I’ve been Dear Carol since the very first issue in 1994. Lotta advice. This time last year I was
s-t-r-u-g-g-l-i-n-g
to figure out what to say about the upcoming school year. The usual advice did *not* apply. (Join activities! Say hi in the hall! Give a compliment!)

Now I wish I could give every kid a hug, medal, and gold star. What a long hard lonely year! I’m preparing the next back-to-school column. “I want to go back to real school but I’m really nervous” is a theme. @girlslifemag #teen #preteen Also...

Also, I know so many kids who are bored and burnt out and what’s the new term, “languishing”? In French, l’ennui. I think we’re all feeling it. (Parents too!)
Okay, enough, end of thread, gotta get back to the teen angst — my adult angst notwithstanding.

Sneak peek: