To summarize the last blog post, my younger child’s principal came into her humanities class and told them they had 89 days left as high school students. She then offhandedly told that little nugget of heartache to me before blithely wandering off to her room to do homework, unaware of the puddle of Mom she left behind her.

Well, we’re now in our last six weeks. Imagine how THAT hit me.

Once again, I was never the mom to weep when my children hit the big milestones. I cheer that they are doing exactly what they are programmed to do: grow up and move forward, living their lives as independent people.

But…

Everything I do is now tinged with a bittersweet quality. This weekend will be the last time I go to Austin College in Sherman to see a play that my older kiddo is involved in producing. I realized that next year will be the first year since it reopened in 2018 that I.M. Terrell Academy will not have one of my sprogs as a student. Each event has a sense of finality and sadness attached to it that I’m not used to.

(Again, I know that graduations are not about me, but this article is, dammit.)

I think part of my struggle is because I’ve always been the mom who doesn’t weep. I love that my kiddos are maturing into people that I want to know. I have lived in my head, understanding child development and knowing that my whole purpose as a mother is to raise my children to leave and become their own person. But I can’t seem to find that objectivity these days.

My babies are growing up. My heart hurts, and my eyes leak.

So if you see me in these next six weeks, please ignore the mess that I am. Pat my head and tell me it will be alright. And if you’re feeling the same way I’m feeling, know that you aren’t alone. There are a lot of parents who feel like you do right now.

Solidarity, my sisters and brothers. Solidarity.

The post T-Minus Six Weeks and Counting first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Apologies for the abrupt opening of this post, but it’s rather on my mind at the moment. However, I recognize that I probably should have put a trigger warning on this. So, here you go.

TW: Contains references to pet cancer and euthanasia.

Fido came to us as an eight-month-old stray, rescued by a family friend. She had been living in the parking lot of a business. I had (possibly naively) mentioned to this friend that our cat, Spot, got upset when I was out of town and the sprogs were with their father. Fido would obviously be a wonderful companion to Spot, thereby solving Spot’s loneliness while giving her a loving home.

Unfortunately for both Spot and Fido, Fido was, essentially, a kitten, while Spot was probably about three. Fido couldn’t understand why Spot didn’t want to play with her all day, every day. Spot couldn’t understand why this young whippersnapper wouldn’t leave him in peace.

Eventually, they established a pecking order, and peace was restored to the house, for the most part. They learned to navigate the joys of a shared household, and they would even curl up together when the weather turned cold, although they never admitted this.

When David moved in with us, Fido accepted him pretty quickly, whereas Spot still, almost a decade later, regards the other male in the house with some suspicion. Fido would curl up on his chest, purring so loudly it sounded like boulders in a cement mixer.

As some of you might know from my social media posts, Fido was not overly endowed with intelligence. There are various methods of testing a domestic animal’s intelligence, and Fido failed them all. She was dumb but sweet, and she loved nothing more than sitting on my shoulder or hip as I fell asleep, or curling up on David’s chest, and having her forehead skritched with one finger.

I’ve seen many of my friends post on social media about the death of a pet. Invariably, they apologize for being “too emotional.” Why shouldn’t they be emotional? They just lost a member of their family.

Pets give us unconditional love. (Yes, even cats do this. It just looks different to a dog’s love.) Our relationship with them is uncomplicated by messy human dynamics; they love us and rely on us for food, shelter, and care, while we love them and rely on them for emotional support, companionship, and a sense of structure.

Yet we seem to feel a sense of shame for grieving a pet. We expect to be mocked for mourning the death of an animal. So we apologize for our grief, minimizing our heartache and the effects of our loss.

Fido was diagnosed with cancer about two months ago. She lost a large amount of weight very rapidly and had a raspy, almost asthmatic cough that she couldn’t shake. However, she wasn’t in pain and was still eating and drinking.

Until yesterday.

We made the difficult choice, and the vet came to our house today.

We were able to give her the gift of a peaceful death, free from fear and pain, in return for the years of love she gave us. She was warm and surrounded by her people. It was, aside from a brief prick of the needle, painless for her. If only all our endings could be as such.

So my family and I will be in mourning for a while. Unashamedly and unhurried by society’s expectations on how long you should be sad about “only a pet’s” death.

Fido wasn’t just a cat. She was a member of our family, and we mourn her passing.

The post Heartache and Love: Dealing with the Loss of a Pet first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Where did the schoolyear go? Summer’s coming, and your little darlings need something to keep them out of trouble this summer. Fortunately, we’ve got just the thing to help: Tanglewood Moms’ annual guide to Fort Worth summer camps. The BEST Fort Worth Summer Camp Guide!

Whether it is a sleepaway camp or a day camp close to home, summer camp can be an important part of a child’s physical and mental development. A few years ago, the American Camp Association did a study on the value of summer camp. The study showed marked growth in campers’ independence, self-confidence, and self-assuredness. Ninety-three percent of campers reported that camp allowed them to become friends with people who are from different backgrounds. Seventy-four percent of campers reported that they did things that they were afraid to do at first. Seventy percent of parents reported that their child gained self-confidence at camp.

Camp can expand a child’s horizons in ways that school, with its heavy emphasis on test results, cannot. Whether it’s doing a ballet intensive, building a robot, learning a new sport, or putting on a play, camp allows children to focus on something they love or learn something entirely new.

Perhaps most importantly, camp allows children to just be children. Yes, there are expectations placed on them at camp. They have to learn to work with strangers and resolve minor conflicts that may arise. They have to learn that their every want will not be accommodated. But without the pressure of grades and the expectations of family, teachers, and peer groups, campers are free to simply live and soak up every adventure and learning opportunity. Simply put, they can stop being students and simply enjoy being kids.

There are many wonderful possibilities for your child this summer in Fort Worth. No matter what it is that makes your kiddo smile, they can do it here. We hope that this will be a comprehensive list of summer camp options in Fort Worth for you to consult from year to year. We’ve organized our index to separate camps by age as well as theme for easy navigation. Many of our partners have generously sponsored ads with full details about the camps they offer. If you’d like to learn more about advertising with us, please email tanglewoodmoms@gmail.com.

The post Exploring, Flourishing, Thriving – 2026’s Summer Camp Guide first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

My younger sprog came home from school last Tuesday and announced that her principal told her senior class that they had 89 days of school left. She then toddled off to do homework and get into a raucous call with friends, completely unaware that her bombshell had left Dear Old Mom a complete mess.

Eighty-nine days left. Eighty. Nine.

Over the course of two weeks in May, both of my children will be graduating. The older sprog graduates from Austin College on May 23, while the younger graduates from I. M. Terrell for STEM & VPA five days later on May 28.

I don’t know if I’m ready for this.

(Okay, graduation isn’t about me, but this article is, so bear with me.)

I’ve never been one of those parents who get upset that my children are growing up. That’s what they’re supposed to do! I cheered when both kiddos ran into their kindergarten classes without a backward glance. Good for them! They should be excited about starting “big kid” school! Every one of their milestones has been met with, if not joy, at least the understanding that they’re doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing, developmentally speaking.

But this year has been tough. This year, my babies are no longer babies.

Both sprogs want to take a gap year before moving to the next phase in their lives. The older wants to work for a year to build up some capital before grad school. The younger wants to work part time and get their core classes out of the way at TCC before heading off to their undergraduate studies. To save the money they’re going to be earning, both kiddos plan to live at home. They aren’t moving across the world, leaving their old mom all alone and weeping.

But…

I never thought I would struggle with change like I’m struggling right now. Whether it’s due to my neurospicy brain or it’s simply an outward manifestation of my Gen X pragmatism, I’ve never been one to get sentimental when one chapter ends and another begins. While I do get nostalgic, I don’t pine for the “good old days.” Life doesn’t stop, and I’m excited for each new season. (Way to mix metaphors, Lee!)

But the idea of two graduations in five days has knocked me flat. Something big is changing, and I don’t know what that’s going to mean for us going forward. Of course I’m excited for my children; they are fascinating people, and they’re going to continue to be fascinating. This change just seems BIGGER, somehow.

After spending the last two days castigating myself for being a sentimental sap, I’ve decided to embrace the emotions and nostalgia. This is a big deal. My children are marking major milestones in their lives, moving from childhood into adulthood, and it’s okay to be a mess. I’m so proud of what they’ve accomplished and what they’ve overcome, and my tears don’t detract from my joy in their accomplishments.

So congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2026! And congratulations to all the mamas of the Class of 2026. I see you.

The post A Season of Change first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

In this eye-opening interview, Travis points out that while items like e-bikes and other trendy tech or recreational gifts may be exciting to unwrap, they can also carry serious safety hazards if buyers don’t pay close attention to proper use, product quality, and potential injury risks.

Travis takes an even deeper dive into this topic in the latest episode of the Driving Change with Travis Patterson podcast, which focuses specifically on the growing dangers associated with kids’ e-bike use. E-bikes have exploded in popularity, yet many parents are unaware of how severe the injuries can be. In Episode 13, Travis breaks down the rise in e-bike crashes, the factors that make these incidents so dangerous, and the safety oversights putting young riders at risk. He also unpacks often-overlooked legal and insurance implications such as liability gaps, coverage issues, and what families should know if a child is injured or causes an accident.

The post The Hidden Dangers of E-Bikes and E-Scooters first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

It started, “Children Eat Free at Fort Worth area Chicken Salad Chick locations until SNAP benefits are restored.”

Per group rules, the poster made it clear that the post was not political. Meggie Schissler, the poster and co-owner of the Chicken Salad Chicks in our area, simply wanted to do what’s right.

“We [Meggie and her husband, John] have two young kids who are in FWISD, and we know how hard it is to be parents,” Meggie said. “We wanted to help if we could. It really does take a village.”

Until SNAP benefits are restored to Texans, any child who visits a Chicken Salad Chick location in Burleson, Fort Worth, Hurst, Midlothian, and Southlake) will receive a free Kid’s Meal. There is a limit of one meal per child per day, and the offer is for dine-in customers only. However, as the post says, “No purchase necessary, no questions asked.”

Photo courtesy of Meggie Schissler

The response to Meggie’s post was immediate and supportive. One member wrote, “Restoring my faith in humanity one chicken salad at a time.”  Another wrote, “YES! I’m coming to support you tonight! Thanks for deciding dinner for me lol”

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the encouragement,” Meggie said. “It’s refreshing to see the community encourage each other.”

The idea of giving free food to children until SNAP benefits are restored is not a brand-wide move. Meggie said that the Chicken Salad Chick owner in Albuquerque started it yesterday morning, and Meggie and John thought it was a great idea. And each one of their 10 locations got behind the idea immediately.

“We have awesome teams in place,” Meggie said. “We threw this on them yesterday, and not one of them skipped a beat. Each of our stores has its own community, and they all want to support their communities.”

These days, it isn’t easy to find any good news. Our news outlets and social media feeds are full of bad news. Meggie’s post was a much-needed ray of sunshine in our doom scrolling. Kindness and empathy should not be political. A little compassion, a little love for our neighbors, can go a long way.

The post’s last sentence summed up that grace perfectly.

“Let’s help care for our children, who are both our most valuable and most vulnerable. They are our future.”

The Schisslers
Photo courtesy of Meggie Schissler

The post Caring for Our Most Valuable and Most Vulnerable first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Probate—the legal process of settling an estate—can be time-consuming, costly, and public. A revocable living trust helps avoid probate, ensuring a smoother transition of assets. However, like any estate planning tool, it comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let’s explore how revocable living trusts work in Texas and weigh their pros and cons.

What Is a Revocable Living Trust?

A revocable living trust is a legal entity created to hold and manage assets during your lifetime and distribute them after your death. As the grantor (the person creating the trust), you retain full control over the trust and can modify or revoke it at any time. When you pass away, the trust’s designated successor trustee takes over and distributes the assets according to your instructions, without the need for probate.

Unlike an irrevocable trust, which permanently transfers assets out of your control, a revocable trust allows you to maintain ownership and control over your property while still enjoying the benefits of probate avoidance. This makes it a flexible estate planning tool, especially for those who anticipate changes in their financial situation or family structure.

Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust in Texas

1. Avoiding Probate

One of the primary reasons Texans choose a revocable living trust is to avoid probate. Unlike a will, which must go through the court-supervised probate process, a trust allows assets to be distributed directly to beneficiaries without delays or court fees. This is particularly beneficial in cases where heirs need immediate access to financial resources or if the estate involves multiple properties that could otherwise complicate the probate process.

2. Privacy Protection

Probate is a public process, meaning that your will, assets, and beneficiaries become part of the public record. A trust, on the other hand, keeps your estate matters private. This is especially important for individuals who value confidentiality regarding their wealth and asset distribution. Unlike a will, which is accessible through court records, a trust operates outside the court system, ensuring discretion.

3. Faster Distribution of Assets

Since probate can take months (or even years in complex cases), using a trust allows for quicker distribution of assets to heirs, which is especially beneficial if immediate financial needs exist. If beneficiaries rely on their inheritance for living expenses, medical care, or education costs, a trust can help bypass the delays associated with probate.

4. Flexibility and Control

A revocable trust allows you to make changes throughout your lifetime, ensuring that your estate plan evolves with your circumstances. You can add or remove beneficiaries, change trustees, and adjust asset distributions as needed. This flexibility is useful in cases of marriage, divorce, births, or changes in financial status.

5. Continuity in Case of Incapacity

If you become incapacitated, your named successor trustee can step in to manage your assets without the need for a court-appointed guardian, providing financial stability for you and your family. This is a major advantage over a will, which does not provide any provisions for managing assets in the event of incapacitation.

6. Avoiding Ancillary Probate for Out-of-State Property

If you own property outside of Texas, a revocable living trust can prevent the need for ancillary probate in other states. This is especially useful for individuals with vacation homes or investment properties in multiple locations, as probate laws vary by state and can lead to additional legal complications.

Drawbacks of a Revocable Living Trust in Texas

1. Upfront Costs and Complexity

Creating a revocable trust involves higher initial legal fees compared to drafting a will. Additionally, transferring assets into the trust (such as real estate and bank accounts) requires time and effort. While a basic will may cost a few hundred dollars, setting up a trust can cost several thousand, depending on the complexity of your estate and attorney fees.

2. No Immediate Tax Benefits

Unlike some irrevocable trusts, a revocable living trust does not provide asset protection or tax advantages. Since the trust remains under your control, its assets are still considered part of your taxable estate. If reducing estate taxes is a priority, additional estate planning tools, such as irrevocable trusts or gifting strategies, may be necessary.

3. Funding the Trust is Essential

A common mistake is failing to transfer assets into the trust. If assets are not properly titled in the trust’s name, they may still go through probate, defeating the purpose of creating the trust. To ensure proper funding, all real estate deeds, bank accounts, investment accounts, and other assets must be formally transferred into the trust.

4. Ongoing Maintenance

To keep your trust effective, you must continuously update it by adding new assets, changing beneficiaries, and ensuring that all documents align with your wishes. Failing to maintain the trust could lead to unintended probate proceedings if newly acquired assets are not properly titled in the trust’s name.

5. Limited Creditor Protection

Because you maintain control over a revocable living trust, its assets remain accessible to creditors. If you face lawsuits, divorce settlements, or other financial liabilities, creditors may be able to claim assets held in your trust. Individuals seeking strong asset protection might consider alternative strategies, such as irrevocable trusts or business entities.

Is a Revocable Living Trust Right for You?

A revocable living trust is an excellent option for Texans who want to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and ensure a seamless transfer of assets. However, it requires careful planning and ongoing maintenance. If your estate is relatively simple and you are comfortable with Texas’s probate process—which is often more streamlined than in other states—a will might suffice.

Additionally, if you have a small estate with no complex assets, the cost and effort of establishing a trust may not be justified. Texas offers simplified probate options for smaller estates, which could make a traditional will a more practical and cost-effective choice.

Before making a decision, consult an experienced estate planning attorney to determine the best approach for your specific situation. With the right strategy, you can create a plan that meets your needs and provides peace of mind for your loved ones. Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all, and working with a professional ensures that your plan is tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.

This article, written by Leslie D. Thomas Thomas Walters, PLLC., was shared with permission. 

The post Avoiding Probate in Texas with a Revocable Living Trust: Pros and Cons first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

In January 2025, a close friend of mine experienced the devastating loss of her 5-year-old son, Harvey, due to complications from a congenital heart defect. Watching her navigate the depth of that grief gave me a new understanding of how isolating and overwhelming child loss can be — and how essential the right kind of support truly is.

In the aftermath of the recent, tragic Texas floods — where so many families, including young children, lost their lives — this same friend was moved to write a personal list on how others can support grieving parents. She created it from her own lived experience and as a way to offer something concrete and heartfelt to others now facing unimaginable sorrow.

With her blessing, I’m sharing this list in hopes that it will guide friends, extended family members, and community supporters who want to help, but may not know how. Grief is overwhelming and isolating, but thoughtful support — even in the smallest ways — can be healing.

Offer Emotional Support 

• Any message of love, encouragement, or remembrance — text or handwritten — can be impactful.
• Reach out even if you haven’t been in touch recently or don’t feel “close enough.” Grieving families often find comfort in hearing from old friends.
• The message doesn’t need to be perfect — sentiment matters more than wording.
• Bonus: Share a photo, memory, or specific trait you remember about their child. It offers a small but powerful piece of their memory back to the family.

Support Surviving Siblings 

• If your children are close in age, consider inviting their child over to play or planning a low-pressure outing.
• Grieving parents often feel guilt about not being emotionally or physically available to their surviving children. Helping with sibling play can be a double gift: a break for the parent and joy for the child.
• If possible, organize a group or rotating schedule to plan recurring playdates, reducing the parent’s mental load.
• Even for younger kids, entertainment — without the need for deep conversations — can be valuable.

Give Practical Gifts

• Food delivery is invaluable. It removes the burden of planning meals during an emotionally and mentally overwhelming time.
• Coordinate with others to avoid gaps or over-saturation in meal deliveries.
• Allow monetary donations in meal trains if possible — unexpected expenses related to grief (e.g., funeral expenses, therapy) can be significant.
• Don’t underestimate the value of supporting healthy coping outlets like therapy, physical movement, and time outside.

Avoid Common Missteps

• Avoid toxic optimism (e.g., “at least…” phrases like “at least you had five good years”). These phrases can feel dismissive and hurtful.
• Don’t ask “how are you?” — it’s hard to answer honestly. Try “I’ve been thinking of you” or “It’s good to see you” instead. These phrases feel more supportive and less demanding of a painful answer.
• Don’t avoid using their child’s name. The parent chose that special name just for them; the loss of using it adds to the pain. It may feel tender, but hearing their name affirms their memory and legacy.
• Refrain from saying, “Let me know how I can help.” Most grieving people won’t reach out, even if they need something. Offer specific help instead: “I can bring dinner Wednesday,” or “Can I take your kids to the park for an hour?”

In times of collective grief — whether from personal loss or community tragedy — we often search for ways to feel less alone and more connected. At Cook Children’s, we recognize that many families are grieving together right now, and we want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to offer support, guidance, and compassionate care as you navigate the days ahead. Even in the darkest seasons, community and kindness can be a powerful source of light.

The post How to Support Families in Early Grief first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Yesterday was hard. I dropped off my daughter, Linden, at sleepaway camp with her bravest cousin, Evelyn. In light of the tragedy at Camp Mystic, there were many conversations and tears about whether to attend camp this week. Ultimately, both girls decided to attend. I am so proud of their strength and courage. I would have been equally proud of their self-awareness & honesty if they decided not to go. Many parents will have to navigate difficult conversations with our kids in the coming days so I put together some tips that will hopefully lighten your load a bit.

If you are concerned about how they will take the news, you should tell them. Other kids will be talking about it, and you want your kids to learn the news at home where they are safe to cry if they need to and ask questions. It is also important to impress upon them the sensitive nature of the matter. Encourage them to talk to an adult and not another child if they need to chat when they are away from you.

• Be factual when explaining what happened but shield them from harrowing details, wall-to-wall news coverage, or imagining what the kids went through. Their minds may go there on their own though.
• Survivor’s guilt is sneaky. Lots of kids will wonder about why this happened to other children and not them. Younger kids sometimes think they did something wrong to cause a tragedy to happen. In a few weeks, it may be good to check in about it (“Sometimes kids wonder why this happened to other kids and not them. Have you been thinking about that?”). Hopefully, it hasn’t come up for them, but it would be good to talk through if it has.
•  If they are grieving, give them something to do with their grief. I know this helps me. Could they pray, raise money, write letters, etc?
• Watch out for nightmares & intrusive thoughts. Sometimes kids tell me they can’t get thoughts out of their head, and it is very distressing to them.
• Reach out early to your pediatrician or mental health professional if you notice your kid is having trouble sleeping, not experiencing joy, spending a lot of time in their room, or just can’t turn their brain off. It is so incredibly hard to watch our babies suffer. I promise we want to help.
• I wish I had some magic words to take away our kids’ worries and sadness, but I don’t. The important thing is they have you, a parent who loves them beyond comprehension & is trying their best. I promise you that is good enough.

Cook Children’s is here to help, know you are not alone. They are providing the resources below to help support you and your child.  Talking to one another and seeking assistance is a vital first step in healing. If your child needs additional support, please reach out to your child’s pediatrician. 

• Cook Children’s have lots of resources here: https://www.cookchildrens.org/health-resources/mental-health/ 
• You can also access local mental health resources for your family 24/7 through MHMR by calling 1-800-866-2465. 
• To learn more about Cook Children’s behavioral health services or to schedule an appointment for your child, contact 682-885-3917. 
• The Parent Pass app also has many resources for families: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parent-pass/id1597475361

The post Camp Mystic: A Psychiatrist and Mother’s Advice to Parents first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

We’re all aware of the devastation. You can’t turn on the television or get on social media without being bombarded with images and sound bites. But do you know how to help?

We’ve compiled a list of some organizations who are on the ground, helping with recovery efforts, and who could use you help, be it monetary or donated goods. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO FLOOD AREAS! You don’t want to get in the way of search and rescue/recovery operations.

We are heartbroken. So many lives lost. So many people affected. We continue to send prayers and love to Central Texas.

Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR)
https://www.texsar.org/donate/

American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/

Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country: Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201

Center Point Volunteer Fire Department Venmo
@CPVFDTX

Austin Pets Alive!
https://donate.austinpetsalive.org/campaign/674763/donate?c_src=KerrCountyFlood-July2025&c_src2=InstagramBio

World Central Kitchen: Central Texas Mobilization
https://donate.wck.org/give/703028/?_gl=1*2fvkbb*_gcl_au*MTA3Nzc3NzgzNy4xNzUxODkwMjAz*_ga*MTE2MjYzNTkwOS4xNzUxODkwMjAz*_ga_5WKVY8503C*czE3NTE4OTAyMDIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTE4OTAyMTgkajQ0JGwwJGgw#!/donation/checkout?c_src=2025-site-firstalert-texas-7-4

Operation BBQ Relief
https://volunteers.operationbbqrelief.org/donations/donate-now

Verified Fundraisers and Nonprofits on GoFundMe
https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/flood-relief#section-2

The post Central Texas Floods: Ways to Help first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.