Do children and politics mix? The obvious answer would seem to be “no,” but the issue is a little more complicated than that. Consider that their opinions are going to be shaped by someone – books, movies, TV, friends, teachers – shouldn’t we be at the forefront of their political and philosophical development?

Then again, whenever someone else’s young children have a strong opinion, especially one with which you disagree, don’t you sigh and think how unfortunate it is that their parents are indoctrinating them like that? Come on, be honest.

In working with children over the last…

Tiny Titans is a monthly comic book published by DC Comics.  It was recently awarded the Harvey Award for Best Children’s Comic, and with good reason.  Tiny Titans succeeds where so many other early education tools fail: kids want to read it.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Teen Titans are a team of superhero sidekicks that got together to form their own team.  Back in the 1960s, DC wanted to cash in on a younger audience.  So Batman’s partner Robin, Wonder Woman’s young sidekick Wonder Girl, the Flash’s protege Kid Flash, Aquaman’s trainee Aqualad, and the Green Arrow’s…

It’s the fourth week of summer vacation, and the kids are enjoying the leisurely pace.  There’s no reason to rush through the morning routine and no need to keep a strict handle on bedtimes.  With no homework and no school, each day finds its own rhythm, typically with a combination of hanging out with friends, some screen time, swimming, and general lazing.  However, there is one mandatory element to all weekdays: DEAR time.

For those who are unsure as to what DEAR is, it simply is Drop Everything And Read.  While reading tends to be a habit of our children,…

As this school year comes to a close, I am beginning to look back and reflect on my middle school experiences.  On June 17th, I will graduate middle school and move on, leaving that part of my life behind.

Middle school is a confusing part of your life, as you go through some major changes in these years and evolve into who you really are.  You will go through these changes on both a mental and  physical level, so you may leave the school a totally different person.

First of all, you should become involved in a lot of school activities. …

I remember one of the many concerns I had when my first child was born. I was gravely concerned because I didn’t know how to teach him to talk. I had a grasp on how I’d teach him to walk, to play baseball, to treat a lady – but I had no earthly idea how I was supposed to teach him to talk.

I soon found out, as any parent knows – there’s nothing to it. Kids just learn to talk by listening to their parents talk. You don’t have to do much of anything. Despite my best efforts to…