Helpful, free resources for teaching kids about media literacy

Helpful, free resources for teaching kids about media literacy
Media literacy is becoming an increasingly important skill to have in the 21st century.  Our kids spend a large amount of time consuming media and there is a vast amount of information available to them. It’s imperative that they have the basic skills to evaluate what they are reading, seeing, and hearing and think critically about... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
October 15, 2017 at 11:07 pm • 

What happened when I commented on my Senator's Facebook page

What happened when I commented on my Senator's Facebook page
Today, I left a brief comment on a Facebook post by my Senator complimenting him on one topic and asking what he plans to do about another, both related to his initial post. Within minutes, commenters attacked my appearance, saying I looked “disgusting” and like a bitch and that seeing my face “makes people sick.”... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
October 12, 2017 at 6:51 pm • 

When a student brings a gun to your child's high school

When a student brings a gun to your child's high school
When the phone rang, my first reaction was to ignore it. I was finally making progress on a work project after an otherwise slow day and didn’t want to lose momentum. The ring persisted, slicing through the midday silence and demanding attention. I glanced at the phone. It was from my daughter’s school. I thought that was... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
October 4, 2017 at 9:41 am • 
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When words fail in the wake of the tragedy in Las Vegas

When words fail in the wake of the tragedy in Las Vegas
I’ve been a lot of things today in the wake of the news of the nation’s largest-ever mass shooting in Las Vegas: horrified, teary, angry, baffled, weary, and just profoundly sad. One thing I haven’t been: eloquent. I have no words to explain evil to our kids, or ourselves. Other people offered words about how this doesn’t... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
October 2, 2017 at 11:20 pm • 

Banned Books Week is a great time to get adolescents reading and thinking

Banned Books Week is a great time to get adolescents reading and thinking
If you really want to get an adolescent’s attention, tell them they’re not allowed to do something. At this developmental stage, they are figuring out who they are (or want to be) and striving for independence; they’re almost hardwired to question authority. That’s why banned Books Week, which this year is September 24-30, is a perfect time... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
September 24, 2017 at 7:18 pm • 

Info for parents about the TBH app, the latest viral sensation among teens

Info for parents about the TBH app, the latest viral sensation among teens
The TBH app is currently the No. 1 free download on iTunes and it’s hugely popular with teenagers. To be doing that well on the iTunes charts means a lot of teens are downloading this app. TBH just launched in August, so it’s safe to say it’s spreading like wildfire. “TBH” stands for “To be honest.” Here’s what... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
September 22, 2017 at 5:05 pm • 
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What to think about before reading another study

What to think about before reading another study
Science is awesome. Research is important. Insight is invaluable. I firmly believe those three statements. And, with those in mind, I think it’s also important that parents should stop and think before applying the findings of the latest study to their lives. It feels like there are countless headlines announcing what some study has found... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
September 20, 2017 at 3:56 am • 

7 great subscription boxes for teens and tweens - 2017 edition

7 great subscription boxes for teens and tweens - 2017 edition
Subscription boxes are a great gift option for tweens and teens. Kids love getting the mail and the element of surprise. Givers love that it’s tailored to the child’s interests and easy to give. They can also be a great way to connect with kids and serve as great conversation catalysts. I’ve done prior posts... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
September 18, 2017 at 12:33 pm • 

Thanks, Kristen Bell, for the master class on how to handle adversity

Thanks, Kristen Bell, for the master class on how to handle adversity
Last night, I read this article about Kristen Bell and I couldn’t shove my laptop in my teen’s face fast enough. “Read this!” I insisted. My daughter seemed surprised by the force and urgency that accompanied an article from People.com, but she didn’t argue and started to read. (In my defense, the story was picked... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
September 11, 2017 at 7:51 pm • 
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Expert advice on handling tricky back-to-school social scenarios with your kids

Expert advice on handling tricky back-to-school social scenarios with your kids
Back to school brings a lot of questions from parents wondering how to help get their kids off to a good start socially. To address a few common questions and scenarios, please help me welcome Dr. Kortney Peagram and her team at Bulldog Solution, a provider of  student and teacher programs that aim to eradicate bullying through social boldness,... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
September 6, 2017 at 1:49 pm •