Starting the conversation felt awkward. After all, she didn’t want to offend another parent. It also felt necessary, because putting her 5-year-old son in harm’s way was not an option. After procrastinating, role-playing and even discussing it with a therapist, … Continue reading →

While Colleen K. Vesely has watched televised debates and political events with her children throughout this election season, an event during which the American Civil Rights movement was discussed stands out. It was a concept her 3-year-old daughter didn’t grasp, … Continue reading →

When Carol Baker cried, no one heard her. She and a classmate were alone in the girls locker room, and as Baker, then an eighth grade student, tried to leave, her classmate grabbed her gym shirt and pushed her into … Continue reading →

Ginger Wilner spent almost every morning last month hovering over her MacBook Pro, at a window seat in Starbucks, scouring a series of essays. She was looking for fatal mistakes. Errors ranging from comma splices to illogical arguments could torpedo … Continue reading →

While many are still basking in the lazy days of summer, Anna Faust is planning her 5-year-old son’s after-school activity schedule for the fall. On his agenda: baseball, soccer, gymnastics and tennis lessons. “My plan is to expose him to … Continue reading →

Can playing the piano strengthen a child’s reading and math skills? Can joining a school band be a catalyst for building self-confidence? Does one develop strong analytical abilities by taking violin lessons? Some music experts say yes. “Every minute that … Continue reading →