Tracy Leonard
Tracy is a Lead Instructor for Darkness to Light, a child sexual abuse prevention organization and serves as a College and Career Advisor for Students Rising Above. She grew up in northeast Ohio, and has lived in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Arizona, and Northern Virginia and has worked in the arts, in education, in non-profits and in ed tech. Her husband's job brought them to the Bay Area and there's no looking back! Tracy is mom to a 17-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son. Self-care includes pedicures, reading, cooking, crafting, and just being with her family. She also serves on the Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee for the Dublin School District and on the Advisory Council for the Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times Certificate Program at Cal State East Bay.
ACEs, Trauma, and Resiliency
Children who experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at an increased risk of developing serious health issues later in life. ACEs include:
Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
Physical and emotional neglect
Living with parents...
How My Husband and I Set Limits on His Video Game Use
We set limits on our kids’ video game time, so shouldn’t we do the same for ourselves? My spouse, in particular, cannot get enough game time. I get that everyone needs an outlet, and...
My Midlife Crisis and the New Passion That’s Getting Me Through It
I started seeing a personal trainer five months ago. During that time, my trainer had me try all sorts of activities, but I began to find I had a soft spot for Olympic Weightlifting....
Combating Holiday Stress
As we head into the last two months of the year, we are also heading into the time of year that can bring high levels of stress to our family’s life. Yes, more stress...
Host a Trick or Treat Potluck on Halloween
Here’s a fun idea to try the night you go Trick or Treating with your kids—host a Halloween potluck! When Halloween falls on a weekday, the day gets really hectic. We spend the day...
The Importance of Playing “What If” with Your Kids
I recently came across this article about attitude inoculation. Think of it as role playing with your child—talking through tough situations that they may face, before they are in the moment.
We all hope that our...
To PTA or Not to PTA, That Is the Question
When my daughter started elementary school, I was one of those bright-eyed parents who wanted to learn all they could to make my daughter’s school career amazing—for her and for me. So, when the...
What I Didn’t Do on My Summer Vacation
Every year, when the kids go back to school, teachers have them draw, write and discuss what they did on their summer vacations. Since no one seems too interested in asking the mommas how...
Curly Hair Don’t Care
Me: No, I don’t have a perm. My hair is naturally curly.
Every Other Person: Do you know how many people pay good money to have curls like that?
I have lived this conversation my whole...
Family Game Night Just Got Real at The Escape Game
This post is in partnership with The Escape Game.
We are always looking for things to do with our teenagers and an opportunity to go to The Escape Game near Fisherman's Wharf was the perfect chance to...
