Lisa Endlich's Blog, page 352

Why a College Decision Has to Be Your Teen’s Choice, Not Yours

My daughter texted me this morning to say she feels old.

She’s an 18-year-old college freshman. Seeing the “prospies” on campus with their parents made her feel like she has entered another phase of her life. Next year’s crop, the prospective students of the class of 2022, those kids are still tethered.

It was a rough journey to get to this glorious day where she sees herself as a wise and independent adult. At times, it was more difficult for me than for her.

Although it’s been a year since...

The Best Graduation Gifts For Your Teen’s Friends

Graduation gifts are some of the toughest gifts to pick out, especially when you’re buying for your teen’s friends, who, as all moms know, become as dear to us as our own kids given all the time they’ve spent in our homes and in our lives. We asked our seasoned moms what they love to give their kids’ friends and here are some of  their answers. Some of these gifts can be bought in bulk, which makes giving to a large number more affordable.

For all our top picks for graduation and birthday gif...

How To Cope When Your Teen Isn’t Coming Home For The Summer

Despite the fact that my daughter and I are close, I was really okay last Fall when she went to college six hours away from home. I told myself that I was fine because she was fine—more than fine. She was elated.

Sure I felt a little sad that she would no longer be a daily part of my life, but she was so excited about all the new adventures and experiences awaiting her, it was silly to be very sad—at least that’s what I told myself.

She was ready—more than ready. Even one more week in our sma...

When Your College Kid is Sick or Has an Emergency: These are the Documents You May Need

Turning 18 changes everything – except the fact that many of our children are still largely dependent on us – so what can we do to ensure our continued ability to look out for them? It may seem morbid to prepare health care documents for healthy young people, but accidents and illnesses happen to young adults, and don’t you want to be the one making decisions for your kids once they leave home?

Here are the three forms that facilitate the involvement of a parent (or whomever is designated) in...

Here are the 5 Apps Parents of Teens Need to Know About

While standing at the bus stop recently, my friend complained about her daughter’s constant cell phone use. She wasn’t complaining about how often her daughter was on her phone, though. My friend was upset that her daughter had heard about an app called Wishbone, where kids could rate each other anonymously. Fortunately, her daughter was honest with my friend and they were able to discuss the dangers. However, as we moms discussed the apps teens use today, I was stunned by how much I don’t kn...

Relieved That This School Year is Ending, Sad About What Comes Next

Today I spent the day at the mall with my almost 17-year-old-daughter.

The one who is nearing the end of her junior year.

The one who uses the phrase “senior year” way too much lately.

The one with whom we spend a ridiculous amount of time discussing college plans.

The one who actually thinks I’m letting her go to college.

Our day was lovely, mostly due to the fact that my daughter is lovely. She’s a joy to be around. She’s chatty and hilarious and the very best friend and shopping partner a...

Here’s How Dating Today Is Different Than in the 80s

Here is a glimpse at dating on the high school circuit in 1980 and how it compares with dating today.

1980: See cute boy in school. Ask your friends his name. Doodle his name. Doodle your first name plus his last name. Doodle your names together. Dream about where he lives and what his interests are.

2018: See total hottie in school. Ask your friends his name. Google him at lunch. Have friends search and follow him on Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.

1980: Invite friends over after school and...

I Used To Be Smart But Then I Had Kids

I used to be smart. I could solve complex problems in a chemistry lab. I could find the values of both x AND y in an algebraic equation. I didn’t think pi was a typo or a dessert with a flaky crust.

I analyzed literature with the best of them, effortlessly gathering symbolism and connecting far-flung dots. I wrote killer papers and spoke thoughtful words.

Then I had children. I don’t know what happened, but my intelligence disappeared, almost overnight.

Maybe it began with the sleepless night...

Acting Tough Has Nothing to Do With Being a Good Man

My 14-year-old son is over six feet tall and lifts weights almost daily. He is a big kid, he knows it, he likes that about himself and he’s proud.

I’m proud of him too. He’s disciplined and his focus on getting enough sleep, exercise, and eating the right foods is one we share and I enjoy having that bond with him. He’s still growing and maturing every day. He’s trying to figure things out, and I’m trying to teach him just because he’s a big strong boy, that doesn’t mean he needs to act tough...

My Son Wants To Become A Teacher But There’s One Big Problem

For as long as I can remember, my son has dreamed about being an elementary school teacher.

He works at youth camps in the summer. He coaches young kids in soccer. He volunteers in the kids’ program at our church. And, in his Junior year in high school, he was selected to be an assistant teacher for incoming 9thgraders for a semester of math. He loved the experience and soon after, decided on teaching as a vocation.

I would be proud of my son regardless of his choice of vocation. And if he be...