By September, high school has already shifted gears. The “syllabus week” calm is gone, and suddenly your calendar is stuffed with quizzes, essays, football games, band practice, and maybe SAT or ACT prep. You’ve got a backpack full of textbooks, a phone full of group chats, and a brain full of “How am I supposed to do all this?” Here’s the secret most students don’t realize: high school success isn’t a solo sport.  You don’t get bonus points for struggling in silence. The str

Let’s be real: most students aren’t born knowing how to juggle assignments, sports practices, group projects, and family responsibilities. Sometimes, it feels like their lives are one big whirlwind of “oops, I forgot!” moments. And honestly—don’t we as adults feel the same way at times? (I know I do when I double-book myself! 😅)That’s where scheduling comes in. It’s not about making kids live by the clock—it’s about teaching them skills that help transform school life from c

Back-to-school season always sneaks up on us, doesn’t it? One minute we’re enjoying lazy summer mornings and the next we’re knee-deep in supply lists, schedules, and “meet the teacher” nights. As both a mom and an educator, I know how overwhelming this time of year can feel. Between juggling carpools, remembering who needs what binder, and signing approximately one million forms, it can feel like chaos. But here’s the good news: a little preparation and a few simple hacks can

Here’s the truth: most teens think studying means staring at a textbook for three hours straight, rereading the same sentence until their eyes glaze over, and panicking the night before a test. (Been there, done that. Not fun. 🙃) But guess what? Your brain doesn’t actually work best that way. The students who crush their tests aren’t always studying longer—they’re studying smarter . And you can too. Here’s how: 1. 🍫 Snack-Sized Study Sessions Think of your brain like your p

Homework can feel overwhelming—whether your child is in upper elementary  just starting to get daily assignments or in middle school  balancing multiple classes and projects. Add in sports, after-school activities, and the constant distraction of screens, and it’s no wonder homework often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. But here’s the good news: a strong routine can make all the difference. This is especially important to start at the beginning of a school year! A hom

The first week of school is a golden opportunity for our kids—not just to meet teachers, but to understand how their classes will work. As parent a parent, you can set up your child for success by encouraging them to ask the right questions early. It’s not about being pushy—it’s about helping them feel confident, prepared, and connected. Here’s what to suggest they ask (and why it matters). 1. “What’s the best way to reach you?” Every teacher has a preferred way of communicat

August Back to School Time is coming up pretty fast! Are you ready for the emotional stuff? Back-to-school season is like riding a rollercoaster—exciting, nerve-wracking, and sometimes full of unexpected turns. While some kids sprint into school with smiles and sparkly backpacks, others quietly carry a big ol’ invisible backpack full of worries . As a school counselor, tutor, and educator with 20+ years of experience, I’ve seen it all—and I want to reassure you that back-to-s

These are some great tips to help your middle school get ready for back to school!