Author Archives: Tanya H. Franklin

Back to School Night! Proud About What I Know 🤗

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For the past seven years, kindergarten to sixth grade, I’ve been attending back to school nights to meet my daughter’s teachers, find out about the curriculum and to see how she’s doing.

But I also get to learn how I’m doing. Every year there’s a “how well do you know your child” worksheet. For Quinn, some interests and favorites remain the same while others drastically change. What doesn’t change, however, is my hope to always know my daughter well. As I filled out the paper, I was confident yet nervous in my responses. Quinn’s teacher even hovered over my shoulder briefly as I wrote. Then came the big reveal! Though our responses weren’t identical for every entry, there was some overlap for each one. It makes me feel proud still “knowing” my daughter, especially as she’s in her pre-adolescent years 🥰🤗.

All the best,

Tanya

Soaring High in School!

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With three weeks down and many more to go, my sixth grader is off to a fantastic start, and I am so proud of her. Since kindergarten, Quinn has been the first in her class to earn an award at the first school assembly, and she kept the streak going today! Starting a new school year, with new teachers, classmates and trying to adjust and make new friends can be difficult. I know it was for me, but Quinn is soaring high and was the only student in her class to receive the Golden Talon award for her self control and being a model student.

I’m hoping this is an indication of how wonderful this school year will be for her, full of great memories and growth.

All the best,

Tanya

Sixth Grade, Here She Comes! Happy First Day of School

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After a fun-filled summer break, my eleven year old is not only entering sixth grade but wrapping up her last year at her school. I’m happy that she’s excited to meet her new teacher, new classmates and learn along the way.

Though she’s at the same school, I know there will be more transitions and challenges as Quinn gets older and goes through changes, but I’m hopeful that she will encounter teachers and students who are kind and welcoming.

I have a few that I’ll be taking even more “baby steps” as her mom, and will try my best to be supportive without being overbearing, allowing her to navigate some situations on her own, knowing that I’m there if she needs me.

Here’s to a wonderful school year where we both grow, feel confident and learn along the way.

All the best,

Tanya

End of Summer Break Play Date

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There’s some friends my daughter doesn’t get to see as often as she’d like during the school year, so it’s always nice to squeeze in a play date or two during spring break.

Quinn and Arya have been friends since they were a couple months old, and they’re still going strong at 11 years old. Quinn also has bonus friends in Arya’s younger sisters.

Zack, our toy poodle, enjoyed having bonus sisters too.

Spending time with friends who are more like family is a nice way to wrap up summer break.

All the best,

Tanya

Having a Doggone Great Summer Break at the Beach

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Can’t have a great summer break without including our furry family member, Zack, in a beach day!

While Zack is not one to get “all” of his fur wet, he enjoyed running in the sand and getting his paws wet with his big sis. We had a great time interacting with other dog families and lovers and definitely hope to go back to Longport Beach before it’s too cold.

All the best,

Tanya

Summer Break Fun with Family Continues in Wildwood

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Family time is so important to me, so I’m glad Quinn and I were able to have some summer break fun in Wildwood with my aunt and cousins. We had a wonderful time at the beach, and the weather was great!

Though I may not get on roller coaster and topsy turvy rides like when I was younger, I still had a blast watching Quinn and our cousins smile, giggle and occasionally scream in “fun” terror!

All the best,

Tanya

Ready for Some Football & More Summer Break Fun

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It’s officially August, which means summer break will be ending in a few weeks 🥺. But before it does, we’re squeezing in some family fun at the Philadelphia Eagles Practice Camp!

Quinn is so excited! 🤗 She’s now seen the Sixers at Wells Fargo Center, the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park Stadium and the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in person! What a great way to start August and wind down summer break!

All the best,

Tanya

The Benefits of Summer Break: Quality Time with Family

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My daughter and I’ve been having a terrific summer break full of adventures, but this weekend was extra special. We don’t get to see extended family as often as we’d like, so spending time with them in Washington, DC and exploring the National Museum of African American History and Culture was truly a memorable experience.

There were so many relatives Quinn got to meet for the first time, which put a huge smile on my face and in my heart. Here’s to building more memories with family not only during summer break but year round.

All the best,

Tanya