Wrapped in the Arms of a Maple Tree

When I was in grade school, troubled by all the normal things that could trouble a young child’s mind—popularity, boys, fighting with my brother and sister—I found peace and solace by sitting in the little maple tree in our front yard. It could barely support my developing athletic build, but I would nonetheless climb the

Your Mama Is An Outsider

It finally hit me. I am an outsider. I’ve felt different more times than I care to count but until recently I’ve not given it much thought or embraced the notion of being an outsider. When I was born, my older twin siblings didn’t want much to do with me as they had each other.

What I Hide on Social Media

I have a fabulous life. No really, I do. I have two amazing children, a loving husband and family, good friends, and many interests. I get to travel to amazing places, meet amazing people, and do amazing things. Mostly, I get to raise my children and revel in the routine of going outside to play

New Quiz: Are You Privileged?

Why yes, yes you are privileged. We all are to some degree, depending on who you are, where you live, what you want and a host of other variables. There’s never enough conversation about the role privilege plays when it comes to getting ahead in life. Too many people believe it has no impact and

Use This Quick Cybersecurity Quiz To Discuss Technology & Impress Your Kids

Despite known concerns about children using technology, ranging from developmental implications and online bullying to addiction, a lot of parents don’t think about technology use before it’s been introduced. For some, devices replaced the old role of television as babysitter to jump in the shower, make dinner, or have peace and quiet while sitting in traffic. Or use began

Four Things NOT to Do When Your Kid Says a Bad Word

The other day at DryBar, the eight-year-old noticed a gift card with “Lucky Bi*ch” inscribed on the front. “That’s weird,” she said with a confused expression. She knows the “B” word isn’t a nice word. I was silent. I should have told her that sometimes adults use bad words in unique and affectionate ways, and that

How to Win the Fight For Women’s Rights

For almost 110 years, society has celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) and thanks to the organizers of the Women’s March in Washington, it’s a day more people now know. The movement that the march organizers launched today is something I have wondered about for a long time – a day when every woman, around the