Lisa Endlich's Blog, page 377
October 18, 2017
Going Right to College Would Have Been a Big Mistake for My Son
My son graduated high school this past June. Unlike all his friends he is not unpacking his things in a dorm room, rushing a fraternity, or signing up for college classes. While all his former classmates and friends are off to college he is in Asia, exploring and learning about the world and ideally himself in the process.
From parents to other kids his age, I am fascinated with the variety of reactions we get when talking about his choice. With the exception of a few people, we hear: “...
October 17, 2017
This is the First Thing to do When Your Teen Lies to You
Are you ever completely baffled by your kids? Like you don’t understand why they’re acting in a certain way? The one that always gets me is lying. I catch him lying, he knows he’s lying, he knows I know he’s lying…and he lies anyway. And keeps doing it. What is that?
As annoying, confusing and even hurtful as being lied to is, it’s actually part of a child’s normal development. In fact, some researchers think that a child’s first lie is a positive milestone in mental growth. That’s not to sa...
Roommate Problems? How to Help Your Unhappy College Student
At my son’s college orientation, there was a session that parents and students participated in that focused entirely on the housing situation on campus. And by housing situation, I mean all the craziness that dormitory living lends itself to having. I distinctly remember the director of housing mentioning something called “National Hate Your Roommate Month,” and how even the most cordial of housing situations can eventually turn hostile with roommate problems.
One parent spoke up and asked i...
This Video Explains Everything About Being Lonely Freshman Year
It is one of the worst kept secrets but no one seems to want to talk about it. College is NOT the best four years of most kids’ lives. The first semester for most of our kids is a huge adjustment and why wouldn’t it be? They have left their home, family, dearest friends and their dog. They are living in a small strange room with virtual strangers. The food is, perhaps, awful, and the campus confusing. The expectations of their professor may just create further confusion. Why then, would fresh...
October 15, 2017
I Wanted My Son to Be Happy But on MY Terms
Somewhere near the end of middle school our son, the youngest of three children, let my husband and I know a few things. He was straightforward and matter-of-fact when he told us that he would not be playing an organized sport, and did not have a desire to play in the school band or join Leadership. Also, he let us know, he would not be aiming for or going to an elite college.
In a family where academia is almost a religion, this was a big moment. It may have been his natural maverick tempe...
Why I Would LOVE to Be My 19-Year-Old Daughter For a Day
A teen girl wearing snowflake pajamas sits on my couch on a sweltering day in August watching Say Yes to the Dress. She looks more bored than bemused as the bride-to-be debates the virtues of an “inexpensive” $5000 structured organza gown or the $12,000 dream chiffon confection.
Tensions are high as the bride looks at her father with a pout face and the designer encourages a decision based on recognizing the importance of this “once in a lifetime” day. The teen on my couch grumbles about the...
October 12, 2017
Blame it on “The Itsy Bitsy Spider:” Why This Single Mom Cries
As the next song came up while shuffling through my iTunes library, I raised the volume, high, and began to sing along.
“The itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the waterspout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out. Out came the sun…”
I glanced into the rearview mirror, half expecting to see my daughter in her baby seat smiling. But she wasn’t there. She was at school. High school, where she’s a senior. As I slowed my car down to go through the toll booth, I could have sworn I saw the guy dr...
Why You Will Love the New Amazon Program for Teens – Genius!
Your child wants to order something from Amazon, so you listen patiently (or impatiently) to their plea and then you either give them your credit card, your Amazon login information or you say, “You don’t need that.” But that antiquated way of doing things is about to change.
We receive compensation for purchases made through the Amazon links in this post which allows us to pay our writers. Thanks!
The new Amazon program for teens “teens shop, parents stay in the know,” that the giant ret...
How to Bounce Back if Your Kid Rejects Your Beloved Alma Mater
I knew it from the moment I set foot on campus. It was the fall of my senior year of high school and a friend of mine who had just begun her freshman year of college invited me to visit her at school. It was a quick two-day trip, but it was filled with activities and brand new experiences.
I attended my first Division I football game where I saw school spirit taken to new heights. I walked around campus and truly understood what “collegiate feel” meant. I had my first taste of meal-pl...
October 11, 2017
Studying Abroad: Dear Daughter, I Miss You Even More Now
Hi Honey! Hope you’re good and having the time of your life in Ireland! And remembering to eat. And to sleep. And to hydrate. And remembering to wear your cross-body bag like I told you to whenever you go anywhere. And never going anyplace outside your dorm alone. And missing me, at least once in a while you’re studying abroad.
Dad and I wish we could talk to you more often so we could hear more about what you’ve been up to, but we know how much you’ve got going on, between classes and your...
