An article published in 2014 in the online version of The Economist magazine discusses a very tricky topic that’s still relevant almost five years later. The article examines how the class divide in the U.S. leads to different styles of parenting. “Choose Your Parents Wisely” uses two case studies: a family from an upper-income neighborhood in Bethesda, Maryland, and a family from a low-income town called Cabin Creek, West Virginia.

Over the River and Through the Woods The holiday season is upon us. Over the next two weeks, families across the country will pack up their suitcases and go traveling. Some will visit friends, relatives, and loved ones. Others will take special holiday family trips together. Wherever you’re going and whatever you’re doing, there’s one thing that just about everyone can agree on: traveling with kids can be challenging. If

The Spirit of Christmas Family, friends, food…and gifts. Lots of gifts. That’s what Christmas is about for millions of people in the U.S. Of course, not everyone celebrates Christmas, but if you do – and you have a teenager – you’re probably wondering what to get them this year. And at the same time, you’re probably asking yourself (at least) three primary questions. All three are relevant to your teen’s

If you have a troubled teen in the house, you’re more than aware they can throw a monkey wrench into the works. You want everyone to be happy and you want everything to run smoothly, but you’re worried sick your unruly teen might throw a tantrum during dinner, embarrass you in front of your own parents and relatives, and embody the exact opposite of gratitude and warm holiday cheer. So

Before we address the nuances of this question, let’s get five practical points out of the way: Drinking alcohol is illegal for anyone under 21. Smoking marijuana in states where it’s legal is illegal for anyone under 21. Taking prescription drugs without a prescription is illegal. Using controlled substances is illegal. If your kid gets caught by police for doing these things, the situation is almost entirely out of your

We generally try to be positive in our posts, and give you tips about what to do as opposed to what not to do. In this case – if your teen comes home smelling like alcohol and/or marijuana – we’re going to go straight for three crucial dont’s: Don’t ignore it. Don’t fall for the typical, predictable explanations, such as: Someone spilled it on me. Other people at the party

Teenagers have a thousand and one reasons to be shy. Their bodies, brains, and personalities are changing at a rapid pace. You can see it yourself. One day your twelve-year-old daughter is all about Hello Kitty, the next day she’s all about Avril Lavigne. She goes from Power Puff Girl pink to ripped jeans and black t-shirts with skulls in the blink of an eye. The elaborate dinosaur dioramas give