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Does money matter?
My son is going to start school at Episcopal on a scholarship. Most of the families seem to be relatively affluent, and we are not. I am starting to feel guilty, and hope that I haven’t put my son in a position where he feels different or envious of material things that are not possible [...]
Continue reading...How To Prepare For High School
23. January 2009
How can we best prepare our 8th grader for high school?
The best thing you can do is inform them of what they are about to face. Talking about issues like peer pressure and just added pressure in general are very important. In high school you no longer get grades that are so heavily weighted on [...]
Curfews: What time is the right time?
13. January 2009
What do you think are appropriate curfews for high school students?
There are a number of factors that should go into deciding an appropriate curfew for a teenager. Curfews for underclassmen are usually and
understandably the earliest, both because most of their late night activities end the earliest and because they can’t drive (parents aren’t usually eager [...]
Should my 16-year-old be driving?
13. January 2009
Should children get a car when they turn 16, and if so, should their parents pay for them?
If your child is responsible enough to own a car, then you should help him or her in owning one; however, turning 16 is not just a right of passage for owning a car. You have to make [...]
Family vacation – should we make her go?
23. December 2008
Our family has always taken a vacation for a week at Christmas. This year, my daughter (a senior) doesn’t want to go. I think she would rather spend the time with her friends. We know that she will be leaving for college soon, and want to spend as much time with her as possible. Should [...]
Continue reading...Teachers arrested on drug charges?
23. December 2008
What do you think about the recent arrests of HISD teachers on drug charges?
Students typically put their teachers on a pedestal, which is what makes these recent drug arrests so shocking (and publicized). But now an argument has arisen over whether drug testing should be put in place for HISD faculty. Yes, roughly over a [...]
What Is ‘Popular’?
12. December 2008
What is it about the most ‘popular’ students that makes them popular?
Dear Student,
We do not believe that there is a set group of people who are popular at any school, but the kids of whom you are speaking are kids who have a lot of friends. The best advice we can give to you is [...]
No More Sports; Should His Parents Worry?
12. December 2008
My son has always been involved in school sports, but lately (junior year) he hasn’t seemed interested. What should I do, and should I be worried?
Dear Worried Parent,
We would strongly encourage you to first try talking to your son. The best thing you can do right now is to open up a dialogue so you [...]
The Reality Of “Just Say No”
5. December 2008
They tell us to, but how do you really say “no” to drugs?
Peer pressure has affected teens across the globe. We
feel that there are very effective ways to avoid it. One way we have
found to be successful is by coming up with a viable excuse. Such as,
“sorry, I’m driving,” or “sorry, I’m an athlete.” The [...]
Parents: What are we doing right?
5. December 2008
What is it that you appreciate/like best about your parents?
We like it best when our parents trust us and maintain a level of privacy.
Kids generally appreciate when their parents show signs of support and
concern without being too nosey. It is a fine line to cross, but most parents
are good at achieving a balance. We like [...]
23. January 2009
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