That will probably make things a lot easier for parents who will no longer have to fill out forms.

Some of these girls are recovering from injuries, so our performance will depend on how fast we can get them healthy...and keep them healthy. Because we'll have to use a slow progression for some of the girls, I don't expect us to really round into shape until the end of the season.

If you want to stay young-looking, pick your parents very carefully

[I asked some experienced parents what they do about this. They endorse the view of the best principals and teachers: Whatever the resistance, do your best to talk the problem out with the people at the school. Dick and Karen Reed, who have had two daughters in Fairfax County schools, say a face-to-face meeting with the teacher and the relevant administrator is best. You have to make sure the meeting does not end until the problem is defined and a solution agreed upon. Then, and this is the part that I was too lazy ever to try, the Reeds compose a summary of the discussion and the agreement and send it to the educators.] I don't accept corrections or edits from them, ... I do offer to meet again if they wish to change something.

If your parents never had children, chances are you won't either

Somehow, when she was 13, I convinced her parents to let us take her on the road trips. All the rest of them were guys, but she was treated like she had five or six older brothers. She was very good.