School Family

Little blurb here about the value of actually saying “no” once in a while to our kids.  It’s apparently part of a wider program in Minnesota called: “Say Yes to No.”  Interesting.

I felt like the spirit of the linked anecdote captured our goals with the site pretty well.  We’re about helping parents be good school parents — how to do that, why to do that, community among other parents taking on the same challenge.  We’re not about being super-parents or raising the most amazing — get them their college scholarshoip before they’re 12 — kids ever.  Just about trying to do things right, while maintaining some sanity and balance.  And having some fun.  I do believe that saying “No” at the right times and with consistency is part of that mix. 

Off my soapbox now.  Funny — I’m off to one of the toughest nights of the year to say NO — Halloween. Boo!

Welcome to our newest resource for involved moms and dads — schoolfamily.com. 

Today, you’ll find tons of great articles for helping you help your school-aged kids do great and helping you and your family keep school sane.  Over the next few weeks and months and years, you’re going to find lots and lots more.  Think of this site as the central web meeting spot (a portal, if you will) for all things that can help you be a great school parent.

My best advice:  1) Enjoy!  We’re sure having a great time working on all this stuff. Hope it’ll serve you well.   And 2) Relax.  There’s so much to worry about these days, but it’s near impossible to be a good school parent while cowering in the corner.  SchoolFamily.com is about getting that balance just right.

Finally,  a quick thanks to all the folks who work so hard to make this site go.  Our editorial team, the designers, our tech folks and more.  The work does seem a bit lighter when you’re working on such a valuable site.  But it’s work nonetheless, and no one does it better.

On we go…

I read some shocking news this week. Here in my very own community, kids as young as 18 months are training to become the soccer stars of tomorrow. The toddlers I know are content sticking toys in their mouths and mashing Play-Doh, and as far as I’m aware, none have expressed an interest in learning an organized sport. So who decided it was a good idea to teach toddlers soccer moves before they’ve even moved into big-kid beds?

You guessed it, it’s parents who are behind the popular program. The coach started the classes with preschoolers in mind, but parents kept pressuring him to let in younger and younger kids. As the reporter explains: “After constant pestering, he gave in to parents and expanded his program….Now he’s saying no to parents of 14- and 16-month-olds.”

It’s generally accepted that sports and other extracurricular activities are good for kids. But taking on too many activities can be very stressful for a child, not to mention exhausting for parents. Many parenting experts and psychologists say families would be better off cutting back on activities to have more family time.

These toddlers are a long way from competitive play. They’re still learning soccer fundamentals, like kicking the ball as opposed to carrying it. But I can’t help but wonder: If a kid is going to soccer practice before he turns 2, how many more activities will he be juggling by the time he starts school?