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Jessica Speer‘s posts and articles focus on helping kids and families thrive. To subscribe, enter your email below or follow on Facebook or Pinterest.

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Parenting

• Where Do I Fit? Big Questions Adolescent Girls NavigateApril 13, 2021
  What is it about adolescence that intensifies social changes and struggles, especially for girls? The answer lies in some big questions girls navigate during this phase.
• Three Parent Phrases to Avoid If You Want to Connect With Your KidsMarch 17, 2021
  Words matter. This post shares parent phrases to avoid and what to say instead to connect and foster well-being in kids and teens.
• Swag, Simp, Tea – Understanding The Latest Teen SlangFebruary 23, 2021
  Slang is continually evolving, making it difficult for adults to keep up. Yet, slang offers a sneak peek into the everyday lives of teens.

Understanding Your Kid’s Social World

• Where Do I Fit? Big Questions Adolescent Girls NavigateApril 13, 2021
  What is it about adolescence that intensifies social changes and struggles, especially for girls? The answer lies in some big questions girls navigate during this phase.
• Swag, Simp, Tea – Understanding The Latest Teen SlangFebruary 23, 2021
  Slang is continually evolving, making it difficult for adults to keep up. Yet, slang offers a sneak peek into the everyday lives of teens.
• Yes, Sexting Happens in Middle School. How to Talk to Your Kids About ItNovember 12, 2020
  Sexting is defined as the action of sending sexually explicit photos, videos or messages via mobile phone or the internet. Middle school counselors and teachers are concerned about the behavior as it is becoming increasingly common.

Family Dinner Topics

• Family Dinner Topic: What Word Would You Choose to Guide You in 2021?December 28, 2020
  One-word intentions have grown in popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional New Years’ resolutions, one-word intentions are simple and straightforward.
• The Surprising Benefits of Family DinnerSeptember 24, 2020
  Studies find that family dinner offers benefits such as increased academic performance, lower obesity rates, improved well-being, and more.
• Family Dinner Topic: What’s on your post-quarantine bucket list?April 9, 2020
  As we sat around our dinner table last night, I posed this question to my family: “What’s at the top of your post-quarantine bucket list?” The responses were heartfelt and simple: “Hang out with friends and neighbors, eat at a favorite restaurant, go to the library, walk to the ice cream shop, get back to a sports practice or fitness routine. It’s only been a few weeks, but the nostalgia for these regular activities was apparent.