Spaceship Parenting --> beyond the Helicopter

As a twenty-two year veteran homeschool mom turned elementary school counselor, one of the things that I see everyday is a lack of parenting skills and how those impact our children, and our society, in a negative manner.  There are plenty of parents out there doing an amazing job (and kudos to them!!), but there is an increasing number of parents who are winging it, without any guidance or seemingly motivation. The book Spaceship Parenting, by Ricky Arenson, does a great job of filling that void.

Spaceship Parenting is a humorous, values based parenting guide framed as a conversation between Ricky and Nova, an alien visitor who thinks modern parenting is holding humanity back. It provides ten practical, evidence-based rules on leadership, boundaries, emotional intelligence, resilience, and family connection, all with a comedic tone.

The book itself is a quick and fun read. It's just silly enough to keep you engaged without being a dry, non-fiction, self-help book. It's full of terrible dad-jokes, but also some crazy real-life examples of when the rules are and are not applied, and what happens. The rules go from infanthood to the teen years, and there are many rules in this book, such as the stop rule, a simple but effective circuit breaker, which are applicable not only in the home but in the workplace and society at large as well. Peek inside the book to see how humor keeps the reader engaged while also learning practical and applicable parenting tips!

As a school counselor who sees a need for applicable parenting advice in our community, I found the book helpful enough to begin recommending it to some of our families. I also pulled ten passages from within the pages (giving credit appropriately) that align with our ten character principles taught throughout the year. This month we are teaching creativity, and I was able to find a passage in the book that aligned with that principle but also utilized some practical parenting skills. These are posted on our school parent-app so that everyone can get a bite-sized moment of inspiration.  Overall, I highly recommend this book to parents!

About the Author
Dr. Ricky Arenson is an endocrinologist, geriatrician, award-winning author, educator, and speaker based in Melbourne, Australia. Drawing on decades of clinical experience together with psychology, neuroscience, and biology, he translates complex science into practical strategies for happier relationships, better parenting, and more meaningful lives. His books combine evidence, humor, and compassion to explain why people behave the way they do and how understanding those differences can transform families and relationships. His engaging style has made him a sought-after speaker on relationships, parenting, leadership, and the intersection of science and everyday life.

Why Couples Drive Each Other Crazy (and How to Fix It)

Just in time for a long weekend of love and arguing... Why Couples Drive Each Other Crazy, by Rick Arenson, is the perfect survival guide! It's relatable, helpful, and LOL-worthy - a refreshing change from all the sappy love books out there. The author dishes out relationship advice with a side of humor and personal anecdotes. If you're tired of feeling like you're the only one driving your partner crazy, read this and LOL your way to a happier marriage. It's like a therapy session, but way more fun!

While I've been more into fiction lately (after all, we all need a bit of escapism!), I found this book to be quite different from your typical non-fiction / self help book. The book combines psychology, neuroscience, biology to explain why men and women often think, communicate, and respond differently. Wisely, he begins with the ways that women are superior to men, then the ways men are superior to women, and finally he gives practical ways to actually communicate better, understand differences, rebuild connection, and work through conflict. Additionally, the author keeps you reading and fully engaged with a consistent injection of humor and light-heartedness.

  

About the Book

Why Couples Drive Each Other Crazy: a funny, science grounded relationship book on how men and women are wired differently and how couples can stop fighting and keep love alive. Playful and intentionally provocative, built for married couples. This is the retitled, reworked version of his earlier Women Are Superior to Men.

Why is it that the person you love the most can also drive you the craziest? It's one of life's greatest mysteries—and one that science can help explain. Why do some men walk past a pile of dirty laundry without noticing it? Why do they suddenly become experts at changing the subject when serious emotions enter the conversation? And why can't they find the ketchup that's sitting right in front of them?

Meanwhile…

Why do some women remember conversations from years ago with astonishing detail? Why do they want to discuss important relationship issues at the worst possible moment? And why do couples keep having the same arguments over and over again?

Snag your copy!

About the Author
Dr. Ricky Arenson is an endocrinologist, geriatrician, award-winning author, educator, and speaker based in Melbourne, Australia. Drawing on decades of clinical experience together with psychology, neuroscience, and biology, he translates complex science into practical strategies for happier relationships, better parenting, and more meaningful lives. His books combine evidence, humor, and compassion to explain why people behave the way they do and how understanding those differences can transform families and relationships. His engaging style has made him a sought-after speaker on relationships, parenting, leadership, and the intersection of science and everyday life.

Week-Long High Holidays Unit Study for High School (FREE PRINTABLE)

High Holidays: Reflection, Renewal, and Responsibility

This unit is appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  It is designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month.  Visit the Subscribers Page for a printable PDF version.

For extra enrichment, study Jewish Holidays in Literature in depth.  To tailor for additional middle or elementary school family members, start with the Rosh Hashanah post.

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DAY 1: Introduction to the High Holidays – Themes & History

Topics & Activities:

• Overview of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

  • Names, symbols, prayers, customs

  • Timeline and position in Jewish calendar

• Journaling:
• Reflective writing prompt: “What does it mean to return to your best self?”

• Art Extension:

  • Create a visual representation of “the Book of Life” — what would you want written in yours?

• Hebrew Component:

  • Vocabulary: shofar, teshuvah, cheshbon hanefesh, machzor

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DAY 2: Rosh Hashanah – Renewal & Responsibility

Topics & Activities:

• Torah Study/Literature:

  • Read and discuss: Akedat Yitzhak (Binding of Isaac, Genesis 22)

  • Literary interpretation: Why is this read on Rosh Hashanah?

• Science/Nature Study:

  • Explore seasonal change — why is Rosh Hashanah in the fall?

• Hands-On Project:

  • Prepare a traditional dish: round challah, apple compote, or pomegranate salad

  • Make honey jars or Rosh Hashanah greeting cards

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DAY 3: Teshuvah – The Practice of Returning

Topics & Activities:

• Ethics/Philosophy:

  • Study Maimonides’ 4 steps of teshuvah

  • Discussion: How do we take responsibility in a meaningful way?

• Journaling Prompt:

  • Write a letter of apology — real or hypothetical — and reflect on the experience

• Art/Creative Expression:

  • Design a “Teshuvah Tree” with leaves that show areas of growth/change

• Nature Study:

  • Practice Tashlich (symbolic casting off of sins in water) at a local pond or stream

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DAY 4: Yom Kippur – Reflection, Fasting, and Forgiveness

Topics & Activities:

• Prayer and Liturgy Study:

  • Study the Vidui (confession) and Kol Nidre

  • Explore the emotional and poetic power of liturgy

• Creative Writing Prompt:

  • “What would you do differently if you were granted a fresh start?”

• Science/Health (Optional):

  • Learn about fasting: its physical effects and spiritual meaning

  • Compare fasting in Judaism to other traditions (Islam, Buddhism)

• Quiet Time Activity:

  • Create a “forgiveness box” — a private journal or symbolic place to release guilt or burdens

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DAY 5: Moving Forward – Sukkot and Joy in the Cycle

Topics & Activities:

• Transition into Sukkot:

  • Build a model or full sukkah

  • Study symbolism of the lulav and etrog

  • Explore Sukkot as ecological and agricultural holiday

• Nature Study:

  • Go outside and notice signs of fall; sketch or document seasonal changes

• Civics/Service Connection:

  • Discuss how the High Holiday season might inspire action (volunteering, climate justice, charity)

• Final Reflection Prompt:

  • “What do I want to carry forward from this season into the rest of the year?”

• Creative Celebration:

• Share a poem, song, or art piece that symbolizes renewal or gratitude

Pick up the ENTIRE SERIES right now - plus several bonus units - in our Cottage Shop.

These units are appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  They are designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month.  Each day takes 1-2 hours. This bundle includes the basic twelve, tailored to each month of the year, plus EIGHT bonus units!