The first and probably most important step in assisting your soon-to-be college student to be a thriving, independent young adult, is to allow them to take the lead in preparing for college.
Saying Goodbye
Blog
Stay-at-Home Moms (or Dads)
Many of us in the 40 or over category have the shared experience of having stay-at-home moms for at least a portion of our childhood years. Dad went off to work each day, and mom ran the house. She was responsible for everything from household finances to grocery shopping to kids’ schedules to cleaning, cooking … Continue reading Stay-at-Home Moms (or Dads)
Integrity
Who am I and what makes me who I am? This is a question as old as humanity itself but is still as relevant as ever for our young people today. External characteristics define us to a certain extent, but society tells us that that we can and should continuously re-invent our outward appearance. Western … Continue reading Integrity
Fear
Parenting is hard and can be overwhelming to new and to seasoned parents. There is no rule book, and every child is very unique in regard to personality, temperament, and challenges. The first new-born baby for a young couple comes with a bucketful of questions and frustrations. Toddlers, who are just beginning to express themselves … Continue reading Fear
Helping Your Student with Math
Here at Life Tools Tutoring, over half of the students that we work with are struggling in math. The parents that call us are anxious and frustrated. Many have attempted to work with their child at the kitchen table, only to have the session end in arguing or tears. Some of our parents had negative … Continue reading Helping Your Student with Math
Community
Mike and I were blessed to be able to send our children to the Catholic grade school in Kaukauna (now St. Ignatius). Because the school was smaller – approximately 200 students – and because the school budget was very tight, parent involvement in the school community was a necessity. If new playground equipment was needed, … Continue reading Community
Failing Literacy and Math Proficiency Rates – Where Do We Go From Here…
In the aftermath of the school shutdowns during the Covid outbreak, there has been much discussion regarding the negative academic, social, psychological, and emotional impacts on our young people. Although the scale and depth of the impact may not be fully understood for years to come, the devastation on state and national proficiency rates is … Continue reading Failing Literacy and Math Proficiency Rates – Where Do We Go From Here…
The Greatest Bedtime Story of All
Luke Ch. 3; Matthew Ch. 1 and 2. Now, this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, an upright man unwilling to expose her to … Continue reading The Greatest Bedtime Story of All
Career Exploration
There are few conversations more uncomfortable to witness than a well-meaning uncle or family friend asking a junior or senior in high school what they intend to do when they graduate. The vast majority of the answers are vague and impressive sounding: “My plan is to head off to Madison, but I’m not sure what … Continue reading Career Exploration
Love Your Kids by Loving Your Spouse
Over the past 40 years or so, the institution of marriage has had a tough road. Nearly 50% of all marriages end in divorce; many young people are opting out of marriage altogether, choosing instead to cohabitate indefinitely or to simply move from one relationship to another when things get tough; Hollywood and big media … Continue reading Love Your Kids by Loving Your Spouse