Fall Update
Hi everyone, I hope you’re holding up okay. I’ve been back at work in my school building for a few weeks now, and it’s been wonderful to hear kids laughing and chatting out on the…
Upcoming Parenting in Place Masterclass series
Hi, As I write here in my latest article for The Washington Post — Perspective | Stuck at home? Now’s the time to have these important talks with your kids. — everyone is exhausted from months of coping with…
Tweens are listening. Are you?
“Can I take some of these?” the middle-school boy asked as he grabbed a handful of pretzels from the jar on my desk. He ate a few, then walked across my office and pulled a…
Fall update
Hi, I hope everyone’s year is off to a great (if busy) start! It’s finally feeling like fall here in Maryland and Washington, D.C. While it’s been a bit more challenging to balance everything now…
Middle School Matters Book review
I’m happy to share that Booklist gave Middle School Matters a starred review, calling it “a must-read for all parents and educators of kids in this unique and often misunderstood age group.” This is the first official…
Four Ways to Ease Students’ Transition to Middle School
Gena had always been an even-keeled and academically strong student, but the transition to middle school rocked her self-concept. She started failing her classes and shut down. Her complete school refusal may be unusual, but…
Should We Really Hide All of Our Negative Emotions at School?
Is it wise, advisable or effective to hide the negative emotions educators feel when they are in school? What are the unintended consequences? Phyllis spoke to Teachers Aid podcasters Jon Harper and Mandy Froehlich on…
10 ways to take the struggle out of homework
There’s nothing worse than an epic battle with kids over homework. Or watching your kids shut down because they feel stuck, frustrated and defeated. With a little creativity, parents can help them overcome barriers to…
