Samm Davidson sets the scene: “It was in the middle of my 8-year-old’s basketball game when I first realized it. After springing up and down the court a few times the ref motioned to him, trying to get his attention and pointing to his foot. His left sneaker had come undone, and his shoelace was dangling on the court, just waiting to cause a collision or wipe out.”

His coach sent him to the bench to take care of it. But then it dawned on her: “As I watched him flounder for a couple minutes, hunched over, laces in hands, attempting to create some kind of knot or tangle that would stay, I realized — sh*t! My kid can’t tie his own shoes.” And she’s pretty sure she knows the brightly colored, hole-studded, rubbery culprit. This one is fun.

Kelly Faircloth, Executive Editor

“Think back to your teenage years. While you likely have a ton of good memories, you may also recall feelings of sheer frustration and sadness. And chances are your teen is going through the same thing right now,” writes Candace Nagy. “Finding ways to support them can feel hopeless, but in the midst of a teen mental health crisis, they need you now more than ever.” And so she’s assembled a list of free resources to draw on as you navigate these rocky waters with your kid. Check it out.