect When Your Kids Are In Their 20s

I knew what to expect when I was expecting. Food cravings, weight gain, swollen ankles, and a baby. Fast forward 20 plus years. My expectation was that I would know what to expect when those babies grew up. I was wrong.

In the 1990’s baby bumps didn’t have a cute name like baby bump. And there were no blogs to turn to for pregnancy advice. The first thing you did after your EPT test showed a plus sign was drive to an actual book store and buy a copy of “What to Expect When you are Expecting.”...

Hell Yeah, I Swear In Front Of My Teens And You Can Stop Judging Me

My ex-husband dropped off my kids the other day said, “I have a funny story for you.” He proceeded to tell me how he and our youngest son, Jack were watching a show and someone dropped an F-bomb. And because my ex doesn’t swear, and wanted to use it as a teaching moment because he’s aware of my dirty habit, he felt they should have a talk about it.

“Jack, do you and your friends use that word? And hopefully you know it’s not something that’s okay to say. Just because you heard it on TV doesn’...

The Eight Words No Parent Of A College Student Wants To Hear

“Mom and Dad, I won’t be coming home.”

Oh, those dreaded words that no parent wants to hear. Hadn’t we made a deal – you could move away for college but you would come home for holidays and summers? We said you could bring guests if you wanted, but we want you to come home. We look forward to your next visit which is always just a few short months away. Our family feels complete anytime we’re all under the same roof – all the bits that ventured out into the world coming home to rest, relax an...

Welcome Home For the Summer! Here Are The Ground Rules

My husband and I have been empty nesters for almost a year now. While it certainly took us a while to get used to the deafening silence, and the aches in our hearts, we adjusted rather quickly to the many benefits: lower grocery bills, less laundry, cooking, cleaning and nagging.

We’ve eased into a new routine and overall, home life is simpler and more structured – in a good way. In less than a month, our fledglings will be returning for most of the summer, and to be honest, while I can’t wai...

The 10 Best Tech Grad Gifts for 2018

“Life comes at you fast” as the saying goes, and no one knows this better than a soon-to-be-graduating high school senior. The only thing that seems to move faster is technology, and our teens are always on the lookout for the latest products. We’ve done some of the legwork for you with these offerings for tech-savvy 2018 grads. No matter where your student is destined this fall, these grad gifts are sure to make their life a little easier and more enjoyable.

New – All Grown and Flown picks f...

5 Things That Can Help You Stay Calm About Parenting a Teen

I know the rules. Don’t be your teenager’s friend, set limits, and be vigilant. These make good sense, yet I’m often confused by them. In my house, these rules are more fluid. Parenting teens is like being a project manager juggling schedules and supplies, while taking on the role of an older, more responsible roommate. They know I’m in charge because I pay the bills. They also know that I expect them to be independent, and their thoughts matter to me.

The biggest takeaway I’ve learned from p...