Join me on Wednesday, January 16 at Denver School of the Arts (6:30-8:00 PM; free and open to all; no rsvp required) for an evening of wit and wisdom for parents (and anyone who loves and cares about a truculent teen). Fun and funny reminders that you are not alone; a look into the chemistry of the adolescent brain; take-home tips on how to help the whole family survive! Parents of teenagers need new role models. We live in hope. I’ll sell and sign books at the event. (Just 10 American dollars!) Bring your friends . . . but leave the kids at home! We’re going to talk about them, and we don’t ..read more

and here in Colorado, we've got one of the best. My endless thanks to The Tattered Cover Bookstore for supporting local authors, making my book a Staff Pick, and hosting my author signing last Sunday! Please, if you are in the Rocky Mountain region, support this local treasure. And they have a whole new batch of signed copies of BEYOND MAMA BEAR on the shelves in all locations. Go get you some! Thanks also to the family, friends, former students, teacher colleagues and new colleagues (plus the new friends who heard about it on the radio) who joined me. I am humbled and delighted by your sup ..read more

Beyond Mama Bear on the Airwaves My friend Craig Silverman (part of our parenting tribe from way back) is stepping in for Peter Boyles on 710 KNUS this week. Tune in Wednesday, April 4, dark and early (5:00 AM! Are you kidding me?) as I join him to talk about raising teenagers in this crazy world. Craig is a brilliant conversationalist, a fellow Colorado College Tiger, and a real-life dad of two adolescents. It's gonna be a fun conversation! (If you don't yet know Craig, be sure to check out his weekly Saturday morning show on 710 KNUS!) And if you're not an early bird, listen to the ..read more

Trails West PTO is a group of vibrant and vigilant parents. They reached out to me because they want to be prepared for adolescence. They want a little insight into all that lies ahead. I am so impressed by their proactive stance on parenting, and I know we are going to have a frank, funny, and fabulous conversation tonight!  ..read more

Lately, every parent I know feels especially overwhelmed by the never-ending demands of family life. Although February is partly to blame—and it’s almost over! Spring is coming!—it’s also just part of the job. It seems like a good time to re-visit this list (on page 22 of my book). If you’re clinging to the end of your rope, I hope you’ll be inspired to stay strong. At the very least (as always), I hope you’ll feel less alone. We really are in this together. It's a crazy, crappy time, but it's all perfectly normal . . .  Ten Things Your Family Might Ask You When You Are Busy I'm not sayi ..read more

On February 13—and all the other days—I am grateful for the lady friends who help me survive the balancing act of raising teenagers. If you, too, rely on a tribe of strong, powerful land mermaids, join me (and the indomitable Leslie Knope) in celebrating our gal pals. Take a spa day! Have a party (with waffles)! And if your language of love is gifts, here are a few actual ideas, from my heart. None of them is sponsored (tragically); they’re just good ideas. MY BOOK (OBVIOUSLY) One reason I started this project in the first place was to help parents of teenagers feel less alone. Share the lo ..read more

Treat Yourself to a Dose of the Best Medicine Take a step back from the chaos of family life and laugh a little! Parents of teenagers (or almost-teenagers, or recent teenagers), laughter is often all we've got. The wit and wisdom of Beyond Mama Bear will remind you you’re not alone. In 2018, make a resolution to do something nice for yourselves and your tribe: book me for a fun (and funny) night out, with a real purpose! Two options below. Quick Tips and Quips Meanwhile, check out my youtube channel, Pro Tips for Parents of Teenagers. Each video is about 30 seconds long and (I hope!) an amus ..read more

BOOK SIGNING: TATTERED COVER, SUNDAY, APRIL 8 2:00PM Well, last Sunday's snow got the better of my book signing event, but our beloved local independent bookseller has already helped me re-schedule. Please join me (and bring any frazzled friends who are struggling with teenagers) on Sunday, April 8, 2:00 PM at Tattered Cover. (Note location: Aspen Grove Store.) Thanks to my own personal village, there will be plenty of awesome swag along with autographed copies of my book available! And chocolate. SHARE THE LOVE: SHOP LOCAL! Please give Tattered Cover your love, now and often. In a dig ..read more

I'd love to hear how other parents find your balance on this particular tightrope! Please respond in the comments or email me directly if you have some wisdom to share! (Find this conversation of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, too ..read more

Check out this piece in YOUR TEEN MAGAZINE, a wonderful resource for parents of adolescent people! Share with friends whose kids are starting to turn on them (remember, this whole phase of life sneaks up on most of us. A good reminder that you're not crazy: teenagers act their age).   ..read more