Welcome!  I am a columnist and author.  My memoir, Why Can't We Just Play? chronicles one glorious summer when I let my kids take "time off" from all scheduled activities - no camps, classes, or any kind of structure at all.  We had an old-fashioned, 1950's style summer. 

I recently had a terrific conversation about the book with Dr. Mike of PediaCast.  We discuss the benefits, logistics and impact of pulling back and unplugging from an overly-scheduled family life.  Our chat is a lot of fun ... and I talk about the surprising ways that summer changed me.

Listen to PediaCast

I have been a columnist for over 10 years and have written for many different publications and websites.  I tend to write about family life, stress, and how kids need more time to play.  Here are two of my favorites: 

How I Slowed My Family Down. Like, to the Last Century.

Why Are the Playgrounds Empty?