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Gifts: Experiences > Stuff
Picture this: Ask your teenager what gifts they received last Christmas. Now ask them about their most memorable adventure. Which question sparks more enthusiasm and detailed stories? The truth is, most physical gifts—even those met with initial excitement—often end up collecting dust, breaking, or being outgrown as interests change. But experiences? They become part of…
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The Critical Role of Face-to-Face Interaction in Teen Development
When young people are developing their social skills, there are a myriad of different stimuli and responses from other humans that offer us feedback and help us gauge how our words and actions affect other humans, their perception of us, and if the interaction built connection or not. Humans have evolved to depend on interpersonal…
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Beyond Academics: Why Colleges Value Gap Year Experiences
In today’s hyper-connected world, our teens are facing unprecedented challenges. They’re more “connected” than ever, yet often feel isolated and stressed. As a parent and someone who’s worked with countless teenagers through adventure camps and outdoor programs, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of unplugging and engaging with the real world. But here’s something many…
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