Many millennials are floundering in the adult world. Some of them can blame helicopter parents, but the lousy economy thanks to foolish governmental policies also deserves some blame. Charles Hugh Smith offers advice for those who are trying to be self-supporting in a challenging environment: he has some good tips HERE.
It looks like parents’ and teachers’ overemphasis on the socialization of children of recent years has finally borne some pretty ugly fruit. Yet another study has shown that there’s been a precipitous drop in teens’ happiness and mental health since 2012, and it’s being linked to the use of smartphones, and specifically social media.
This is no surprise. Yes, kids need time with their friends, whether in person or virtual, but they also need time without friends so that they can mentally regroup and enjoy downtime, even quiet time. This may be more crucial for introverts than extroverts, but all kids need time to be alone and to think. The smartphone has taken that away, and we’re just now seeing the cost. One has to wonder where it will all lead.
Around here, we’re pretty excited because we have another grandchild on the way. The little one is due this summer. I stumbled onto this tutorial for a lightweight rag quilt without batting, and it seemed like the perfect choice for me to make for our new little grandson or granddaughter.
The back of the quilt doesn’t have the fringe; it’s just nice, soft and smooth:
I found the two flannel prints at Hobby Lobby. The quilt requires two yards of each print, so the gorgeous flannels I saw online for $10 a yard were going to be too expensive for me. Hobby Lobby’s lower prices and 40% off coupon on one print were just the ticket.
I highly recommend the tutorial at the website linked above. I appreciate Angie sharing her knowledge.
Like Kandace Springs, Alma Deutscher is homeschooled and musically gifted. But Alma is much younger than Kandace, and has already premiered her first opera. The BBC created this documentary about Alma, a must-watch for parents and classical music fans alike:
I’ve always believed that it’s up to parents to decide how to raise their kids. But I’ve got to admit that stories like this are certainly not good for the homeschooling movement. Kids need boundaries for their own security, not to mention learning how to live in society. Wow. I guarantee this is not what our homeschooling household looked like.