Category Archives: teenagers

The Soft Knock of Manhood

Posted on June 25, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

There was a soft knock in the door at 5:30 this morning. A light tapping requesting admittance while not wanting to awake us abruptly as they returned from Project Graduation. There was a thoughtfulness to that knocking and that is … Continue reading →

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An Open Message to Graduates from a Parent

Posted on June 24, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

As we approach the solemn occasion of your high school graduation, it seems an appropriate time for parental confession. Here it is. We parents are liars, and have been lying to you for your whole lives. Please forgive us, but … Continue reading →

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After Eleven Years, Dad, What Can I Say?

Posted on April 25, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

Eleven years ago today, my father passed away. I’ve missed him every day since then. We didn’t always get along (hey, we’re Irish), but eventually that settled, especially after the kids were born. Once that happened, I called him just … Continue reading →

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What Message the Boston Marathon Bombing Really Sends

Posted on April 16, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

I have been struggling with what to say to my junior and senior students about the Boston Marathon bombings. I hate that this is the “latest terror attack” – the phrase delivers the twin defeats of acknowledging we now have … Continue reading →

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The Rule of 36

Posted on March 22, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

There was a time in my life when my deeply held beliefs and my passions were misread as anger or being “cranky.” That time was yesterday. In my continuing efforts to communicate ever-more clearly with the rest of the world, … Continue reading →

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Because They Were Kids

Posted on December 17, 2012 by chrisryanwrites

Everything changed on Friday. We didn’t want it to, didn’t plan for it, ask for it, or welcome it. And yes, this wasn’t the first tragic shooting of random Americans. We’ve already seen shootings at a high school, mall, a … Continue reading →

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On Writing: Getting Back on The Horse

Posted on December 10, 2012 by chrisryanwrites

So I’ve been away. Well, not away, but not writing. And the weirdest thing happened; I got crushed with guilt. Crushed. I wound up with such a weight on my shoulders, and it got worse with each passing day. You … Continue reading →

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On Writing: Making it through The Monster of Daily Life

Posted on October 1, 2012 by chrisryanwrites

Where have I been? Away from my blog for too long, and I woke up wondering what could have kept me away. Life. By that I mean wife, sons, death of friends, work, grading papers, writing lesson plans, orienting to … Continue reading →

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On Writing: Learning from The Big Boys – Stan Lee

Posted on August 31, 2012 by chrisryanwrites

I am starting a series of blogs recounting lessons I’ve learned from big time writers. Since the mega-blockbuster film “Marvel’s The Avengers” returns to theaters this weekend to end the summer like we began it, I am going to start … Continue reading →

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Parenting: Hulk Smash, or War of the Dads

Posted on August 14, 2012 by chrisryanwrites

As a Dad-in-Progress, I am always working to improve my parenting skills. Okay, that’s code for “I am a worrier who obsesses on whether I am doing all I can for my sons, and as a result, I tend to … Continue reading →

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