I am a wife and mom of three elementary school age kids and an educator for almost 20 years. As a developmental psychology major with a teaching credential in two different subject areas, I've always been fascinated by the struggles, challenges and learning that takes place at every age. That has led me to a variety of teaching experiences. I've taught in elementary school, middle school and high school in both public and private school settings in two different states. My perspective as an educator has changed quite a bit over the years from my young twenty-something trying to prove myself to a seasoned teacher with a dual perspective as educator and parent. I began to realize how our education system and youth sports programs are short-sighted and push kids early toward a narrow definition of success.

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As a parent, I dread the day when my kids will feel the pressure and stress that plague today's high school generation when it comes to AP classes, test scores, GPA, and college applications. Even as a former collegiate athlete at a Division 1 school, I wonder why kids specialize in one sport at such an early age. I want something different for my kids. Of course I want my kids to succeed, but not if it means sacrificing their mental well-being, subjecting them to overuse injuries, and brushing off their basic needs like sleep. We need more balance and sanity!

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If you feel similarly and you'd like to reject the status quo of the way we are currently creating a generation of unhappy and underestimated kids, then this blog is for you. Whether you have kids in elementary school or in high school, there will be something for everybody who is struggling with feeling like there is no other way than the way it's always been done.