Author: Terri Shearer Trenchard

Great Kids’ Book on Teasing, Compassion, Forgiveness

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Just discovered a fabulous story to read and share with your kids — girls, boys, pre-schoolers up to teenagers. Maybe you know it already, maybe you don’t. Written in 1944, yet totally relevant to today, it’s a short tale about teasing, compassion, and forgiveness, that will leave a lasting, heartfelt, thought-provoking impact on all who read it. Even has a timely Christmas ending. I got it from the library, but then bought it as a lifetime keeper on my family’s shelves: The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Getting a Glimpse: Parent-Teacher Conferences

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Gone are the days when we entered our parent-teacher conferences asking, “Is he sharing?”  “Does he sit still when he’s supposed to?” Our questions, our wonderings, our thoughts, seem a little more elusive, a little more in-depth now that our “little ones” are in middle school.  Things like “Is she working up to her potential?” is now more what occupies our brain. Middle school is a whole different beast, to say the least.  By design, we’ve been required to “step out” a bit.  We’re not “at school” like we were in the elementary years.  Much of the feedback, the input, and the information that we can glean from our child’s middle school days come from his or her sharing of information, the report card, school communication, and the parent-teacher conference. At conference time, here are a few things to maximize your parent-teacher conference: Ask about his or her demeanor and attitude at school.  (You just may find it a little refreshing to find that the “tween” demeanor and attitude you see at home may be …

Serving Those Who Have Served Us on This Veteran’s Day

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On this Veteran’s Day, let’s take a moment to remember.  Let us lead our children to remember, respect, and honor those who have served — and sacrificed — for our freedoms.   Here are a few simple and heartfelt ways that we can “serve” those who have served us — on this special remembrance day and the days to come. Thank a military service person.  Just smile and say thanks.  Your words will go a long way.  Just yesterday, a veteran reminded me how important it is to show our thanks to those who serve.  As you pass someone in uniform, take just a minute.  Smile.  Tell them, simply, “Thank you for serving.”  Your words will speak heartfelt volumes. Spend a few moments in meditation or prayer.  Remember those who have served, those who are serving, and the many sacrifices made by them and their families. Display a flag.  For those you know.  For those you don’t.  For all those in their honor.  For all that they have done. Take part in an Operation Welcome Home …

Getting Questions About the Election?

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In the height of the election, there was lots of kid talk in our household — questions and comments like: “What if there’s a tie?” “This whole electoral vote thing is SO confusing!” On this post-election day, no matter our political affiliation, our candidate preference, or whether we’ve “won” or “lost,” let us value our choices — and our freedom to make them — as Americans.  Although far from a perfect system or society, an election gives us the opportunity to speak our voice, while affirming our values (social, fiscal or otherwise).  As we talk with our kids about the election, it’s another opportunity to discuss our values and priorities, as individuals, families, communities, and as a nation.  It’s a time to remind our kids to appreciate differences among people while cherishing the ideals that not only make us unique but that are founded in being an American.  This morning at breakfast, my daughter threw out some word associations.  One was: “When I say America, what do you think of?” Take a moment.  What do …