You’ve probably noticed recent news headlines about a trend toward parents demanding that schools provide an education which parents think is appropriate for their children. The problem, of course, is that parents don’t agree what that “appropriate” definition is. Some parents want their children exposed to a wide variety of ideas and values, making sure … Read more
You may have noticed that, over time, educational fads and standards change. Every five years or so, someone will publish a research paper which purports to prove that a new approach to teaching, or a new curriculum, will totally transform education. As a result, you’ll see your local school system sending all the teachers off … Read more
Depending on where you live, you’re either looking forward to having your child back in school full-time, or your child is looking forward to another year of some version of school. In either case, those in the northern hemisphere are facing the start of school. And for those of you in the northern hemisphere, know … Read more
Years ago, when my son was small, we began to realize that he was telling lies. He hadn’t done something wrong and wasn’t trying to get out of dealing with the consequences. He wasn’t boasting or trying to make himself seem more important than he was. He simply had an active imagination, and did not … Read more
How many times have we said, when looking at our boys jumping around, wrestling on the grass, or shouting at each other to do something, “Oh, well, boys will be boys.” We understand that the behavior is typical of boys, that no one taught them to do it, and it usually does not end well … Read more
There’s a move to teach boys civility in school, but focusing on only boys’ behavior is only half the story. Here’s my take.
The term “neurotypical” is used specifically to refer to individuals who are not on the autism spectrum. People who are neuroatypical are said to be on the spectrum. The problem with this binary, on/off labeling is that there are a wide variety of behaviors that fall under the neuroatypical designation. If you include ADHD and … Read more
You may be aware of a recent event when a young woman, who was jogging on a public highway, was approached by a young man who wanted her to stop and pay him attention. The story goes that when she rejected him, he “blacked out” and when he woke up, he discovered her dead in … Read more
I’ve been saving up some articles over the summer to share with you. One bothered me so much that I have been thinking about it for some time. Years ago, our son and I were in a community theater production of Oliver Twist. It was before we discovered his voice – the voice which allowed … Read more
My parents introduced me to the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan when I was young and one of my favorite numbers from The Mikado was a song entitled “To let the punishment fit the crime.” I found the song very amusing especially when modernized by various productions. The idea is that when someone does something … Read more