With teenagers, I find that our understanding of the difference between what is a necessity and what is a luxury is very seldom matching. Despite all the “prep” work I did as they were growing up, we’ve definitely entered a phase where outside pressures–media, peers, societal expectations, comparisons, etc.–are all pulling rather heavily. And, I am left as the lone voice of dissention in my house clinging to my own realities of what is necessary and what is not. There are a lot of things I could live without–and I’m looking forward to the day when my kids are launched … Continue reading →