Is Social Media Really Addictive…Or Are We Asking the Wrong Question?
I asked a similar question in 2023, which turned into my very first blog post. It was short, inquisitive, and left me with more questions than answers. Fast forward to today. There is currently a major social media...
The Parent Kids Confide In: How to Become the One They Open Up To at Every Age
There’s no sweeter sound than your child voluntarily telling you about their day without any needling or forced conversation over a cooling dinner. Just them, choosing you. But those moments don’t always come easily....
Collaborative Plan for Conflict
When challenges like morning meltdowns, screentime battles, or school refusal come up, it’s easy to jump into “fixit” mode. After all, we’re the parents. But the most meaningful change usually starts with empathy, not a...
Why Are We Giving Smartphones to Our Babies?
I forget how little they are. Elementary schoolage kids. You would think I would remember, given how frequently I speak to elementary school students. And it is not always their size…yet different “things” that remind...
Close to Home, Big on Growth: The Power of Day Camp
For many parents, the words “summer camp” conjure images of lakeside cabins, campfire songs, and kids experiencing their first taste of independence at sleepaway camp. And while that traditional experience is wonderful...
My Wife Thinks She Owes Me
My wife and I have been married for nine months, and we’ve been following your Baby Steps plan for three months. We have about $50,000 in debt, and I recently cashed out an old whole life policy that enabled us to pay...
Education Matters: Pike Road - March 2026
As we begin to trade cold mornings for warmer days and blooming flowers, spring always brings a sense of renewal. It also gives us a chance to pause and reflect on all that we accomplished during the winter months. One...
What Is Pervasive Demand Avoidance?
If getting your child to put on shoes, start homework, or even join a fun activity feels like a daily battle, you are not alone—and your child is likely not “just being difficult.” They may be showing a profile known as...
It’s Not Too Late to Save for Retirement
Q. I’m 50 years old, and through a series of bad life decisions, I have nothing set aside for retirement. Now that I’m finally in a better place financially, I’m getting to the age where people say to invest...
Getting Them Outside: How to Swap Screens For The Spring Sunshine
Spring arrives like an invitation, with longer days, warmer air, and a world that practically begs to be explored outdoors. However, for many families, the pull of video games and devices stands in strong opposition. If...
Education Matters: Pike Road – April 2026
While spring usually feels like a time for new beginnings, in our schools, it often feels like the “beginning of the end” of another school year. Right now, our classrooms are busy as we prepare for state testing to see...
Raising Siblings, Not Rivals: 8 Ways Parents Can Nurture Lifelong Bonds
We’ve all seen an older sibling hug the baby a little too hard. We’ve witnessed weary parents’ unsuccessful attempts to referee yet another round of “He stole my toy.” Many parents want to avoid these scenarios when...
AI Technology Is Capturing Your Child’s Attention…And It’s Personal
“All you have to do to understand the future of AI is to understand the incentives.” I recently listened to a podcast where Oprah Winfrey interviewed a representative from the Center for Humane Technology. That line...
The 10 Parenting Mistakes That Changed Me
Last week, I wrote a letter to my children. It was full of words I wish I’d said years ago. It wasn’t a list of excuses or explanations. It was a confession. Parenting has a way of humbling even the most...
12 Secret Tips to a Successful College Visit
This summer and fall, thousands of teens and their families will tour college campuses. Signing up for the official tour is the obvious first step, but what else can parents and students do to prepare for and make the...
Financial Peace or Financial Risk?
Q. Is it ever okay to pull money out of your emergency fund to pay off your home? My husband and I were talking about this the other day, because we are so close to paying off our mortgage. A. Believe me, I understand...
The Things We Love Most About Mothers
Mothers wake up already in motion. Before their feet touch the floor, they are mentally scanning the day and cataloging lunches, permission slips, and the child who seemed quiet last night in a way that doesn’t feel...