"You never say hey, or remember my name, and it's probably 'cause you think you're cooler than me"

Cooler Than Me by Mike Posner

Hi Reader,

Tomorrow I'll release my favorite advice for families of 4th graders. In the video, I answered questions submitted by you. Here's one question that felt so relatable:

Question 1: My child is definitely acting like a tween. I notice some tension when friends come over. She still wants to play with toys. Some of her friends will join in, while others seem a little too cool for it. Last weekend, I heard a friend make a comment “You still play with toys?” 😯 How can I navigate these situations?

Answer: UGH! That breaks my heart. We all know our tweens will one day put down their toys for good. I feel for your child being treated like a fool in their own home. I also feel for their friend: I'm sure someone made the same comment to them not too long ago.

It might be time to switch up the playdate routine. Tweens are capable of completing more difficult, independent activities. Set up a craft or project to start their visit. I'm thinking friendship bracelets, baking cookies, a science kit, or make a music video. A challenge like this will get the conversation and fun flowing. After they are done, then let them get into free play time. Once they are warmed up it may be easier to transition into unstructured playtime.

Of course, you should keep an eye on this. We want to make sure your kiddo is enjoying their time with their friends. If this is a repeated occurrence, it might be time to cool off on playdates until their interests align again. There's only so much you can ask of a tween that's decided it's time to put down their toys.

Question 2: My child is at an age where he needs to start to study for things. Can you explain the concept of studying, what it can look like, and tips for parents to teach the skill and just not be pushing material at their children?

Ah studying, the word with almost no meaning to a 10 year old. I'll share my tips on how to teach your child to study in the video. It comes out Wednesday at 3pm! Make sure you're subscribed and have notifications turned on for my channel.

What advice would you give? Hit reply and let me know!

What's New?

🥧 Indiana: Last weekend I spontaneously went to visit my grandmother in Indiana. We had a nice girls weekend together. She was delighted that I brought her the newest issue of People Magazine. We also started watching With Love, Meghan on Netflix (please tell me your opinion of this show!). Best of all I finally got to try the Hoosier state pie. The Sugar Cream Pie is about as simple as it gets. I think I would describe it as "kid's menu pie." Plain, tasty and sugary to eat, but not much flavor.

🍀 Story Time: I'll be the story time reader at The Batch House bakery this Sat 3/15 at 10am. I picked out some of my fav springtime and St Patrick's day books. If you're local to Charlotte come on out! I'll have some treats for the kids. Please note, story time is usually outdoors.

Things I Love

🌞 daily sunscreen: This is the time of year that I'll get a sneaky sunburn. I've started using Saie's Sunvisor to prevent this. Part sunscreen and part moisturizer, it leaves my skin feeling dewy and fresh all day.

👒 cute for spring: One of my fav online boutiques is having a huge sale on their girl's clothing. Check out their $5, $10, $15, $20 sale. Great place for dressy springtime girls clothes.

🎾 love: I've had my eye on this floral tennis dress. I think it would be so cute to hit the court in this.

Have a great week!