The game is lopsided with a 15 point lead. The visiting team is frustrated and beginning to fall apart. The visiting team inbounds the ball and one player tries unsuccessfully to dribble through the home team’s back court press. The whistle blows. A ten second violation gives the ball to Read more…
I have always struggled with what to do when it comes to rules about dress codes. Whether that was when I was working in state-based juvenile facilities that required girls to wear over-sized, donated men’s t-shirts to “cover up” and not distract the boys or in youth group banning tank Read more…
Join a theological conversation related to childhood, queerness, and media studies via the Syndicate Theology blog. Here I respond to Judith (Jack) Halberstam’s book The Queer Art of Failure and the use of children and childhood as subjects and objects of ethical inquiry.
For local Shoreline Connecticut folks. Join me . . . Monday, April 20th 7:15-9:00pm, Griswold Hall First Congregational Church Guilford (Corner of Church and Broad St.) Parenting in today’s world is a complex and courageous task, especially when it comes to issues of sexuality. As parents, it can be an Read more…
On March 23rd, the town I live in joined Chris Herren, former NBA player turned advocate for youth substance abuse prevention, in Project Purple. The event was a success by measure of attendance and sponsored by a group called It’s Worth It, D.A.Y of Guilford (Developmental Assets for Youth). Most Read more…
On Ash Wednesday, I was serving as the choir parent volunteer. The parent brings the snack, serves as the second adult in the room, and helps out as needed. With 10 minutes left in practice, the Junior Choir Director stops and informs the children (3rd – 8th grade) that they Read more…
I love giving and getting presents. I am the person who wears or uses a gift immediately after receiving it. I put time and effort into choosing gifts for close friends and family. That said, I am uncomfortable with a Christmas season that inspires economic excess. As a parent, this Read more…
As a white parent, I struggle with how to talk about the racialized history of our society with my white children. From the history of Thanksgiving to the events in Ferguson (and so many other cities), I wonder what I can say to my children that won’t be yet another Read more…
Recently a colleague contacted me with some delightful news. New to her congregation and in her first call, she had met with the parents and youth and proposed that they use my Sex + Faith book as a springboard for Sunday School conversations. To her surprise (and I will admit, Read more…
Many sexuality educators emphasize to parents and other care-givers that kids need “ask-able” adults. Hopefully as parents many of us are working toward being an ask-able adult that our child can turn to with difficult, embarrassing or even mundane questions. As a faith-based sexuality educator and parent, I have found Read more…