Lisa Endlich's Blog, page 360

If You Make a Mess of Things in College it Will Be Your Mess Not Mine

Dear Son,

You have a few more years living under my roof full-time until you go to college and are out on your own. I know this will always be home in some way to you– after all, you’ve lived here your entire life and you know I will always welcome you with open arms.

And lately I know I’ve been trying to prepare you for something that may seem harsh, but I think it’s for the best: When you move out, go off to college and find yourself, you are on your own. I will always be here for you, yes,...

You Want to “Find Yourself” in College? I’m Not Paying for That!

My husband and I started saving for our kids’ college educations within months of their births.

We researched the best ways to invest college funds, started 529 accounts for both children and we crunched numbers. We realized pretty early on that it was going to cost some serious cash for our kids to attend a state school, much less a private institution with a fancy price tag.

But, we believe in higher education and we wanted to do what we could to help our children further their education if...

My Teens are Learning a Trade. Why I Think That’s Essential

My ex-husband runs a plumbing and heating business, and his biggest worry has never been getting enough work, finding supplies, or the resources to learn how to do all the things his customers expect of him.

His biggest worry is keeping up with the workload. He gets so many calls and requests for work, he literally gets overwhelmed and simply can’t get to everyone. It’s not because he has a great reputation (although he does), it’s because people will always need plumbers, or electricians, or...

College Waitlist: 7 Things That Could Help You Get In

Some colleges and universities just can’t admit all of the students they’d like to in regular decision. The result? Often, placement on the waitlist. Getting admitted from a college waitlist is not easy, but it is possible at some schools.

After accepting a spot on the waitlist, many students just “sit” there—rarely do students continue to communicate with the school and go above and beyond in showing them they are their number one choice. The “sitting” method makes sense for many students, a...

Boy Moms: What You Need to Know Before College Drop Off

Congratulations! Your son will be headed to college soon and we get it – you are excited. We were in your shoes not that long ago and we remember it all. Sharing your Proud Mom news with family and friends, buying the first college t-shirt, signing up for Orientation – it was all exhilarating and novel.

But my BTDT friends and I don’t want you to make the same mistakes we did. Especially those of you who’ve already sent a daughter off to college and are thinking you’re good to go.

 A collecti...

Prom, Promposals, Promsanity: Why I am SO Over it All!

In case you haven’t realized this yet, high school prom night has jumped the shark. Or a humpback whale. Maybe both. No, most definitely both. Today’s high school prom night – and all the manic details and over-the-top preparations that our teen girls and boys are undertaking, all in an attempt to have the night of their lives – has truly gotten out of control.

Take for example the craze of promposals. This is where boys (or girls for that matter) devise, prepare, and present a completely cre...

I’m Messy and a Terrible Cook But Am an Amazingly Ok Mom

I have been a mom for 14 years. I should have the hang of it by now, shouldn’t I? As I sit in a hockey rink while my kids are at practice, I am eavesdropping on the other moms around me. One mom is making Pot Roast for dinner! Another is talking about the many crafts she purchased at Michael’s to keep the family busy during the upcoming snowstorm, as she knits speedily. Older mom in the corner is planning her husband’s surprise birthday party at the club. They share stories of their lives tha...

Here Are the 10 Things I Never Dreamed I Would Need To Tell My Kids

The news is scary. It’s real. When I was little and saw something on tv that frightened me, my parents told me “Don’t worry. It’s just TV. It’s not real.” I knew then not to worry – my world was safe. Now I’m an adult and I know that it’s pretty much all real. It’s terrifying. Don’t believe me? Watch an hour of the news. If your local news doesn’t do it, tune in to the national news.

The main worry on my mind today – like most days – is our kids. We always wonder if we’ve told them enough. Di...

How to Raise an Activist Kid: 7 Things Parents Can Do

To the parents of the surviving students of Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, I say – with profound respect – “thank you.”

Unwittingly thrust on the public stage, your kids have demonstrated maturity beyond their years, due to circumstances no child should ever have to face. In spite of their grief, pain and anger, they’ve channeled their energy into some of the most cogent, confident and articulate action I’ve ever witnessed.

By demanding to be heard, standing their...

The Conversation About Consent Should Never Stop

A few weeks ago, I sat at the local McDonald’s getting my Diet Coke fix while a middle school field trip stopped in for lunch. There was a girl sitting near me, and unbeknownst to her, I knew who she was. She was talking about how one of my son’s friends sent her a (very private) picture, and she sent it to all her friends. It must be mentioned this girl is 13-years old and is getting, and sending, naked pictures.

And after a tough conversation– one I never would have had if I didn’t hear her...