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Category: Family & Parenting

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  • Shuckin’ Shack Greenville: 10 Years of Coastal Flavor & Community

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    by nakeshiashannon
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    Inside: Wondering where to eat oysters and delicious seafood in Greenville, SC? Get the scoop on Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar in Greenville, SC in our story below- including what to order, local favorites- and the great things this restaurant does for our community.

    Photo credit: Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

    We recently had the chance to sit down with Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar – Greenville, SC, owners Don and Margaret Marcum, who are celebrating 10 years in business right here in the Upstate and two growing local locations.

    Quick Summary: Just the Facts on Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

    • Two locations in the Upstate, including: 3620 Pelham Rd #4, Greenville, SC
    • Owned by Don and Margaret Marcum, who are deeply connected to the Greenville community.
    • Vibe: The restaurant offers laid-back coastal atmosphere without the drive to the beach — a favorite for regulars and families.
    • Shuckin’ Shack Menu highlights: shrimp baskets, crab dip, burgers, pastas, salads, wings, and kid-approved meals.
    • Locals Order: Rotating soups like gumbo and crab bisque keep locals coming back.

    About Greenville’s Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

    Margaret is a Greenville native who grew up here, attended Greenville County schools, and has spent most of her life deeply rooted in this community. Don, originally from Alabama, and Margaret chose to move back “home” after getting married to raise their family and build something meaningful right where their hearts were planted.

    From day one, the Marcums have focused on being more than just a restaurant. Over the past decade, they’ve poured into the community through partnerships with organizations like Dine Out for Mom, local Rotary Clubs, school fundraisers, youth sports teams, church events, and Riverside High School basketball tournaments. As a proud product of the public school system herself, Margaret is especially passionate about giving back to local schools whenever she can.

    Their commitment to sustainability has even earned them recognition from the South Carolina
    Department of Natural Resources for oyster shell recycling.

    What keeps families coming back, though, is the feeling.

    Eating at Shuckin’ Shack

    Oyster Po-Boy at Shuckin' Shack Greenville, SC

    Shuckin’ Shack was built to feel like the beach – without the travel chaos. No packing, no hours wait in traffic, no sand everywhere… just laid-back coastal vibes, friendly faces, and food that feels like vacation.

    Over the years, they’ve built a loyal group of regulars who feel more like family, whether they’re stopping in to watch a big game, grabbing dinner after practice, or meeting friends for a relaxed night out.

    What to Order at Shuckin’ Shack

    Fan favorites include the shrimp basket, crab balls, and crab dip, but even picky eaters are covered. The menu also features burgers, pastas, salads, wings, chicken tenders, and classic kid-approved options.

    Locals also love the rotating soup and salad selections, which include comfort-food favorites like chicken and sausage gumbo, chili, and crab bisque.

    Drink at Shuckin' Shack

    Your Turn. Visit Shuckin’ Shack

    Eating at Shuckin' Shack Greenville, SC

    As they look ahead, Don and Margaret’s goal is simple: continue growing a successful business while staying deeply connected to the Greenville community that has supported them for the past 10 years.

    Because sometimes the best family “getaway” doesn’t require a suitcase – just a table, good food, and people who feel like home.

    3620 Pelham Rd #4, Greenville, SC
    Shuckin’ Shack Greenville, SC

    What Other Visitors Say About Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

    We get it, sometimes you want a few more opinions. Check out these Shuckin’ Shack Reviews for some additional thoughts.

    Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

    Comments are closed.

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    nakeshiashannon

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  • Senior Year of High School Feels Like The ‘Year of Tears’

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    Seven months and twenty or so days, give or take. That’s the amount of time I expect I have left with my oldest son living under my roof before moving away to college. Yet the tears started flowing at least four months ago when he first became a Senior.

    mom and teen boy
    Senior year is going to be hard on me. (@sweetbabygirl143 via Twenty20)

    No one warned me I’d be an emotional wreck for an entire year before he even left. It’s not like I didn’t know this phase of life was coming. We’ve been talking about college since he was in 8th grade it seems. So why do I feel so caught off guard all the time? Every “last” evokes tears now.

    The last game of senior year was particularly hard

    The last soccer game was particularly brutal. As the referee blew the whistle, bringing the post-season playoff game to an end, tears began to fill my eyes. I kept it together while at the game, but I swear when I walked in the door at home, the waterworks began.

    I’d watched that little boy, now a young man, play soccer since he was five years old. By my calculation, I’d probably sat through well over two hundred games in his career. In rain, snow flurries, cold, brutal heat…there I was, cheering him on…his biggest fan.

    I’d driven to and from SO many practices….at least four times the number of games I sat through. I’d washed grass-stained, mud-covered, odor-filled uniforms and socks more times than I could ever count. I’d dealt with the lost shin guards and the stinky cleats (ugh, that smell!) again and again over twelve years.

    And when that last whistle blew this October, I’d instantly yearned for another lifetime of ALL of it. Stinky cleats and all. It’s so hard to imagine not sitting in the bleachers cheering him on any longer. That overwhelming pride I felt like his mom when he took the field…I will surely miss that. He will, of course, give me so much more to be proud of in his lifetime, but I will miss my soccer player.

    Then came the senior pictures. Why must they take and send them so early in Senior year? Seeing that grown-up child in that cap and gown is just tear-inducing. It’s a reminder of what’s to come in a few short months, in case I’d had the good fortune to put that thought out of my mind for a while.

    And in the midst of all of my nostalgia and anxiety and anticipation of next fall, we find ourselves knee-deep in college applications. I had previously thought we were well-prepared for this process, but oh, how wrong I was!

    My intelligent, well-equipped-for-this son has melded into the world’s biggest procrastinator, missing early action deadlines and opportunities to apply for honors programs at his chosen universities. The stress levels are high. And it’s disappointing for both of us to spend any portion of his last year at home in this state of mind.

    Like so many moms of teens have written before me, the angst of teenage boys is palpable. My previously huggable, affectionate, and kind son often turns into a growling, door-slamming, “you’re so annoying” yelling beast more often than I could imagine was possible. And hidden in those moments of insanity are calm and rational conversations with him. And what teens don’t get is that, regardless of which of those personalities are on display, you love them unconditionally.

    Senior year is an emotional roller coaster

    Senior year is only four months in, and it’s already been an emotional roller coaster. We’re encouraging our son to go away to college, to spread his wings and see that there’s more to the world than the few square miles he’s grown up in. But I have to be careful what I wish for as I’m terrified of how I will handle it if he chooses a school that’s hundreds of miles away.

    I can already anticipate coming home from moving him into his dorm only to find an empty bed in his room. The empty seat at the dinner table crosses my mind often, too, although the times we eat together as a family are becoming few and far between in this busy life.

    As a mom, it’s just knowing that they’re under your roof that gives you a sense of peace. It’s very hard to accept that less than eight months from now, our house will be empty without him here.

    It’s funny how the roller coaster of parenting works. Eager young newlyweds yearn for a baby desperately. Then that little newborn arrives and melts your heart. It takes only a matter of days for that new parent bliss to turn into full-on exhaustion and stress due to endless feedings, sleepless nights, and, in my case, colic.

    You finally get them to sleep through the night and find yourselves amid the terrible twos. And threes. Boy, are those terrible, torturous threes underrated! And finally, at four, they seem to turn a corner. They’re potty-trained, more rational, and easier to take out in public and to restaurants with much less effort.

    For the next thirteen years, you continue to deal with the highs and lows. Sure, there are the joys of their achievements academically, athletically, and socially. There are the milestones they accomplish. There are their ever-changing appearances.

    But there are also the sibling arguments, the attitudes, the homework, and the struggles. There’s endless laundry and meals that take an hour to cook and ten minutes to consume, only to hear someone complain they don’t like what’s on the menu.

    There are the sports and the carpooling and events to shuffle them around to so much that you’re ready to put an Uber decal in your car window. As a result, we find ourselves so often wishing away these everyday moments. Like if we could get past this “phase,” life would get so much easier. But does it? Bigger kids, bigger problems.

    Suddenly, it seems, you have a full-grown adult applying to college

    They’re suddenly, as if right before your very eyes, full-grown adults applying to colleges and preparing to leave the nest. And ironically, you’d give anything to have the chaos of the past 17 years back. Because through all the stress and complaining, you were needed. The independence a child is about to gain is often terrifying to us as parents. Will they be safe? Will they be successful? Will they make smart choices? Will they come back home? Will they still need us? The emptiness starts to set in, hitting you like a ton of bricks.

    So here we are, in the midst of senior year. I want to hug him, yet he’s not huggable. I want to spend time with him while I can, yet friends are so much more fun and cooler than Mom. I want to smile, but my heart wants to cry. It is the epitome of bittersweet. It’s the happiness of wanting your child to spread their wings and fly with all the valuable lessons you’ve taught them. You want to watch them grow and succeed and start their own families.

    But boy, do you want them to be yours for a little longer. You want to feel needed. And, when younger siblings are in the house, you realize that after you survive this one leaving, the next one will, too. And then the next. And you wonder, what does life have in store for me, for us, when the birds fly the nest? The uncertainty is scary, especially when going through this for the first time.

    The year of tears has been tough on me. But I am confident I raised a smart, kind, humble, and driven human being. He’s going to do great things. My work here is nearly done. And the tears, well, I’m positive they’ll eventually be tears of happiness again as I take pride in all that life has in store for him.

    You Might Also Want to Read: 

    To the Parents of High School Seniors from an English Teacher

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    Victoria Duffy

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  • An Empty Nest, a Sudden Loss, and the Long Road Ahead

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    On an ordinary Monday evening this past June, after hanging my new bird feeder and chatting with me over dinner about nothing in particular, my husband died suddenly. We had been empty nesters for almost two years and grandparents for a year.

    Of course, I’m not the first person to grieve the loss of a husband relatively early in life. (Photo Credit: Laura Hudgens)

    We were at the beginning of a new phase in our nearly 33-year marriage. And we were loving it. We had big plans and much to look forward to. Now, I’m trying to figure out how to navigate a life that looks much different from the one I thought we’d have.

    Of course, I’m not the first person to grieve the loss of a husband relatively early in life. I’ve heard from and about many women who have been widowed in their 40s and 50s, and while there’s no “good” time to lose a spouse, and everyone’s experience is different, I think there are some unique aspects of being an empty-nest widow.

    7 unique aspects of being a widow in an empty nest

    There are likely a lot of years to go

    I’ve done the math (it’s actually called widow’s math), and it’s heartbreaking. If I live to be as old as my grandmother, I will live more years without my husband than with him. Obviously, this is true for women who are widowed in their 20s and 30s, but empty-nest widows are facing those first years alone in an empty house.

    “Broken Heart Syndrome” is real

    Since losing my husband, there have been times when I have worried that the tightness in my chest was more than just the ache of missing him. Then I learned about broken heart syndrome. As it turns out, extreme emotional stress, like that brought on by the loss of a loved one, can cause a person to have heart attack-like symptoms that, in some cases, can even warrant a visit to the ER. Considering 1 in 5 people who die of a heart attack is under 64, those symptoms can be especially scary for those of us in middle age.

    Staying busy helps

    Obviously, as an empty-nester, I live alone. Since my husband’s death, I’ve been fortunate to have friends who regularly invite me to do things. Because staying home alone too much is a recipe for depression and because decision-making is difficult right now, my policy has been to say yes to every invitation–whether I feel like it or not. This strategy is proving helpful for now.

    There are different grieving styles

    Intuitive grievers experience grief primarily through emotions. They are more likely to express their grief openly and process their grief by verbalizing and working through their feelings. Instrumental grievers tend to be more cognitive and task-oriented in their grief. They also feel deep sadness, but they are more inward in their grief and might focus on things like ways to adapt to their new normal or ways to memorialize or honor their loved one. Often, people are a blend of these two styles.

    Grief styles are universal, regardless of one’s stage in life, but because of the isolating nature of grief as an empty nester, it’s helpful to recognize that there’s no right or wrong way to grieve.

    Grief doesn’t always feel like grief

    The deep sadness I’m experiencing at the loss of my husband feels natural–almost like proof of the enormity of my loss. But the anxiety that accompanies it has been a surprise. In his book, A Grief Observed, C.S. Lewis writes,

    No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness…

    C.S. Lewis

    There’s a physical sense of unease that comes with grief, and this can be particularly hard to navigate in an empty nest–without the distraction of a house full of children and all their activities. I’ve found it helpful just knowing that anxiety is a normal manifestation of grief.

    Grief can co-exist alongside joy

    Our three grandsons are all under two years old. These babies are an absolute delight, bringing laughter and joy into my life every day. Not being able to share the joy of them alongside my husband is painful, but there is joy nonetheless. In fact, spending time with our children and grandchildren is a beautiful, bittersweet reminder of the life we created together.

    I’m seeing the fruits of my husband’s parenting

    In the months since my husband’s death, our children (who are all adults) have been there for me in a thousand ways– both emotional and practical. They check in with me, spend time with me, help with fix-it jobs around the house, and see to various details that I simply don’t feel equipped to handle right now. My children learned about compassion and hard work from their dad. They are their father’s children, and I’m grateful to see them living by his example. 

    Being widowed in midlife isn’t more painful than it is for people who are younger or older, but it does add a layer to grief that it’s helpful to acknowledge. It’s profoundly disorienting to be a widowed empty nester. I find that some days, I feel so unmoored that it’s hard to get my bearings.

    And yet, life goes on. How can it not? My husband devoted his life to me and to our family. I try to honor him every day by being grateful for the wonderful life we created and that continues in our children and grandchildren.

    More Great Reading:

    To The Widowed Moms: I See You

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    Laura Hanby Hudgens

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  • Raising Boys, Finding Men, and the Conversations I Waited Years to Have

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    A while back, I wrote about the trials and tribulations of being the mother of four boys and how I heard that there was a special place in heaven for such mothers. At that particular time in my life, I lived in the reality of ignored phone calls, avoided texts and general displeasure emanating from the pores of my sons when I asked questions or attempted a conversation which required a response possibly longer than a word or two.

    I have four sons and love our conversations…now. (Shutterstock PeopleImages)

    And remnants of that time linger as I prepare to send my fourth and final son to explore his new life in Los Angeles. He has an intense distaste towards anything uttered regarding what needs to be done prior to his departure, He becomes overwhelmingly exhausted when I mention the words “plan”, “organize”, “pack”, and worst of all “maybe you should get a haircut before you leave”. My support is no bother to him, my words, not so much.

    I have three fully grown men and a three-quarter boy-man in my life

    As the years have passed, however, I have come to realize that these traits may not necessarily be solely a gender issue but might also be an age and general personality issue and that it can and may morph into something quite nice given the right amount of time and energy invested, sprinkled with a dose of love and luck.

    You see, I now have four fully grown men in my life. And while the conversations and the word to time ratio still seem to fall squarely in their court (translation: it is usually on their timetable), I can proudly announce with glee that my boys not only like to talk to me in general but that they often, if not always, choose to talk to me in times of trouble.

    I have heard so many times in the last few years the following sentences: “I love talking to you”, You always give the best advice”; “You always make me feel better after we talk” and “I love that I can talk to you about anything. And you never judge and you never just say what you think I want to hear. You are honest, straightforward and the best source of advice and comfort.”

    I would still love to speak to my sons more often

    Mind you, these conversations are not a daily or weekly occurrence. And I would still love to speak to them more often since all four will be living out of town. However, hearing those words from the mouths of my “used-to-be” tight-lipped sons gives me a kind of pleasure that, ironically, I have no words to explain. Words would only make light of the feelings that “those words” bring.

    Not long ago, a quote was posted from the piece I wrote where I spoke of how boys answered most texts with one word, if that, and not a syllable more. Many people responded with their own version of the one word reply and found camaraderie and relief that they were not alone.

    While I did not read every response, I did read one by a woman with two young boys who expressed fear and dismay at the prospect of raising her boys with this to look forward to. I spent about 15 minutes drafting a reply to her, reassuring her that these were just generalizations and not absolute facts and that there were so many other wonderful things about being the mother of all boys. It was perfect, to the point and and on the money. And I don’t know how, but I pushed “delete” rather than “reply.”

    My reassuringly positive response was gone. And I thought, maybe this was not the time or place to respond. Fate had intervened. More likely, I was frustrated and annoyed at the incident and had to walk away before I threw my iPad across the room.

    Raising boys is not akin to a life sentence of one-word answers

    Well, this is for that woman as well as anyone else who took my words to mean that raising boys was akin to a life sentence of one-word answers and struggles to communicate:

    Yes, I do believe that boys in general may be less communicative than their female counterparts. And yes, being a mom to all boys may, at times, feel like you have been dropped into a foreign land where you do not necessarily understand the language, the behavior, or the way their minds work. But this is not necessarily true for all boys (nor is it necessarily untrue for some girls) nor is it guaranteed to last a lifetime. It also may simply be part of a person’s personality, be it male or female, and may last longer than anyone would like.

    I feel incredibly lucky to have the wonderful relationship with my boys that I now have. Don’t get me wrong; there are still those days when I cannot understand the how’s and why’s of their words and their actions. But that is life. That is the separation of a child from his or her parent and their spreading of their own wings to make their own choices and their own mistakes.

    Grown sons are the best!

    But, especially to that young woman who bemoaned the fact that she “only had boys”, please know that whether they speak freely from birth or they seem to use their words sparingly, whether it seems that they live to please you or to annoy you, they will likely turn out to be, in your eyes, the most special people to walk the face of this earth.

    They won’t be perfect, and they won’t always do “the right thing” (a topic for another day). But they will be a product of all of your love, caring and consideration and, most outstanding of all, they can be some of the best friends you will ever have. So, worry no more. While we may still get that special place in heaven, it might be more attributable to how our sons feel about us than how we felt about raising them.

    More Great Reading:

    6 Ways to Get Teen Boys to Open Up and Engage In Deeper Conversation

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    Jill Carlin Schrager

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  • Spartanburg, SC Kids Can Get Pampered At This Local Salon

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    by Shannon Pruitt
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    Is your child in need of a haircut? If you’re looking for a kid-friendly hair salon in Spartanburg, you’ll definitely want to check out The Jr. Salon in Duncan! Kidding Around writer Shannon took her daughter to visit the kids salon and is telling parents what they need to know.

    Hallelujah! Spartanburg has a kid-friendly hair salon! I managed to wait almost 4 years before I took my daughter for her first haircut (no judging allowed here). And I kept eyeing all the kids hair salons in Greenville but really wanted to find one closer to Spartanburg. A few weeks ago, I noticed “KIDS HAIR SALON” on a building in Duncan. I immediately went home and did some internet sleuthing and was overjoyed to find that they have great reviews. So I made an appointment with Erin, and I am delighted to share our experience with you.

    kids hair salon Duncan, SC, Spartanburg

    What The Jr. Salon Offers

    The Jr. Salon is designed for kids 12 years old and under. Everything from the décor to the kid-friendly salon chairs to the music is designed with kids in mind. Erin, my daughter’s hairstylist, specializes in cutting kid’s hair – and she was so good with my own daughter.

    In addition to haircuts, the salon also offers fun add-on’s that kids will love, like fairy hair and specialty braids. (I’m an adult, and even I want fairy hair.)

    kids hair salon Duncan, SC, Spartanburg

    A Kids’ Salon in Spartanburg

    I am a fan of all the upstate, but I am thrilled to have a local Spartanburg kid-friendly hair salon. The Jr. is in the same shopping center as Flavorshack if you need a good post-haircut lunch. Or…drive across the street to Scoops if you need to offer your child an after-the-haircut reward. (again – no judgment here!)

    kids hair salon Duncan, SC, Spartanburg
    kids hair salon Duncan, SC, Spartanburg

    Mom Review of The Jr. Salon in Duncan

    If your kid hates haircuts or you have a kid who needs some extra special attention to make a salon visit easier, then this is the place for you.

    I am so tickled to have a kid-friendly hair salon in Spartanburg. The staff was warm and friendly. The setting was bright and colorful. The prices are comparable to other salons made for kids. I could go on and on! Plus, my daughter loved the entire experience – from sitting in the pink car to getting a “big girl haircut”.

    Are you planning to check out The Jr. Salon with your child?

    Resources and services guide to the Upstate of South Carolina

    Shannon Pruitt

    About the Author

    Shannon moved to the Upstate after college, and other than a brief few years in Florida, has stayed. A former teacher, she is now the mom of one beautiful girl and works from home as a writer, web designer, and brand strategist. She believes tacos don’t have to be reserved for Tuesdays, shamelessly listens to crime podcasts, and fuels herself on a daily cup of coffee (or two). You can find her on Instagram @shannonroyalpruitt

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    Shannon Pruitt

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  • After 30 Years In Admissions, My Biggest Lesson Came from My Own Son

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    I spent the pandemic years as an Admissions Director at a large, urban community college. For nearly two years, we were fully remote and by most measures, we handled it well.

    My son tried college but failed in his efforts. When he told me he wanted to try again, how could I say no? (Shutterstock Gorodenkoff)

    We were nimble. We pivoted quickly to virtual classes, online advising, and endless Zoom meetings. When we finally looked back on that chapter, we felt a quiet sense of pride. We had guided thousands of students through one of the greatest crisis of modern times. We had survived.

    What we did not see coming was what followed.

    Everything changed during the pandemic

    High school had changed. Students had changed. Their expectations, their confidence, their energy and attitude for school all felt different. Everything we thought we knew about grit and resilience no longer applied. After the pandemic college was not a return to normal. It was something entirely new.

    During those years I was also the mom of a first-year college student. And while my professional transition to remote work felt manageable, my personal one did not. Classes were now held in his attic bedroom, and the group synergy and camaraderie of classmates had vanished. Isolation, fear of a global pandemic, and the uncertainty of what the future held were all very real detractors.

    My son checked out and failed every class

    Eventually, he checked out. He failed every class that spring.

    We tried again that summer. A tutor. A fresh start. Just one class. He failed that one too. And when fall registration rolled around, he sat me down and said what I had been quietly dreading. He needed some time off. He wanted to work for a while and see how it went.

    As an Admissions professional for 30 years and a college writing instructor for a decade, I knew this story. I knew that young people learn differently, mature at different rates, and develop an appreciation for learning at their own pace.

    It’s all so different when it’s your own kid

    But, this was my kid.

    I played it cool, but I was devastated. I knew that pressuring him or letting him know how upset I was was not the best move. I showed little emotion and encouraged his exploration, hoping one day soon he would experience a change of heart.

    It took three years, three jobs, conversations about learning a trade, two layoffs, and a stint with DoorDash before he came around. By then, he was out of the house, living with his slightly older, college-educated, high-achieving partner. For the first time, he was feeling the weight of not measuring up and the pressure of shouldering his share of the household finances. It was a simple, humble request, “So, Mom, if I were to go back to college, would you still help me pay for it?”

    When my son decided to return to college, I could not say no to helping him

    How could I say no?

    His partner was fully supportive and willing to carry the household finances while my son finally got serious about his education. This was a dream come true for any parent, but for me it was especially meaningful. I had spent my entire career in higher education, and my son had grown up on college campuses.

    He had been the adorable, well-behaved child mascot of the Admissions Office, present and very much involved in holiday parties, open houses, and homecomings. He had also spent more late afternoons in my office than I care to count. College was never some distant or unfamiliar concept in our house. It had always been part of his world. So when he said he was ready to go back, it felt like his story was finally looping back to where it all started.

    I offered my son an incentive to work hard in school

    My greatest worry was not academic. It was that past failures had not only soured his educational experience, but had served a significant blow to his confidence and self-esteem. I worried that college no longer felt like a place where he belonged, and that the letters and numbers on his transcript had now redefined his self-worth. I believed in him and knew there was a smart, capable college student behind that abysmal 1.8 GPA. So, I took a chance and made a bold offer. “If you take a full-time course load and get all A’s, I’ll give you $1,000.”

    As parents, we are almost never sure we are doing the right thing, using the right tools, or instituting the right reward or punishment system. Nevertheless, I took a shot and told myself that in the worst-case scenario, I would discover my son is not easily persuaded by money (not really a bad trait, to be honest).

    At the end of that first semester back, he made me pay up with five A’s. He followed that with two summer classes, both A’s, and a final, full semester to earn his A.S. degree. Sixteen credits. All A’s. He graduated with a 3.6 GPA and earned a full-tuition scholarship to my alma mater, my former workplace, and the very same college where he had spent so much of his childhood.

    My son succeeded in college

    One year later, he texted me, “I just did the math. If I get all A’s this semester and next, I’ll graduate summa cum laude.” I read the text out loud to my husband and asked, only half joking, “Who is this person?”

    I never had to offer him another dollar after that first deal, and I do not regret it for a second. It was never really about the grades. The money gave him a goal he would not have set for himself, because, at the time, he did not believe it was possible.

    Once he reached it, something shifted. He started to believe. He began to believe in himself, in his abilities, and in his intellect. He began to see himself as a college student. Someone who belonged. Someone who deserved to be there.

    And, sometimes, that’s all any of us ever really need.

    The author wishes to remain anonymous.

    More Great Reading:

    Nine Things a Parent Can Do When Their Teen Fails Out of College

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    Grown and Flown

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  • 15 Unique Festivals Near Upstate, South Carolina

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    You don’t have to drive far to find festivals that are weird, wonderful, and wildly memorable.

    Small towns across the Carolinas celebrate everything from grits and pimento cheese to Bigfoot, outhouses, and woolly worms. These festivals made the list because they lean hard into their quirks, local legends, and offbeat traditions. And they’re a three-hour drive or less from central Greenville, SC.

    If you’re craving a road trip that’s a little unexpected, here are 15 events worth circling on your calendar.

    Big Foot Fest family trip

    Note: Dates and locations subject to change. Before your visit, be sure to check the event website for details.

    Great Sapphire Outhouse Race

    February 7, 2026 | Sapphire Valley Resort |127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC

    Watch as teams compete for bragging rights and big laughs as they race homemade outhouses on skis. The Great Sapphire Outhouse Race is loud, ridiculous, and guaranteed fun, with live music and food keeping the crowd fired up all day. Proceeds from the event benefit the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley and local charities.

    Outhouse races in Sapphire Valley

    South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival

    March 14, 2026 | Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC

    Filled with food, music, and family fun, this laid-back event celebrates the South’s favorite snack. Guests can sample creative pimento cheese dishes from food trucks and restaurants, browse a craft fair, enjoy live music, and let kids play in free activity areas. The South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival wraps up by crowning the pimento cheese contest winners.

    World Grits Festival

    April 10 – 12, 2026 | 110 South Parler Avenue, St. George SC

    This grit-centered festival serves up a full carnival, arts and crafts, food booths, and live entertainment with plenty of small-town flair. The day is packed with crowd favorites like a parade, hula hoop contest, wheelbarrow race, corn toss, and a classic grits-eating contest. The can’t-miss moment is Rollin’ in the Grits, where contestants dive into a pool of grits and try to trap as much as possible in their clothes. Bragging rights go to whoever hauls out the heaviest load.

    Cheerwine Festival

    Mid-May 2026 | Downtown Salisbury, NC

    The Cheerwine Festival turns downtown into a lively street party filled with color, music, and that unmistakable cherry fizz. Local artisans and shops line the streets, food trucks dish out Cheerwine-inspired creations and Carolina classics, and live music keeps the energy rolling all day. Kids dive into free activities while adults sip local brews and Cheerwine specials, making it a true all-ages celebration.

    Lizard Man Stomp

    June 27, 2026 | Main Street, Bishopville, SC

    The Lizard Man Stomp is an annual hometown festival celebrating the local legend said to lurk in the nearby swamps of Scape Ore Swamp. The event blends small-town fun with spooky flair, featuring live music, vendors, food, contests, and family-friendly activities inspired by the mysterious creature. Locals and visitors gather to swap stories, show off costumes, and lean into the lore that put Bishopville on the cryptid map.

    Hillbilly Day

    July 4, 2026 | 120 Verner Mill Rd, Mountain Rest, SC

    Hillbilly Day is a lively celebration filled with bluegrass and fiddling, clogging, yodeling, and open, come-as-you-are performances. Kids and brave spectators take part in classic contests like greased pole climbing and the always-chaotic greased pig chase. Homemade barbecue, cakes, pies, and ice cream keeps everyone fueled all day.

    Hillbilly Day
    Hillbilly Day

    WNC Bigfoot Festival

    August 29, 2026 | Downtown Marion, NC

    The WNC Bigfoot Festival blends mountain fun with mystery, serving up food, games, contests, and talks that dig into the legend of Sasquatch. Guests can snack on Bigfoot-themed treats, wander vendor rows, hear from researchers, and test their lungs in the always-popular Bigfoot Calling Contest.

    Mayberry Days

    September 21-27, 2026 | Mount Airy, NC

    Mayberry Days is a celebration for folks who miss a slower pace of life, with checker games, bottles of pop, and music made famous on The Andy Griffith Show. The festival stretches from early concerts and a friendly golf tournament to pork chop sandwiches, sing-alongs, and a final hymn on Sunday morning. Fans of all ages gather from near and far to soak up the Mayberry spirit during a few easygoing days filled with music, memories, and simple fun.

    The Irmo Okra Strut

    September 2026 | Irmo, SC

    The Irmo Okra Strut is a high-energy festival packed with live music, dancing, and plenty of okra-centered fun. Enjoy live music, okra eating contests, kids’ activities, and a lively parade that fills the streets of Irmo with floats, music, and small-town pride.

    Upstate Renaissance Faire

    September 18 – 20, 2026 | Moore, SC

    The Upstate Renaissance Faire is a lively escape into a world of knights, fair maidens, fairies, and medieval adventure. Guests can watch sword fights, fire shows, parades, and Shakespearean performances, then try hands-on activities like archery, ax throwing, trinket trading, and historic craft demonstrations. Kids can enjoy fairy tea parties, petting zoos, crafts, and face painting, while adults feast on giant turkey legs and soak up the pageantry. Costumes encouraged.

    South Carolina Bigfoot Festival

    October 9 – October 10, 2026 | Westminster, SC

    The South Carolina Bigfoot Festival is a celebration of all things Sasquatch with live bands, food and craft vendors, kids’ activities, costume contests, and offbeat competitions like tree knocking, calling contests, and Bigfoot-themed eating challenges. Bigfoot researchers and speakers share stories, theories, and Q&A sessions throughout the day.

    Big Foot Fest
    Winner Big Foot Calling Contest
    Big Foot Calling Contest

    Fun fact: I won the Bigfoot Calling Contest in 2021! My tip for winning? Let go of all your self-consciousness and just go for it! The sillier the call, the better.

    Carolina Balloon Fest

    October 16 – October 18, 2026 | Statesville, NC

    Carolina Balloon Fest is one of the country’s longest-running hot air balloon festivals, filling the sky with color each October. Guests can watch balloon competitions, mass ascensions, and glowing balloons at night, then enjoy live music, local food, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

    Wooly Worm Festival

    October 17 – October 18, 2026 | Banner Elk, NC

    This longtime Banner Elk tradition brings the community together for a weekend of quirky fun. Crowds gather for woolly worm races, live entertainment, children’s activities, and rows of craft and food vendors. The big draw is the famous race that predicts the High Country winter, with bragging rights and a $1,000 cash prize on the line.

    NC Liver Mush Festival

    October 17, 2026 | Shelby, NC

    The NC Liver Mush Festival celebrates a beloved Western North Carolina tradition that’s been part of local culture for generations. Along with plenty of liver mush to sample, the festival features live music, kids’ activities, a pet-friendly zone, and more than 100 vendors.

    Migard at the Mill: A Viking Invasion

    November 7, 2026 | Hagood Mill Historic Site, Pickens, SC

    Brought to you by the same organizers as the Upstate Renaissance Faire, Migrad at the Mill is an immersive Viking-style faire with Nordic music, combat demonstrations, shield walls, archery, axe and spear throwing, blacksmithing, and crafts. Guests can feast together, browse vendor stalls, and talk all things Viking throughout the day. Campfires, fire dancers, and the dramatic burning of a Viking ship close out the celebration. On-site camping available for those who want to stay for the full experience.

    Viking invasion
    Vikings
    Fire dancers at Viking festival
    Best events of 2026

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    Christy Gordon

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  • Dog-Friendly Places to Eat & Drink in Greenville

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    Greenville is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the South, and there’s no better way to enjoy the beautiful weather than dining out with your furry friend by your side. If you’re on the hunt for dog-friendly restaurants in Greenville, you’re in luck! Whether you’re craving craft beer, a casual bite, or a fun night out, Greenville has plenty of places where your dog is more than welcome to join you.

    Dog swimming

    Restaurants with Dog-Friendly Outdoor Seating in Greenville, SC

    Mac’s Speed Shop
    930 South Main Street, Greenville
    A casual spot with a great selection of BBQ and comfort food, Mac’s Speed Shop offers outdoor seating where your dog can join you as you chow down on tasty bites.

    Paserelle Bistro
    601 South Main Street, Greenville
    This bistro offers outdoor seating where you and your dog can enjoy delicious French cuisine while soaking in the views of downtown Greenville.

    Universal Joint
    300 East Stone Avenue, Greenville
    A dog-friendly restaurant with a great outdoor patio, Universal Joint offers delicious food and drinks in a relaxed, pet-friendly environment.

    Eggs Up Grill
    Multiple Locations in the Upstate
    Eggs Up Grill is a local favorite for breakfast, and their outdoor seating makes it a great place to enjoy a meal with your dog.

    Willy Taco
    Multiple Locations in the Upstate
    Willy Taco’s dog-friendly outdoor seating makes it a perfect spot for enjoying tacos and margaritas with your dog in tow.

    Grill Marks
    209 South Main Street, Greenville
    Grill Marks offers a great outdoor patio where dogs are welcome, and it’s the perfect place to grab a burger and enjoy downtown Greenville.

    The Lazy Goat
    170 Riverplace, Greenville
    Located along the Reedy River in downtown Greenville, The Lazy Goat offers dog-friendly patio seating with stunning views of the water and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

    Gather GVL
    126 Augusta Street, Greenville
    Gather GVL is an outdoor food hall where you can enjoy a variety of food options from different vendors—all while your dog enjoys the open space around you. It’s a great spot to meet up with friends and their pups!

    The Nose Dive
    115 South Main Street, Greenville
    The Nose Dive, located in downtown Greenville, has some outdoor seating, making it a perfect little spot for you and your pup.

    Soby’s
    207 South Main Street, Greenville
    Also in downtown Greenville, Soby’s has an outdoor seating area and serves delicious food and great cocktails.

    Sassafras Southern Bistro
    103 North Main Street, Greenville
    Sassafrass Southern Bistro is in downtown Greenville and has some of the most delicious Southern food. You could take your dog and enjoy the fare on the covered outdoor patio.

    Mac’s Speed Shop
    930 South Main Street, Greenville
    Mac’s Speed Shop is in the West End near Fluor Field. It’s a restaurant and bar specializing in BBQ, burgers, wings, and beer. Enjoy your meal with your pup under their covered outdoor patio.

    Sidewall Pizza
    Multiple locations across the Upstate
    Sidewall Pizza is a local favorite, and most locations have an outdoor dining option where you can enjoy your pizza with your furry friend.

    Swamp Rabbit Cafe
    205 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville
    This perfect casual spot for you to enjoy a snack or lunch with your dog. Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery is a hybrid cafe and bakery with plenty of outdoor seating.

    The Commons
    147 Wellborn Street, Suite B1, Greenville
    The Commons is a family-friendly gathering spot and food hall with local businesses including restaurants. This is a great spot to take your pup and enjoy the outdoor patio.

    Dog-friendly restaurants Greenville, SC

    Dog-Friendly Breweries and Bars in Greenville

    Fire Forge Crafted Beer
    311 East Washington Street, Greenville
    Known for their relaxed vibe and craft beer selection, Fire Forge is the perfect place for dog owners looking to enjoy a beer in good company—your dog included.

    Liability Brewing Co.
    109 West Stone Avenue Suite D, Greenville
    Enjoy fresh, local brews while relaxing outside with your pup in this spacious brewery with dog-friendly outdoor seating. It’s a great place to unwind after a busy day!

    The Community Tap
    217 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville
    A local favorite, The Community Tap has a lovely outdoor space that’s perfect for dog owners who want to enjoy craft beer in the company of their four-legged friends.

    Grateful Brew
    501 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville
    Grateful Brew is a cozy coffee shop and beer garden with dog-friendly outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer while enjoying the company of your dog.

    What Ales You Pub
    105 New Plaza Drive, Unit C, Greenville
    With a dog-friendly outdoor seating area, What Ales You Pub offers great food, drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere for you and your dog to enjoy. They even have water bowls, treats, and toys for your pup!

    Yee-Haw Brewing Company
    307 East McBee Avenue, Suite C, Greenville
    Another brewery and taproom with outdoor seating perfect for you and your dog!

    Southernside Brewing Co.
    25 Delano Drive, Unit D, Greenville
    Southernside Brewing Co. is located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail and features a tasty menu, lots of beer on tap, and an incredible outdoor area that’s perfect for you to enjoy with your dog.

    Eating outside with dog Greenville, SC

    Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Greenville

    If you’re looking to venture just outside Greenville, there are plenty of dog-friendly spots in surrounding areas like Simpsonville, Travelers Rest, Greer, Taylors, and Spartanburg. Here are a few spots to check out:

    What other great dog-friendly restaurants in Greenville are there? Let us know!

    Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

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    Shannon Pruitt

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  • 5 Favorite Parks for Toddlers in Spartanburg, SC

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    Spartanburg has many great parks, but if you’re looking for playgrounds for toddlers and preschoolers, we can help you narrow down your options. Local mom, Sarah Burnett, put together this list of her favorite playgrounds to visit with kids ages 5 and under.

    Finding age-appropriate playgrounds is important, and when you’re new to parenting, it’s also a bit of a learning curve. You quickly realize that “kid-friendly” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for babies, toddlers, or even preschoolers.

    As I’ve taken my children to parks around Spartanburg County, I’ve found a few favorites that work best for kids during those early years, and I’m happy to share them for other parents in the same boat! Use your best discretion whether to allow your children on these playgrounds, and keep in mind that the official age recommendations for play equipment are usually posted onsite by the manufacturer.

    #1: Lyman Park in Lyman, SC

    Address: 81 Groce Road, Lyman, SC 29365

    The playground at Lyman Park tops my list for toddler-friendly parks by a mile! I have yet to find a better play area for kids under age 5 in Spartanburg County. There are very few heights, and even those are within reach of a parent’s outstretched arms.

    Some of the toddler-friendly features:

    • Artificial rubber surface, perfect for crawlers
    • Ramps and low stairs
    • Low-level climbing spaces
    • Baby and toddler slides
    • Rocking boat, merry-go-all, and accessible see-saw
    • Paved loop perfect for trikes and bikes
    • Swings for all ages and abilities

    Parents will appreciate the benches right next to the playground, plus a shaded picnic shelter nearby. And this park gets BIG bonus points for restrooms right next to the playground, too!

    The park is not fully fenced, but a greenspace and fence on one side do provide a bit of a barrier between the playground and the nearest road.

    Read our full review of Lyman Park.

    Toddler playground at Tyger River Park.

    #2: Tyger River Park in Duncan, SC

    Address: 179 Dillard Road, Duncan, SC 29334

    Tyger River Park in Duncan is one of Spartanburg County’s top parks for every age. It contains a sprawling recreation complex with a 2-mile paved walking trail around it, several ballfields used by local athletic leagues, and a splash pad during the summer. There are two major play areas divided by age level, but they are on opposite sides of a large tower, so parents should be prepared to supervise children in one area at a time.

    In the play area for younger kids, you’ll find:

    • Artificial grass turf
    • Slides and sensory stations
    • Walk-through play house
    • Large sand box with sunshade
    • See-saw with horses
    • Standard and baby swings

    There are a few shaded benches around the play equipment, and bathrooms available back towards the main entrance to the park. This is a very popular meetup spot for playdates, too, so it’s a great spot to look for new friends—for both kids and parents!

    A fence wraps around the larger complex with open entrances on either side.

    Read our full review of Tyger River Park.

    Playground at North Spartanburg Park.

    #3: North Spartanburg Park in Boiling Springs, SC

    Address: 1160 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316

    North Spartanburg Park in Boiling Springs is home to Miracle Park, a small recreation area designed specifically for the Spartanburg Miracle League. With its thoughtful design, their playground might just be more accessible and inclusive than any other in Spartanburg County. You’ll find one large play structure there, with the lower level being appropriate for littler family members and the higher level best for bigger siblings.

    Reasons we love this one for our toddlers:

    • Artificial rubber surface
    • Ramps and low-level climbing features
    • Paved loop for trikes, bikes, and chalk
    • Standard, baby, and accessible swings

    It also stands out for the mature shade trees hugging the playground, keeping it cool when most other playgrounds get too hot in the summers. You’ll find benches for parents, a picnic shelter not far away, and restrooms on the other side of the accessible ballfield.

    This park also gets BIG bonus points for excellent visibility and for being fully fenced with only one gate that parents can close behind them.

    Read our full review of North Spartanburg Park.

    Cleveland Park in Spartanburg

    #4: Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC

    Address: 141 North Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303

    Cleveland Park in the City of Spartanburg, SC features a gorgeous bird pond with a scenic gazebo at its center, and just down the hill, you’ll find the most unique playground in all of Spartanburg County. If your little ones have older siblings who are tired of the traditional play equipment, this park will be a winner. You’ll find two play areas side by side—the Grand Adventure Playground for bigger kids and the Tot Lot for your littlest family members.

    The Tot Lot offers many great ways to play:

    • Artificial rubber surface
    • Ramps and low stairs
    • Tunnels and hidey holes
    • Picture scenes with face cutouts
    • Stage for pretend performances
    • Pretend market and car structures
    • Baby and accessible swings

    There are a few places for parents to sit, but with all the hiding spots, this is one where you’ll have to keep moving to keep an eye on your kids! There is also a very small creek running through the play area, and while separated from the Tot Lot by a low wall, it could be a hazard for little ones exploring the larger area.

    The larger play area is fenced with three entrances, generally left open, and restrooms in the nearby facility building. The best time to visit this park is in the early mornings, and I do recommend visiting with multiple adults for adequate supervision and safety.

    Read our full review of Cleveland Park.

    Panthers Play 60 Course at Rail Yard Community Park in Spartanburg, SC.

    #5: Rail Yard Community Park in Spartanburg, SC

    Address: 353 Forest Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29302

    Conveniently located around the halfway point of the 2-mile Mary Black Rail Trail, Rail Yard Community Park is home to the Panthers Play 60 Course. This is just one in a series of unique playspaces designed to promote physical activity in America’s youth. It’s an especially great place for the entire family to get out and active together, as all the obstacles can be enjoyed at any skill level.

    What makes it great for little ones:

    • Artificial grass turf
    • Angled walls for ninja jumps
    • Balance platforms at varying heights
    • 40-yard dash for races with parents or siblings
    • Variety of climbing features and other obstacles
    • Mary Black Rail Trail for family walks

    Parents will want to note that there are NOT restrooms at this park, so “go” before you go! There is a covered picnic shelter right next to the play area, along with a couple benches out in the sun. This park is not fenced, but is separated from the nearest road by a greenspace.

    Find out more about Rail Yard Community Park.

    Two playgrounds at Anchor Park on Lake Bowen.

    Other Parks to Visit with Toddlers

    Several other parks in Spartanburg County offer side-by-side play structures for big kids and younger siblings, but their age appropriateness varies. We’ve visited several that we’ve enjoyed, so I’ll share a few more that you may want to put on your list to check out:

    It’s so much fun getting to know all of Spartanburg’s different parks! One of our family’s favorite things to do is play “park roulette” with the Ultimate Guide to Spartanburg Parks: Every time you visit that guide, a new park will pop to the top of the list, and we go check it out if it’s one we haven’t visited.

    I recommend finding a friend to go to any new parks with you, as you may not want to visit an unfamiliar place alone with your kids. I’ve also told my kids that sometimes we’re just going to “drive by” a park to check it out, and then only get them out of the car if I feel comfortable with both the neighborhood and the play equipment.

    Keep a close eye on your kids out there, and have as much fun as you can find!

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    Sarah Burnett

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  • Check out Spartanburg County Library’s Digital Content

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    Can’t go to the library but need something new to read, watch or listen? The Spartanburg County Library System has a large offering of digital content. You can borrow e-books, audiobooks, movies, and more right from your computer, phone or tablet. Find out about the apps the library uses and what you can borrow using them.

    I live about a mile from my closest public library. Because it’s on the way to and from my son’s school, I pop in there regularly to grab books for my kids and to pick up titles I’ve reserved for myself. It’s convenient, quick, and accessible. However, not too long ago, a friend recommended giving the libraries’ e-books a shot. (I was going on a trip and did not want to lug books around.) I was hooked!

    I am one of those people who likes to have a book with me at all times—just in case a moment of quiet mysteriously appears. Yet, in my mad dash to get out the door, I often forget my book. Cue the e-books. If you share my need for an easy on-the-go book option, want to downsize on the number of hard copies of movies, books, magazines, and music you have in your home, and/or just want to broaden your horizons with free resources, Spartanburg County Libraries’ various Downloadables deserve your attention.

    Across several platforms or apps, you can read e-books, comics, and magazines; watch music videos, TV, and movies; and listen to audiobooks and music. While each platform is different, there are a few things they have in common. To access most of them, you have to have an active library account and, on several, you need to create separate accounts on each of the platforms.

    Just like any item you check out from the library, many items have a set loan period. When the loan period is up, you can no longer access the item you checked out without checking it out again. In some instances, an item will already be on loan, and you’ll need to place a hold on it and wait, much like you would any item found in the stacks at the library. Each of the platforms is web-accessible, or you can usually download the app for your Apple, Android, and Kindle devices.

    Apps for Digital Library Access

    While these apps won’t give you access to
    every single title under the sun, they will give you (or your child) plenty!
    Here’s a quick description of what you might like (or love) about each app.

    Freegal Music

    What you can access: Music and Music Videos.
    What’s to love:

    • Freegal offers more than 15 million songs across 200 genres!
    • It’s a fun app for exploring new music via their various recommendations and playlists.
    • Their Featured Playlists showcase some seasonal tracks, such as a playlist of poems for National Poetry Month or songs about or by Irish singers for St. Patrick’s Day.
    • You can download five MP3 songs a week—and keep them forever.

    Hoopla

    What you can access: Ebooks, Audiobooks, Comics, Music, Movies, and TV shows.
    What’s to love:

    • This app is a workhorse and offers a lot!
    • Looking for items for a child? There is a “Kids” option you can check, which then allows the app to only show you kid-friendly material.
    • You can also edit your recommendation settings. Do you like hip-hop music and books about gardening? Then simply click on those subjects and the app will recommend items for you.
    • Have someone obsessed with Frozen in your household? You can download the Frozen II soundtrack and read a few Frozen II read-along books. We also love Mo Willems in our house and there are several Mo Willems audiobooks and movies (including a few biographies about Willems himself).
    • Need a quick TV show to help your kiddo avoid a meltdown as you check out at the grocery? (We’ve all been there!) Paw Patrol. Daniel Tiger. Magic School Bus. Shimmer and Shine. Hoopla has many of your child’s favorites.

    Kanopy

    What you can access: Movies
    What’s to love:

    • You can stream movies on several types of devices: Apple, Android, Roku, and Chromecast.
    • There is unlimited viewing on Kanopy Kids, which also includes parental controls.
    • If you’re browsing movies in Kanopy, they’re presented in really unique categories like “Oscar Winners and Nominees,” “Best Films of the 2010s,” and “Feel-Good Movies.”

    OverDrive

    What you can access: Ebooks & Audiobooks
    What’s to love:

    • OverDrive was my first true love in regard to the library’s download services. It’s easy to use and has plenty of popular titles. I’ve found books that were read in my book club, such as The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty, The Library Book by Susan Orlean, and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Richardson, to name a few.
    • Spartanburg County Libraries offer an OverDrive Kids eReading Room and a Teens eReading Room, making it easy for your kids to find something that interests them. They also have plenty of popular kids’ titles! My 5-year-old son will be jazzed to learn he can access more Pete the Cat books from the comfort of home.

    TumbleBooks

    What you can access: Animated & Talking Storybooks, Chapter Books, & Graphic Novels
    What’s to love:

    • If your family is multi-lingual or someone is learning French or Spanish, there is an array of titles available.
    • This site includes some of our family’s favorites, like Geronimo Stilton, Lego Ninjago, and Duck! Rabbit!, and Good Night, Good Night Construction Site.
    • Feeling overwhelmed by their selection? Check out their daily picks: Story Book of the Day, Read-Along of the Day, E-Book of the Day, Graphic Novel of the Day, Non-Fiction of the Day, and Video of the Day.

    TumbleMath

    What you can access: Math picture books and a Quiz Portal
    What’s to love:

    • Whether you’re homeschooling or the young people in your life just like math, this site features picture books with topics that span more than a dozen basic math principles.
    • The site also includes lesson plans and quizzes.
    • Guides tell you how to best use the site for home use or school use.

    Teen BookCloud and The Palace Project

    • While we haven’t tested these latest app additions, they seem to be additional great resources.
    • According to the library website, Teen BookCloud offers graphic novels, enhanced novels, eBooks, classic literature, National Geographic videos, educator resources, and audiobooks for grades 7-12, and the Palace Project is an easy-to-use e-reader app.

    I am regularly impressed by public libraries, and these services really solidify this opinion. While the tangible feel of a book in your hands is difficult to replicate, digital media comes with benefits that a book can’t beat!

    Want a deeper, more detailed look at Spartanburg County Library? Read Kidding Around’s Guide to Spartanburg County Libraries.

    Which of these Downloadable services do you use? Which one will you check out?

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    India Menon

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  • Where You Can Buy Fresh Bread and Bread Ingredients near Greenville, SC

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    Are you looking for fresh local bread near Greenville, SC? Grocery store shelves are not the only place to look. There are many local bakeries that bake and sell fresh bread in the Greenville and Spartanburg area. We pulled together this list of local bakeries with bread. Let us know which is your favorite!

    Places to Buy Fresh Bread Near Greenville, SC

    Great Harvest Bread

    My all-time favorite Great Harvest Bread is the blueberry cream cheese bread. It’s basically a dessert breakfast disguised as a slice of bread. But I’m ok with that. In addition to their delicious specialty breads, though, Great Harvest Bread also offers sourdough loaves, various whole wheat loaves and a lot more.

    Great Harvest Bread is also where I got my sourdough starter. That means you can make your own sourdough bread at home. Just give them a call to see if they have some sourdough starter to share.

    1467 Woodruff Rd., Unit B, Greenville
    864.286.6944

    The Willow Whole Health Market

    Breads, rolls, and pastries are just some of the things you’ll find at The Willow Whole Health Market. They use high-quality, organic ingredients. The bread is delivered every Tuesday before 5 pm. While you are there, you can browse other local ingredients you might need. We love grabbing the Southern Oaks fresh butter to go with our sourdough bread!

    2339 Locust Hill Road, Greer, SC
    864.801.3020

    Groceries at The WIllow

    Skyland Farms

    Skyland Farm sells a variety of local items, including produce, meats, dairy, and bread! You can find Henhouse Bakery items at Skyland, as well as Southers Oaks dairy products. That means you can get your local bread and milk in one stop.

    4124 North Highway 14
    Greer, SC 29651
    864.616.0050

    Le Petit Croissant

    In addition to delicious chocolate and pastries, you can get French baguettes, sourdough loaves, and white bread loaves at Le Petit Croissant. You can order online and pick up at the bakery or stop in. Right now, they are open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.

    640 South Main Street, Greenville
    864.520.1555

    Panera Bread

    Everyone knows Panera Bread for their cafe and bakery offerings. They also offer full-size loaves of bread for sale. You can get everything from their asiago cheese bread, to cinnamon raisin bread, to a sourdough loaf or classic white. They have also recently rolled out Panera Grocery. Note that not all the breads available are listed under the grocery tab. Scroll to the bottom of the bakery tab and you might find more options.

    Multiple locations

    Strossner’s Bakery, Cafe and Deli

    You’ll find a wide array of bread varieties at Strossner’s Bakery, plus all of their delicious cakes, cookies, treats and cafe food.

    21 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville
    864.233.3996

    Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery

    In addition to their famous house-made stecca bread, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery carries bread from several local bakeries in their store. Order online and pick up curbside or shop in the grocery portion of the building.

    205 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville
    864.255.3385

    Where is your favorite place to pick up a fresh loaf of bread?

    Local Produce in Greenville, SC.
    buy local meat near Greenville, SC

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    Maria Bassett

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  • Dog-Friendly Guide to the Upstate

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    Woof! Got a favorite Fido in your life? Bookmark this article! This guest post from realtor Dan Hamilton highlights all of his team’s favorite dog-friendly hangouts in the Upstate. This guide gives you the lowdown on the best neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, parks, and doggie daycares and boarding for your favorite four-legged friend.

    From Great Danes to Dachshunds, one look around Downtown Greenville will tell you Greenville is crazy for dogs! We love taking our furry friends with us wherever we go. Whether you’re a new pet owner or just new to the area, you’ll want to take advantage of this pet-friendly guide to the Upstate. 

    Dog-Friendly Restaurants near Greenville, SC

    Do you hate leaving your beloved pup behind when going out with friends or running errands? Thanks to Greenville’s pet-friendly community, you don’t have to! Here are a couple of our favorite social spots that welcome our furry friends: 

    Hamilton & Co. Team Favorite: Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery

    Located just north of Downtown Greenville along the famous 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery is the perfect post-walk stop. Shop artisan goods and quality produce, and don’t forget to wrap your trip up with a sandwich or scone from the bakery! Swamp Rabbit Cafe’s mission is to “buy, sell and cook with fresh, local food to support a sustainable food system and provide a community space where people come together to celebrate meals.” They accomplish this not only with their store and cafe but also with their events, catering, and flea markets. At Swamp Rabbit, “community” includes dogs, too! The majority of the space caters heavily to your furry friend, including dog-friendly outdoor seating, water bowls, and an outdoor food line your dog can walk through with you.  

    The Commons 

    Another prime stop along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, The Commons has a little something for everyone. The Commons was designed as a pedestrian and family-friendly gathering space in Greenville’s brand new Unity Park opening this spring! The food hall hosts a variety of businesses including Golden Brown & Delicious, Automatic Taco, Community Tap, and more. There are outdoor tables surrounding The Commons, many with umbrellas, that you can sit at with your pup. Be sure to bring a friend along to go inside and get your food though! 

    Hamilton & Co. Team Favorite: Grateful Brew

    Grateful Brew is the “best of both worlds, specializing in artisan Counter Culture coffee and craft beer. Located on South Pleasantburg Drive across from Greenville Technical College, the cozy cafe is dog-friendly indoors and out (leashed dogs only please). In fact, the employees claim that many of their best customers have four legs! Water bowls and treats are provided around the shop. Seating includes covered tables outdoors as well as bar and table seating indoors. Most evenings you will find a local food truck parked outside Grateful Brew, or you can walk across the street to Pita House for authentic and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. 

    Dog-friendly restaurants in greenville, sc

    Shop ‘til you drop – with your pup! Many Greenville businesses welcome four-legged customers, and even more specialize in pampering them. We’ve included a few local favorites here: 

    The Barkery Bistro

    Looking for an upscale spa experience for your furry BFF? The Barkery Bistro on Augusta Road has you covered! Drop your pup off for a nail trim or cut and shop for all your pet needs in the shop’s boutique and dog-safe bakery. This family-owned business will even help you plan a birthday party for your pup! 

    Mast General Store

    A classic Main Street Greenville shopping experience, Mast General Store sells a variety of clothes, outdoor gear, candy, dog merchandise, and more. Leashed dogs are not only welcomed but encouraged to come in and shop with their families. 

    Pet Wants GVL 

    Pet Wants GVL is your one-stop-shop for high-quality, fresh dog food. Located on Woodruff Road near the Spaulding Farm community, Pet Wants GVL’s specially formulated small-batch pet food is full of natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. If stopping by the shop isn’t convenient, owners Bree and Simon offer home delivery! 

    Parks

    Bringing our dogs along with us to dinner may be fun, but eventually, they need to stretch their legs and run! Thankfully, Greenville has tons of beautiful dog parks for you to choose from. 

    Hamilton & Co. Team Favorite:  Conestee Dog Park 

    Conestee Dog Park in Mauldin is part of a much larger recreational complex including 5 baseball fields, playgrounds, and a Nature Preserve complete with miles of trails for on-leash dog walks. The Dog Park itself is broken into two open spaces, one for small dogs and another for big dogs. Watering stations shaded sitting areas, and rounded fence corners create a relaxing and engaging experience for you and your pup. 

    Pelham Mill Dog Park

    Pelham Mill Dog Park, located just off Highway 14 and Pelham Road near the Sugar Creek Community, is the ideal space to let your dogs run wild! This no-fee dog park features fenced-in, off-leash runs for small and large dogs. Dogs are welcome in the rest of the Pelham Mill Park as long as they stay on a leash. With its proximity to I-85, this park makes an ideal stop if you are passing through Greenville and your pup needs a break from the car. 

    Dog Daycares and Boarding

    We all love our pets, but let’s face it, sometimes we need a break! Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled daycare program or an overnight boarding service, Greenville has the business for you. 

    Hamilton & Co. Team Favorite: Pet Paradise Greenville 

    Pet Paradise provides a safe, clean, and fun experience for your pup. Located on Congaree Road, the premiere daycare center offers a variety of services including boarding, day camp, veterinary care, grooming, and more. Pet Paradise prioritizes your furry friend’s comfort with climate-controlled indoor and outdoor suites, raised dog beds, and spacious outdoor play areas. Not to leave out their human friends, Pet Paradise has webcams installed in their facilities so you can look in on the fun! 

    Camp Bow Wow

    Camp Bow Wow “unleashes the fun” with their interactive pet services. Camp Bow Wow offers grooming and boarding as well as a variety of training services for dogs of all ages and behavioral needs. Safety is Camp Bow Wow’s priority; all their counselors are CPR and pet first aid certified and their play yards are climate controlled. They also offer unique perks like all-inclusive pricing and live webcams to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as your pup’s. Camp Bow Wow is located on Airport Road just past the Haywood Mall.

    Astro Kennels

    Astro Kennels is a full service boarding, training, grooming, and pet supply facility with two locations in the Upstate, one on Scuffletown Road in Five Forks and another on Old Mill Road in Simpsonville. In addition to your basic pet needs, Astro Kennels offers a range of speciality services including Wilderness Adventures, Dock Diving, and children’s camps. Astro Kennels is also an amazing resource for service dogs in the area. 

    Best Neighborhoods Near Greenville for Dogs

    For those new to Greenville or looking for a change of scenery, there are some amazing communities all over the Upstate that prioritize green spaces and trails perfect for your pup. 

    Hollingsworth Park

    Hollingsworth Park is a sprawling community located between Verdae Boulevard and Woodruff Road. Upon completion, the community will have more than 900 homes and feature everything from apartments and townhomes to luxury homes and retirement living within its 10 neighborhoods. In addition to numerous neighborhood-specific amenities, the community’s major draw is Legacy Park, a 20-acre park with multiple water features, walking and biking paths, playgrounds, and more.

    Just across the street from Legacy Park you’ll find Stella’s Southern Brasserie, a charming restaurant with a European flair. After a long walk in Legacy Park, your furry friend will love relaxing at one of Stella’s outdoor tables while you enjoy a bite. Legacy Park and the neighborhoods surrounding it are great for walking your dog, but keep in mind your dog must remain on-leash at all times in the park.

    Hartness

    Hartness is another beautiful Greenville community located just off Pelham on Highway 14 and minutes away from I-85. Don’t let the convenient location fool you; Hartness feels like a quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of the world. The custom-home community is divided into neighborhoods called Enclaves and features a variety of custom architectural designs. Townhome, cottage, or estate— Hartness has the home designed to fit your needs! Your dog will want to get lost in the 444-acre Nature Preserve, complete with 15 miles of walking trails and countless ponds and streams. Upon completion, the Hartness Community will feature luxurious amenities including sprawling green spaces, a spa, a Sports Garden, shopping and dining, a dog park, and more.

    Sugar Creek

    Finally, Sugar Creek Subdivision is an established community built up of over 800 homes divided into three neighborhoods, each with its own pool, tennis court, and clubhouse. The community is located in Greer but is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Greenville. This neighborhoods’ established landscape, water features, green spaces, and general walkability make it an excellent choice for dog owners. Ashley, a member of the Hamilton & Co. team, takes her dog Ada walking through Sugar Creek regularly and Ada loves stopping to look for turtles at the pond (pictured). If you are looking for a bigger off-leash park space, East Riverside Park is only 5 minutes away. 

    We’ve highlighted three popular neighborhoods ideal for dogs, but there are plenty of others across the Upstate. If you are looking for a townhouse or single-family home and want to prioritize your pet’s needs, Hamilton & Company can help you find the perfect place! The highest-rated real estate team in the Upstate, Hamilton & Co. team has the experience and passion needed to help you find the perfect home for you and your furry friends. Fill out our Buyer’s Interest Form today if you’re considering a move; we’d love to hear from you and see if we’d be a good fit! 

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    Dan Hamilton

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  • Herbal Steam Remedy for Cold in Kids: Safe Method & Ingredients

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    As the seasons shift, sniffles and coughs seem to tag along in kids, don’t they? Seasonal colds, cough, blocked nose, and chest congestion are common problems for both children and adults, especially during weather changes. Instead of immediately turning to medications, many families prefer natural home remedies that are simple, effective, and time-tested. Check this blog for one such traditional remedy for cold, Herbal Steam Remedy for Cold in Kids: Safe Method & Ingredients here! This aromatic spice potli for steam inhalation helps open nasal passages, loosen mucus, and provide soothing relief from cold and sinus discomfort. Made using spices with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, this remedy for cold is easy to prepare, very effective and safe when used correctly.

    The Power of Spices Used in this remedy for cold

    1. Cinnamon (Dalchini)
    • Cinnamon has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Reduce nasal and chest congestion
    • Improve airflow by warming the respiratory passages
    • Soothe throat irritation caused by cold and cough
    • Its pleasant aroma also helps in relieving headache and heaviness associated with sinus blockage.
    1. Bay Leaf (Tej Patta)
    • Bay leaf contains natural compounds that support respiratory comfort.
    • Helps clear blocked sinuses
    • Reduces mucus buildup
    • Provides mild antimicrobial support
    • Bay leaf steam is especially helpful during seasonal allergies and weather changes.
    1. Clove (Lavangam)
    • Clove is well known for its strong antimicrobial and analgesic properties.
    • Helps fight germs causing cold and cough
    • Soothes throat irritation
    • Provides relief from sinus pressure and headache
    • Clove also helps in easing breathing discomfort naturally.
    1. Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
    • Ajwain is one of the most effective kitchen remedies for respiratory issues.
    • Opens blocked nasal passages
    • Loosens thick mucus
    • Helps relieve chest congestion and wheezing
    • Ajwain has warming properties, making it especially beneficial during cold weather.

    Herbal Steam Remedy for Cold in Kids: Safe Method & Ingredients

    Moms! Check this blog for best traditional remedy for cold, Herbal Steam Remedy for Cold in Kids: Safe Method & Ingredients here!

    Ingredients

    • Clean cotton cloth or muslin cloth
    • Cinnamon sticks
    • Bay leaves
    • Cloves
    • Ajwain (carom seeds)
    • Water

    Method

    • Take a clean cotton or muslin cloth. Add cinnamon, bay leaves, cloves, and ajwain into the center of the cloth.
      Gather the edges of the cloth and tie it tightly to form a small potli (bundle). Heat water in a deep vessel.
    • Once the water starts boiling, add the prepared spice potli to it.
    • Allow the potli to boil for 5–7 minutes so the spices release their aroma and medicinal properties into the water (simmer gently).
    • Switch off the flame. Carefully make the kid inhale the steam by covering his/her head with a towel and let the kid breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes, maintaining a safe distance.
    • Wipe face gently and avoid exposure to cold air or fans for at least 20–30 minutes after steaming.
    Moms! Check this blog for best traditional remedy for cold, Herbal Steam Remedy for Cold in Kids: Safe Method & Ingredients here!

    This cinnamon, bay leaf, clove, and ajwain steam potli is a natural remedy for cold that’s been a staple in many households for generations. The aromatic spices work wonders in easing congestion, soothing sore throats, and making breathing easier – making it a go-to remedy for cold relief. Plus, it’s easy to prepare with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen!

    Give this ancient remedy a try the next time your little one (above 6 years) is struggling with a cold and see the difference for yourself. This simple yet effective remedy for cold can be a gamechanger on those pesky sick days. Make it a part of your natural health toolkit and breathe easy knowing you’ve got a trusted remedy for cold at your fingertips.


    When used safely and correctly, this aromatic steam therapy can be a helpful addition to your family’s wellness routine, especially during weather changes. While it does not replace medical treatment, it serves as a supportive home remedy to ease breathing and promote respiratory comfort naturally.

    According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) guidelines, steam inhalation is not recommended for babies under 6 years old due to the risk of burns and scalding. For infants, it’s best to consult a pediatrician before attempting steam inhalation or any other home remedy.

    Instead, consider safer alternatives like using a humidifier, maintaining proper hydration, and employing saline nasal drops to relieve congestion.

    Click here for some interesting home remedies to safely manage your baby’s congestion, cold and cough (6-months plus).

    List of Cold-Busting Recipes & Food Ideas for Babies & Kids: Diet Fixes to Ease Symptoms

    Aamla Rasam For Cough and Cold

    Besan Sheera for Cough And Cold in Babies and Kids

    karpooravalli/ ajwain leaves rasam for cold and phlegm

    Throat Comfort: Simple & Effective Tea for Cough and Cold Relief

    Garlic Milk Cough and Cold Remedy for Toddlers

    40 Best Foods for Cough and Cold in Kids

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is this steam potli safe for kids?

    Yes, it is suitable for babies above 6 years but ensure kids are supervised and the steam isn’t too hot.

    How often can I use this steam potli?

    1-2 times a day, or as needed for congestion relief.

    Can I reuse the spice potli?

    Best is to make fresh batches everyday.

    Can I add other spices to the potli?

    Yes, try adding eucalyptus leaves or peppermint or beetle leaves for extra relief.

    Is this remedy good for asthma?

    It can help ease congestion, but consult your doctor if you have asthma.

     

    Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !

    Shop now!
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  • The Ache of Parenting a Troubled Teen Who Is Worth Fighting For

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    Dove gray, damp and dull, the sky seems directly connected to my emotions on a dreary Sunday morning. I open a window desperately gasping for a breath of fresh air, but I am met with the musty scent of the screen instead.

    Toddler, Teenager, it doesn’t matter. When your child isn’t happy it breaks your heart. (Shutterstock AnnaStills)

    Do people clean these? If so, it’s just one more thing that’s been neglected in the house. Like changing the sheets, sweeping underneath the refrigerator or getting a repairman for the dishwasher. The laundry is piled high, there’s a chip in my favorite tea mug-the one with a pug on it, and the kitchen sponge needs to be replaced.

    Everything is my fault

    I should have taken care of all of these things. It’s my fault I can’t breathe. I didn’t clean the screen.

    I feel as if everything is my fault.

    A good friend told me that when a household is constantly in crisis, the actual house becomes impossible to upkeep. She’s not just a good friend, but an upstanding person, with a good job who has clients and attends meetings. She’s a real adult, and her words comfort me.

    I don’t feel like a real adult, more like a shell of an adult, faking it by applying concealer to the bags under my eyes-applying it to the cracks in my life. My friend’s words make me feel vaguely validated, but not better. My home is a metaphor for my life. I crave a tidy, organized home, but I have other things to tend to. Other things to clean up.

    My son is here with me, but feels far away

    My son is inches away from me, but the space between us feels sweeping. Nothing has prepared me for this cool emptiness. My heart actually physically hurts. I want to lunge towards him, smell his fruity breath, tousle his pale pink dyed hair, touch his soft cheek.

    He stands in baggy 90’s style pants, a black Lowertown concert T-shirt and a Kelly green crossbody bag. His fingernails are chipped with black polish. My ex-husband waits in the car outside, not wanting to deal with the aftermath of yet another eruption.

    I try desperately to search my son’s face for some sort of apology, remnants of remorse, but there’s nothing. I can see glimpses of residual babyhood in his pink cheeks, around his bright blue anime eyes. He has the finest poker face.

    He wants to know if I took his rolling papers. His voice is soft but impassive. My son is resourceful, he will use old gum wrappers, corn husks, or a page ripped out of the back of a Bible. He avoids receipt paper. The ink is opaque and burns too quickly.

    I clean up the mess after my son’s eruption

    I clean up the broken glass pieces of his shattered bong, along with the scattered bits of picture frames, carefully stacking the now homeless photos into a neat pile. I remember when I took them. It was early October, the weather still warm, as if Autumn refused to let go of Summer. We had gone to a petting zoo.

    I snapped pictures as my son let the goats lick feed from his small hands. He was still enough for me to capture a picture of him with the sun shining in his face, eyes squinting, mouth agape. He looked so endearing. He was so lovable. He is still lovable,

    It’s one of my favorite photos.

    My mother tells me to change the locks

    “You should change the locks,” my mother says. I want to reach through the phone and shake her. She will tell my sister about this one. She always tells her when broken glass is involved. I feel so vulnerable.

    There’s an internal dialogue in my brain-two voices, one cruel and harsh, telling me I am failing my child, another more soothing and empathetic. You’re doing the best you can with the tools and resources you have.

    Remember when we bought him that gift and she forgot to make him say thank you? She was too lenient. This is why he’s like this.

    It’s my fault. Everything feels like my fault.

    I can feel the judgment in my bones. It’s like I’m caught up in a riptide and I’m exhausting myself trying to swim out. They say you shouldn’t fight a riptide, it could make things worse. Instead, let it carry you until its ferocity wanes. I want to be carried.

    That my son is sweet, smart, brave, and worth fighting for

    Once, we stayed at a refined hotel for a night. There was a ridiculously expensive gelato bar by the pool. My son insisted on using all his tooth fairy money to buy his brother a cone.

    I want to share this story with my family. I want to convince them that things are not always what they seem. That my son is sweet, kind to animals, a snappy dresser, smart, brave, and worth fighting for.

    If you walked in my shoes your ankles would break. Everything feels so heavy and hard.

    At Walmart a toddler was having a meltdown. I could see the mother’s patience thinning, lips pursed, face red as she carried this kicking screaming child past people straining their necks to view the commotion.

    I know how you feel! I know exactly how you feel!

    When you’re kid isn’t happy it’s heartbreaking

    Toddler. Teenagers. It doesn’t matter. The view is the same. When your kid isn’t happy it breaks your heart. You try to do everything you can. Therapy. IOP’s. Zoloft. A Med card. But anyone who understands mental health knows there is no magic pill. No perfect prescription.

    My son walks down the stairs to the front door. His footfalls are softer than usual. There is a pause before I hear the storm door open. Not a long pause, but definitely a pause.

    A moment of hesitation and hope. My heart flip flops. Then he’s gone.

    This will carry me. I find slices of hope in the chaos. In the pain. I will wait until my boy returns home. Returns to me.

    More Great Reading:

    You Can Be A Good Parent And Have A Troubled Kid

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    Claudia Caramiello

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  • Dartmouth Professor: ‘Making, Keeping, and Losing Friends’ at College

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    A few weeks ago, “Tom,” a first-year student in the community where I am House Professor at Dartmouth College, stopped by my office to talk about his friendships. He felt anxious that other people had a “more solid group” than he did.

    Tom described it as “confusing” that although he made “many, many friends,” he “often [doesn’t] know who to spend my time with.” Tom also felt like it was harder to make friends now than it was when he first arrived.

    Friendship is central to college life. (Shutterstock alvan.ph)

    Tom is not alone in his preoccupation with friendship. Millions of new students arrived on college campuses this fall. While politics, tuition, and AI on college campuses dominate the news, friendship is also central to college life. If you know a college student or think back to your own experiences in college, you understand that friendship is likely top of mind.

    Friendship is very important to college life

    In the twenty years that I have taught and researched on college campuses, I have noticed how important friendships are in students’ lives and how they can support academic and social success. The suggestions I shared with Tom are useful for anyone talking with a college student who is wondering if January is too late to change up their friendships.

    First, I named the “initial friendship market” shaping the rhythms Tom noticed. As I discuss in my new book Making, Keeping, and Losing Friends, in the first few weeks of college, students are eager “buyers” and “sellers” of friendship. The initial friendship market is stronger at colleges where orientation and programming in dorms for first-year students intentionally brings new students together.

    Regular encounters in dorms and activities encourage connections and make them feel easy. This is how Tom met his “many, many friends.”

    Dr. McCabe’s book on making friends at college is based on her twenty years of research as a sociology professor.

    Sometimes students confuse easy friendships made in the “initial friendship market” with good friendships

    Sometimes students confuse easy friendships made in the “initial friendship market” with good friendships, those that are meaningful and nurturing. The structures in college make it easy to connect with some people, but not necessarily those who support and uplift us.

    Tom had doubts about whether these first friends would be his lifelong friends, yet he also was putting a lot of pressure on himself (and his friends) for this to happen. When I explained that there are also “secondary friendship markets” later in college, Tom visibly looked relieved.

    I encourage students to be intentional about their friendships, investing in those that are meaningful. Students, like Tom, who wonder “who to spend my time with,” might ask themselves: Who are the friends who make me feel good? Who are the ones who support me, emotionally and academically? Which of my friends do I feel like I can be myself around?Which friends bring out a better version of me?

    Students should participate in multiple communities

    I also encourage students to participate in multiple communities. Although we tend to idealize having one tight-knit community, it is risky to put all your eggs in one basket. Friendships change often, especially during college.

    Students who want more or different friends might seek out secondary friendship markets. Secondary friendship markets can be powerful anytime, but they are particularly active at the start of each new semester. Put yourself in spaces where people have repeated encounters, such as clubs, classes, and study abroad. And interact in these spaces. To identify where to start, students can ask themselves: Do I have parts of myself that I don’t feel I can share with friends?

    Then pursue activities related to those parts – if it’s about your religious identity, seek out the Christian Student Union, the Hillel Center, etc., as matches that identity. Because not everyone in these spaces is looking for new friends (i.e., as “buyers”), it takes more persistence than navigating the initial friendship market.

    Making and keeping friends requires work

    Making and keeping friends requires work. Invite them to lunch, to study together, to take a class, or to attend club meetings together. Even better than a one-time activity is a recurring one–have lunch every Tuesday after class or study together every Sunday evening. When you notice a potential friend in classes or clubs, start up a conversation and then invite them to meet up, drawing on the benefits of the secondary friendship market.

    Put time with friends in your calendar. The trick is to not just to spend time with the friends who are around during free time, but to make sure you prioritize meaningful relationships as well as time with friends. The friends who do not require scheduling may be the “many, many friends” you made easily, as Tom put it, rather than the meaningful ones.

    Knowing how to recognize and capitalize on the friendship markets that exist in college can help students to form meaningful friendships, not just friendships of convenience. By reflecting on the ways students find and navigate friendships in college, students can recognize that, although friendships can feel random, they do have agency over making friends in January—and beyond.

    More Great Reading:

    Five Free Campus Resources Your Teen Should Take Advantage of Now

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    Janice McCabe

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  • Five Small Acts of Gratitude That Make a Big Difference

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    As a college counselor for more than 35 years—and a mom with three kids currently in college (two graduating this month!)—I’ve spent a large part of my life walking alongside teens and young adults as they navigate big transitions. I’ve read countless essays, counseled thousands of families through stressful seasons, and listened to more late-night worries than I can count.

    Mirror gratitude
    Teach your kids how to flex the gratitude muscle. (Photo credit: Pexels)

    Gratitude is one of the most powerful habits we can model for our children

    And in all that time, one truth has become increasingly clear to me:

    Gratitude is one of the most powerful habits we can model for our kids—especially when life feels messy, heavy, or uncertain. Thanksgiving offers a natural moment to pause, but gratitude is not seasonal. It’s a daily practice. A muscle. And like any muscle, it grows stronger when we use it—and when our teens see us using it, too.

    Here are 5 simple ways we can mirror gratitude for our high schoolers and college students, showing them how to express appreciation not only when things are going well, but also when life is hard.

    5 ways we can mirror gratitude for our high school and college students

    1. Write a gratitude letter to someone who made a difference

    This could be a high school teacher who never gave up on your teen, the school counselor who supported them during a tough year, or a coach who believed in them.

    A gratitude note is rarely long or complicated. Often, it’s just: “You saw my child at a time when they really needed it. Thank you.”

    Encourage your teens to do the same. It can be transformative for them to recognize the people who helped shape their journey and can offer space for that needed pause we all deserve and rarely take to reflect and share our appreciation.

    2. Encourage your student to thank a professor after a course ends

    College students are often sprinting from finals to winter break, but taking a moment to thank a professor—especially one who sparked something in them—is meaningful and memorable.

    My own kids have done this, and more than once a teacher, advisor or professor has written back with genuine surprise and appreciation. It can literally take three minutes – while the impact can last for years to come.

    3. Model gratitude in hard moments, not just happy ones

    Our teens watch how we react to stress.

    If we can say:

    “This is really hard, but I’m grateful for the people helping me through it,” we show them what resilience looks like—gratitude not as denial, but as grounding.

    As parents, we don’t need to pretend everything is perfect. We simply need to show that gratitude can coexist with struggle. Both can be true at once—life can feel hard, and life can still hold so much good.

    4. Express gratitude up the ladder—even to leadership

    This month, I’m writing letters to the president of both of my daughter’s colleges to express my sincere appreciation.

    Not to complain. Not to request anything. Just to say thank you.

    Because even when my daughter landed in her ninth choice for housing (out of nine), it became an unexpected lesson in resilience and in accepting that life won’t always feel fair. And when she was closed out of the course she wanted, she learned to pivot, adapt, and still find the good. These moments reminded both of us that gratitude isn’t about everything working out perfectly—it’s about recognizing growth, strength, and grace in the midst of the imperfect.

    Our culture tends to reserve communication for when something goes wrong—when the financial aid portal glitches, when registration crashes mid–course selection, or when a professor’s grading policy catches a student off guard. But I want my children to understand that it’s just as important to speak up when things are going well, when someone has done their job with care, or when a school community has genuinely supported their growth.

    They don’t learn gratitude unless we model it loudly and often.

    5. Create a family ritual of appreciation—even a 30-second one

    At dinner, on a quick walk, during a car ride, or in a group chat—have each person share one thing they’re grateful for that day.

    Not big, polished things.

    Real things:

    “I’m grateful the dining hall had soup.”

    “I’m grateful my professor gave a deadline extension.”

    “I’m grateful for my bed and silence after a long day.”

    This practice builds self-awareness, empathy, and perspective—all things our teens need in abundance.

    One last word of thanks

    Our teens and young adults are living in an incredibly complex world. They feel pressures we could not have imagined at their age. Gratitude will not remove those challenges, but it can give them steadiness, compassion, and connection.

    When they see us pausing—writing letters, thanking people, acknowledging the helpers, practicing appreciation when life is smooth and when it is heartbreakingly hard—they learn that gratitude is not performative. It’s relational. It’s healing. It’s a way of life.

    And it is a gift they will carry much longer than any acceptance letter, course grade, or accolade. As we close out another year, let’s give them that gift by living it ourselves.

    More Great Reading:

    Teens Should Thank Everyone Who Helped Them Along the Way

    Five Tips to Help Students Have a Great Start to College

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    Laurén Carter

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  • This Is What Happened When My Son and His Girlfriend Started Living With Me

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    On the heels of returning to Minneapolis to be closer to my adult children after several years caring for my mom in Florida, my 27-year-old son said, “We should live together again.”

    I assumed he was joking.

    multigenerational living
    Living together comes with its challenges. (Photo credit: Sheryl Stillman)

    Max had a live-in girlfriend, a successful career, and the kind of attitude every mom loves: “You’re on a need-to-know basis,” he had told me years earlier. Cohabitating with him again was nowhere on my radar.

    Laughing, I teased, “Yes, life was easier when I paid for everything.” “No, we’ll pay you rent instead of some stranger.” Max turned to his girlfriend-now-fiancée for confirmation, who concurred, “I think that’s a great idea.”

    My son had a reason for wanting to live with me

    The impetus for the proposed living arrangement was to save money for a down payment on a home of their own. My eldest, a true marketer at heart, sold it as a way to live in something nicer while we weren’t each paying separate, high rents. Plus, he offered that he and his significant other would be available when I needed to tend to his grandmother, and we could be one another’s dog-sitter.

    So, after years of loving the simplicity of apartments, I purchased another single-family home—me on the top floor, the “kids” renting the lower-level walkout.

    Five ways I’ve shifted my parenting mindset to adapt to this new lifestyle

    1. Ignore the shoes and let it go

    IYKYK. Besides the deafening quiet after your children move out of your house, one of the most noticeable changes is the absence of shoes by the front door. As a single parent, I wanted my kids to respect our home and become responsible adults by teaching them to put their things away—and so I didn’t trip and kill myself in the middle of the night.

    As roommates, I appreciate that we are each leading hectic lives, and the goals around caring show up in more ways than just hiding footwear in the closet. Like when my “tenants” finish and bring up my laundry, include me in family walks, or ask if they can pick up food from a restaurant or grocery store. I let it go.

    2. Swap the “Parenting Tone” for respectful adult-to-adult communication

    I take partial DNA credit for a child not seeing what is right in front of him. With the kitchen upstairs and he and his partner staying downstairs, dishes can sometimes become “out of sight, out of mind.” Memories flash by of dirty sinks, half-eaten food, and cases of glasses living in my son’s man cave during the teenage years. But that was then, and this is now – grownups sharing and paying for the same household.

    Whenever I want my son or his fiancée to clean an area or put something away, no matter how big or small, I’m met with a resounding “yes” every. single. time. I’ve exchanged the “parenting” quips for respectful adult communication — teaching me it’s OK to ask for what I need rather than just doing it myself because I’m “Mom.”

    3. Let them pay

    As a single parent, I’m accustomed to paying for everything. But now that Max and I live together again as full-fledged adults, we share expenses. And he is opening his pocketbook more than me in some ways. For example, I came home one day not long after we moved in to find him mowing the lawn (we never even owned a lawnmower).

    With the first snowfall, my son was clearing the driveway with a snowplow he purchased that morning. Or when one of the smoke alarms beeped and died in the middle of the night, within mere hours, three new ones magically appeared on our doorstep. My instinct is to hand over money, but the truth is, he’s happy to contribute and appreciates the financial liability I took on to help him save money.

    4. Minimize questions

    I’ve learned to keep inquiries to a minimum to respect adult freedoms. If I were a true helicopter mom, I don’t believe my son would have suggested living with me again, but I am still a mother, curious and conversational. I worry when he and my future daughter-in-law are out late, or a car pulls out of the driveway in the middle of the night. As hard as it is, I resist being nosy since, frankly, whatever is happening is none of my business.

    During our first couple of months living together, I’d ask where they were headed or what was up for the day. Benign questions in the scheme of things, yet maybe not what mid-20-year-olds want to recount to parents on a minute-by-minute basis.

    So, my housemates and I come and go, each sharing what we want, when we want. I’m pleased to relay that, even without requesting, my daughter-in-law-to-be created a family group chat on move-in day that has become a treasure trove of tidbits I never would have known if we weren’t at the same address.

    5. Lead separate lives

    There are many ways to live in a multigenerational household—each family needs to determine what works for them. Max and I had some early practice when he moved back to our family home at the end of his senior year of college thanks to a worldwide pandemic. It was during that time that we began our transition from parent-child to friends, both of us working from home and meeting in the kitchen for our morning brew. As we did then, we have established our individual living quarters, respect one another’s privacy, and are flexible with shared indoor and outdoor spaces.

    Getting to watch how my eldest turned into a responsible, well-adjusted man makes my heart swell. Add the bonus of having a front-row seat to young love while benefiting from the kindness they each offer—I gladly ignore the things that don’t really matter in the end.

    Queue shoes.

    More Great Reading:

    How to Adjust When You Have an Adult Child Living at Home

    Bio: Writing from Minneapolis, MN, Sheryl Stillman is a freelance writer, executive/life coach, and communications strategy and change leadership consultant. She covers topics related to parenting, travel, aging, healthcare, and business. Sheryl is currently writing a self-help memoir on caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease. You can find her at www.sherylonline.com.

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  • “I Am No Longer Resolving to Fix My Child”

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    Every January, the world sharpens its pencils and declares:

    Be more consistent.
    Follow through.
    Set firmer boundaries.
    Stick to the plan.

    But if you are raising a child with ADHD, as I am, you hear these phrases all year long. They come from friends, family members, teachers, neighbors, and strangers who see our children on their hardest days and decide they understand the whole story.

    If you were more consistent, your child would behave.
    If you enforced consequences, they would learn.
    If you just did something different, your child would be fine.

    Unsolicited comments about our parenting land like resolutions we never made and quietly turn into failures we carry.

    💡 Read: An Unusual New Year’s Guidebook for People Who Think Different

     

    ADHD Parenting Resolutions I Never Chose

    I have tried the charts and the routines. I have tried the calm voice and the firm voice. I have tried sticker systems, time outs, time ins, early bedtimes, later bedtimes, warnings, countdowns, and consequences that were supposed to fix everything. I have done these things consistently. I have done them desperately. I have done them while questioning myself every step of the way.

    None of them changed the reality of what it is like to raise a child with ADHD.

    ADHD is not defiance for the sake of defiance. It is not poor discipline or lack of effort. ADHD is emotional dysregulation so intense it hijacks the body. It is rage that comes without warning. It is despair that feels bottomless. It is not choosing chaos but drowning in it. It is a nervous system flooded to the point that logic cannot reach it.

    Still, the advice keeps coming.

    If you just followed through…
    If you just stopped negotiating…
    If you just stayed calm…

    Most parenting advice assumes a child who can consistently pause, reflect, and comply. ADHD breaks that assumption. Tough moments and inconsistency will always be part of ADHD, and they cannot be stamped out with discipline like a resolution. That is why well-meaning advice hurts and turns into intrusive thoughts: What am I missing? What am I doing wrong? Why is this still so hard?

     Read: 10 Things People Say to You When You’re Raising an Extreme Child

     

    A Different Kind of New Year’s Resolution

    I am not trying to raise a child who looks well-behaved to strangers. I am trying to raise a child who feels safe in his own body. I am trying to teach him that his emotions do not make him bad. I am trying to help him come back from places many adults never see, let alone understand.

    The problem is not that ADHD families need better resolutions. The problem is that the world needs a better understanding of what ADHD actually is.

    Until that changes, parents like me will keep standing in the wreckage of well-intentioned advice, trying to explain why it does not work, and wondering why we feel like failures while doing some of the hardest parenting there is.

    I am done resolving to fix my child.

    Instead, I will work to shift how we collectively see ADHD. It is not a discipline problem. It is not a parenting failure. It is a neurological reality that requires compassion, patience, and support. That is the resolution ADHD families truly need.

    Rethinking Resolutions: Next Steps from ADDitude

    SUPPORT ADDITUDE
    Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

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    Nathaly Pesantez

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  • Is Having Only One Child Selfish?

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    Parents of singletons sometimes grapple with the notion that they are being selfish when they are happy with one offspring and declare one child is enough for them.

    When doing one-on-one interviews for my book, Just One: The New Science, Secrets & Joy of Parenting an Only Child, women I spoke with had strong feelings about being thought of as or called “selfish.”

    But Americans, almost three-quarters of them (73 percent), recognize that it’s not possible to raise children without “making major personal sacrifices,” according to the report “Emerging Trends and Enduring Patterns in American Family Life” from the American Enterprise Institute.

    All parents must make sacrifices, irrespective of how many children they have. So you may be asking yourself: Where do I draw the line between accepting some level of sacrifice and having a life that allows me to be a content, happy person and parent? For parents of one, the answer may be that they focus on parenting and don’t worry about what others may think or say. It’s worth restating, as many parents I interviewed have, that this is a highly individual decision.

    Veronica,* 37, who is part of an only-child dynasty, shared with me what she had posted on a members-only parenting board: To have one child, she asserted, is “seen as selfish, because children are the ultimate sacrifice. Those of us who attempt to make the best of all aspects of our worlds are often seen as greedy because we want it all. I want and love my child more than anything, but I also want a career, and I really want a happy marriage. Adding another child to our lives would directly affect the three things that have the greatest impact on me.”

    I pressed Veronica about whether she ever feels guilty for having “only” one child and received a categorical “no.” She is emphatic: “Another child is not right for us. Could we? Yes, but with one we can take mental health time … and we can feel confident our 3-year-old is getting quality care.”

    Mia* calls having one child “self-preservation.” With one child, she and her partner can take turns caring for their child when the other needs a break. “I would not be setting my child up for success if I had another child,” she says. “One child gives us an opportunity to be with our son unstressed and not constantly worried about who is where and when. I don’t think that is selfish. For me, it is self-preservation.”

    Samantha* similarly pushes back strongly against any judgment some might pass on parents who don’t have multiple children. “I wish other people knew that I am not having one child because I am selfish. I am doing it to be the best mother I can be to my daughter,” she says. “I am doing it from a place of selflessness. I want her to have the best of me, and I know I would not be able to give her the best with more than one child.”

    * Names of study participants in the Only Child Research Project have been changed to protect their identities.

    Copyright @2025 by Susan Newman, PhD

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    Susan Newman Ph.D.

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  • How families thrive when caring for a medically complex child

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    By Louise Kinross

    Over 300 family members of American children with complex health problems filled out a survey about what well-being looks like to them, and the findings were published in a Pediatrics article last month. 

    “Families of children with medical complexity, who have chronic conditions that affect multiple body systems, spend much of each day providing medical care for their child, and due largely to system shortcomings, they experience greater hardships and unmet needs,” the authors wrote. 

    Existing measures of family well-being don’t reflect their experiences, so the researchers created a new framework based on survey responses. 

    This online module is a fun way to learn about the framework. It includes images and quotes from families and a call to action for policymakers, educators and researchers.

    “We should think of assessing and improving family well-being as being essential to clinical care, like assessing and improving nutrition and sleep, not something extra,” said lead author Dr. Kathleen Huth, a pediatrician in the complex care service at Boston Children’s Hospital. 

    Parents and family members defined well-being as it relates to their immediate family unit, the outside systems they work with, and how the two interact.

    Inside the family, respondents said their family is well when their child is stable and at home; parents are physically and mentally healthy; everyone gets good sleep; there are few disruptions to daily routines; the family has time and energy for fun, meaningful activities and to connect and support each other; and they work together through challenges.

    One participant said: “We are doing well when my complex child is medically stable. When we have enough help in the form of personal care assistants and nurses, and if our allocated hours are filled or close to filled. We are doing well when parents can sleep. When parents have time to recharge. When we reach a place of acceptance. We are doing well when parents and caregivers are healthy, because if we are not healthy it’s much harder to take care of our loved ones 24/7. We are doing well when we have friends and family to support us. When we have balance between living a full-time caregiving life and living a ‘normal’ life.”

    Sleep was reported as vital to family coping, so “it is imperative that studies assess quality of sleep for family caregivers and initiate interventions to improve sleep…” the authors wrote.

    In relation to external systems like health and education, participants said their family thrives when their child is included and valued. This may mean they can participate in adapted classes and events nearby; more seasoned parents teach them how to advocate; and the school meets their child’s needs. 

    Access to well-resourced services is important. “Supplies get shipped on time and we don’t run out of formula,” said one family member, and “we aren’t fighting with insurance.” Parents said consistent, well-trained home nurses and personal support workers, as well as respite care, promoted their well-being.

    Families manage well when they can access the clinicians their child needs in a timely way, specialists communicate with each other, and family expertise is valued. Things go well “When we have compassionate doctors who take time to understand and make space to learn when they don’t know,” one participant said.

    Well-being depends on stable family finances and insurance. Parents said they need jobs with the flexibility to care for a sick child or attend appointments.

    In working with service providers, caregivers need to know how to find and use resources; how to effectively advocate for services; and systems that don’t create more work, stress or trauma. 

    One respondent said her family was well when “our daughter’s therapies, medications and equipment needs are met without having to make daily phone calls to doctors, insurance companies, therapist offices, medical equipment companies, nurse agencies and pharmacies.” Another said wellness hinged on a child’s needs being “met without my family needing to constantly and excessively justify each and every need.” 

    The study was co-led by families and clinician-researchers—”from formulating the right research question, to designing the methods, to performing the crowdsourcing, doing the analysis, and reporting on the key findings,” Dr. Huth said. The research team came from Boston Children’s Hospital, Family Voices, Harvard Medical School, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Boston University School of Social Work. Dr. Huth went to medical school at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

    Like this content? Sign up for our monthly BLOOM e-letter, follow BLOOM editor @LouiseKinross on X, or watch our A Family Like Mine video series. 

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