This week, my oldest will graduate from high school. Today, I feel like I’m just going through the motions, not quite connected to what it all means yet. I suspect the floodgates will open when he walks across that stage.

Let’s get to today’s Two Tip Tuesday (before the day is over). ​​​​​​​

Tip #1: Teach Your Child to Debrief

A few days after my son’s Bar Mitzvah last month, he said, “Mom, can we spend time debriefing my Bar Mitzvah during bedtime tonight?”

Doing a debrief after a big experience is a skill I taught him, and one I suggest all parents teach their kids, especially those who don’t naturally process experiences out loud.

After your child’s next field trip, birthday party, big trip, important game, or even hard playdate, help them reflect on the experience beyond simply asking, “How was it?”

Start by asking:

“Do you know what debriefing means?”

Then explain:

“It’s when we talk about what we liked or what came easily, what we didn’t like or what felt hard, and what we’d do differently next time.”

I love how this teaches kids to process experiences, build self-awareness, and create empowering stories about themselves.

A wise elder recently taught me that experiences alone don’t create wisdom.

Reflecting on them does.

By the way, don’t overdo it. Save this for bigger events and experiences when there’s a lot to unpack.

Tip #2: Summer Reading Recommendation

​​If you’re looking for a worthwhile summer read for your tween or teen, I highly recommend the book The Amazing Generation.

It’s a kid-friendly companion to The Anxious Generation, written specifically for young people.

It uses graphic novel-style storytelling and fun facts about the brain to help kids understand dopamine triggers, FOMO, video game psychology tricks, and how apps are designed to keep them sucked in.

It teaches kids to think critically about tech.

The recommended age range is roughly 5th–8th grade, but I’d happily leave it on my coffee table for younger or older kids too.

Even if they only flip through a few pages, they might come away with a better understanding of how their brains work – and why it’s worth pushing back against apps, algorithms, and devices designed to capture their attention.

As always, I’d love to know if you’re enjoying Two Tip Tuesday. Your emails inspire me to send them more often.

​​​​​​​❤️ Rachel