Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Looks like the oldest will be helping to hand-out candy at a friend's house tonight while the younger participates in the annual shaving cream war on the town green.  I bought two big bags of favorite candy as this is the first year no one will be trick or treating.

Sorta bittersweet....

Here are some cool teen Halloween links. 

Have a spoooky day everyone and stay safe out there.

Love this easy way to get spikes growing out of the head.  Simple stuff people!

Who thinks this stuff up? Obviously people way smarter than me.

For an afternoon snack or lunchbag.

Need a last minute costume...some cute ideas here.

Great pumpkin hacks here.

Have fun!

Protecting Our Kids

Whoa, busy time around here.

Our hockey season has kicked in as our cross-country season winds down.

I will be glad when October is over.

Many of you probably saw this over the past week.  It's a sad story and makes you think about how things can change in an instance.  As our children grow older, the coolness factor comes into play and disagreements may be had over whether or not to wear a helmet when skiing, biking or recreational skating.

My boys never, ever argue about their hockey helmets and we've spent the extra money on getting the safest one out there.

But, as this article points out, studies are not conclusive and researchers do not yet know if helmets are cutting  the risk of concussions.

If you are a hockey parent, then you already know this, but the USA Hockey Association changed the checking rules this year.  Kids use to start checking at the age of 11 and 12.  It has since been moved up to the 13 and 14 year age group.  The reason being that the brain is still developing and there would be less of a chance of concussions.  Last time I heard (and we hear it often) that the brain continues to develop until age 23 or there abouts.  

I'm glad people are aware and are trying to make the game safer.  I thank the researchers for dedicating their studies to the safety of our children.  Hopefully, one day incidents, like the one on the football field will be history.

Learning to let go....

We went away this weekend to watch Matt run in a cross country invitational.  Most of the weekend was spent with just Ryan as Matt wanted to do as much with his team as possible.

Totally a new and strange experience, and need I say it, an enjoyable one.

Traveling with just one means no fights.  Period.  Ryan was smothered with attention, getting to choose our agenda and where to eat.  It was great fun to be with just one.

Yet on the other hand, I really missed Matt.  After the invitational, I watched him walk away from me.  He was with his friends and they were on the search for his bus...in the Bronx.  It took all I had not to yell for him.  To lecture him how dangerous the area was (the country girl in me) and to keep track of his surroundings.  No, instead, I just let him go.  And he was okay,  Nothing happened to him unless you count both he and I gaining a bit more independence from one another.

He navigated Times Square, the Empire State Building and the hotel, just fine...without me.

Yet, when we were finally together for our last night, he gently leaned over and said that he had a great time with his friends, but he was glad to be back with his family.  

Reason why: because we know how to have fun!

I'd like to leave you all thinking that it was a just wonderful weekend of no fighting.  But alas, we made it to Tuesday morning.  Motivating the boys to pack and catch a train was not fun.  The barbs returned and we were the ordinary family that we always are.

Little things

Ah, yes..living with a teen is a joy a second.  Where there was once order and rule following, there is now utter chaos.  

We love our kids deeply and yet some days....

clothes on the floor, a new towel every time they shower, clean clothes in the hamper, beds unmade.

What quirk does your teen have that drives you nuts?  

Enjoy that quirk this weekend, this too shall pass.

We're traveling this weekend.  Here's a great article on the ups and downs of traveling with your teen.

Another easy costume for Halloween.  This could be easily made at home.

These are just plain cool.

My youngest loves apple pie and I'm always on the search for a good pie crust.  Just might try this one out.

This is what my son and his friends are wearing for Halloween.  As they say,"these are sick!"

Have a great weekend everyone!

Let's Teach Teenagers to Persevere!

Definition of PERSEVERANCE

: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of perseverance.

I've been thinking a lot about the word perseverance  and how it relates to my teenagers and teenagers of today.  I'm not sure that they get the opportunity to persevere through situations anymore.  Too often we are quick to help our children out of a bind, give trophies to all, and let students re-do without consequences.   Teenagers are told to try their best...but, are they ever taught how to do that?  What is this idea of "best" anymore?

 I've been watching my boys over the last few weeks train for their cross country races. Cross-country is a wonderful way to teach perseverance.  Yes, they are part of a team, but they are always racing against their own time.  Setting goals and working toward them...even when it is hard (the dirty little word that no one says anymore).  After each race they are excited to see if their goal was met and to analyze what went well and what did not.  

 I'm not sure if we teach this elsewhere though.  Too often, my boys take a test, get a grade and it ends there.  I think an important part is missed after that grade is given.  They are never given the opportunity to analyze what went wrong or right.  How do teenagers persevere and overcome their difficulties, failures or opposition if  never given the chance to figure out what is right?

I recently came across this article.  Seems as if I'm not the only one pondering over this topic!  I believe we will see more and more of these studies as we go on.  Doing something that is difficult is a good thing and we have to teach our teenagers not to quit and switch to the next best opportunity. That their lives will be that much more enriched once they understand and persevere.  

Life's a blur...so I'll give you links.

First of all, I apologize for using this picture again. I've used it in three spots today. I guess I just like it.

As the picture shows, my life has been hectic as I am sure yours has too.

So because we are always short on time, here are some links that I think you or your teen might like!

Halloween is fast approaching and as soon as I saw this I knew my boys would love it.

Saw this art. It would look great in any teen's room.

Many of our teens travel these days. This would be perfect for their travels.

I've noticed that many of the girls in my son''s school wear little hair extensions. Thought this how-to was pretty cute.

If you have an art/history expert in your house, they might want to check out this video. The woman in the white lab coat is my cousin. She loves what she does and it shows on the video.

See you in a few days!

The Developing Brain

The other night I gave Matt a peck on the cheek and sent him off to bed, reminding him to brush his teeth.  I was sitting at the computer which is right outside his room and just sat and watched him walk by me and climb into bed, zombie-like.  I reminded him about his teeth yet again, and he just sat there and  told me that I hadn't said anything to him. (like I haven't reminded him every night since he was able to brush his teeth by himself).

So thankfully, this was aired this week. Spend some time and take a listen.  It's well worth it!

Have a great weekend everyone!