Blog

Preparing for a recent vacation, I had a complete checklist.Outfits for all weather? Check. Toiletries? Check. Shoes for different activities? Check. Cash and cards? Check. I was covered. Nothing was left to chance.So, imagine my surprise when, not five miles into my road trip, my low fuel light came on. I’d spent all this time preparing, but the one major element I needed—the most critical one—I had forgotten.Although it was a simple hiccup in an otherwise fantastic start to vacation, it g …

About 10 years ago, I signed up to run the Disney Marathon. I had run shorter races - 5ks, 10ks, even half marathons, but I had never fathomed the full 26.2 mile race until I experienced how amazing running my first race at Disney World was. I immediately signed up to run the full. I knew it would take a lot of motivation to train (and then run) 26.2 miles. Disney races are high-energy, with fun character stops, entertainment, and dazzling medals. I knew the journey, the race itself, …

Back to school.Sometimes it’s a time of hope and excitement. Sometimes, it’s a time of anxiety and dread.“Will they like me?”“What if the work is too much?” “What if I can’t handle it all this time?”No, I’m not talking about students – though they are likely experiencing similar emotions. I’m talking to school counselors.As counselors, we’re not immune to that weird conglomeration of emotions that accompany the back-to-school season. It starts in June when the school supply section goes up i …

Back-to-school time can be filled with excitement, anxiety, and all kinds of emotions! Use the tips below to help set your children - and yourself - up for a successful new school year! Set a school-year bedtime sleep schedule and begin the transition today! During the summer months kids often don’t have a set bedtime and awake time, so it is important to re-establish a bedtime and morning routine for your child. Starting early can help you and your child be ready for the first …

A few weeks ago, I walked all three of my sons down to the end of the block and watched as the oldest two, ages seven and five, climbed onto a yellow school bus. The five-year-old, who started Kindergarten this year, sat by the window, waving and blowing kisses. My oldest, who is now a second grader, settled in next to him, gave us a brief head nod, and turned to talk to his friends. We waited until the bus disappeared around the corner, then my two-year-old and I walked back up the sidewa …

Summertime is exciting! Family vacations, big sleepovers, and days at the pool. But, if you’re anything like me, summertime flies by too fast. Before you know it, the first day of school is right around the corner. Will your family be ready?It can be hard to switch from your family’s fun summer schedule back to your school schedule. Follow these 5 tips to get your family back into their school routine.1. Backup bedtimes. During the summer, children get used to going to bed late and sl …