Tricia Vlasak, Columnist

Tricia Vlasak is a mother and grandparent who writes articles on grandparenting, personal essays about her wellness journey, and travel features. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing, hiking with her dogs, or going on Jeep adventures. Tricia has received several awards from Parenting Media Association including two Gold Awards.

Articles by Tricia Vlasak

The Leadership Lesson All Moms Need

A 25-year law enforcement veteran shares the leadership lesson that changed everything: for women and moms, saying "no" is a power move, not a weakness....

Medical Gaslighting, Menopause, and the Midlife Wake-Up Call

A 50-something man strolls into a doctor’s office. He says he’s been “a little tired” lately. The doctor smiles and says, “No problem, friend!” and...

Two Unique Southern California Vacation Destinations

Some families have a vacation tradition, so they already know what they will do. But some may be looking for something different or less expensive. Maybe a unique experience. For those looking for something new in California, read on.

Cold Weather Adventures in SoCal

Look beyond Tahoe for your snow fun this year! The San Bernardino mountains are about a six-hour drive from the Monterey area. The area is also easy to get to by flying into Ontario or Palm Springs and renting a car.

Encouraging Creativity in Children

Creative people are better problem-solvers, more resilient, and generally happier. So, what can we do to foster creativity in our children?

Grandmas in Hawaii

What do you get when two long-time friends head to Hawaii? A vacation filled with whiskey tasting, hiking, beach sitting, and a few adventures (but no grandkids!).

California Bloomin’: Where to See California’s Super Bloom

A super bloom occurs when the conditions are exactly right: there must be the perfect mix of rainfall paired with the right amount of sunshine, all at the right time. And, by all accounts, we are in for a treat this spring.

Teach kids to play? YES!

I sometimes think, as adults, we believe kids innately know how to play and create fun. But that isn’t true. Kids need to be taught how to use their imaginations.

One Thankful Grandma

In this month of thanks, and because this is a grandma column, here are five reasons I’m grateful for my grandkids.

Set an Example to Raise Environmentally Conscious Kids

October usually kicks off the holiday season: the weather turns cool, we bring out the sweaters, and we settle in for a season of togetherness...

When Grandparents Divorce

I am one of those women who filed for divorce after two years of the pandemic. I am keenly aware of the effect this may have on my grandchildren.

High Desert Getaway: Cuyama Buckhorn

If your goal is to arrive home after a weekend getaway completely relaxed, look no further than Cuyama Buckhorn in Santa Barbara’s high desert.

Moms Flying Solo

Being a single mother is a balancing act. You have to nurture and discipline. You have to make a living and a home. You have to figure out how to supervise your children from afar, because you aren’t always available. It is exhausting. And yet, it is

The Grandkids are in the House!

Are you helping mom and dad with childcare during spring break? Here are suggestions on how you can keep the kids busy and entertained.

Chill out, millennials. You’re doing fine!

Millennials get a bad rap but our “Grandma Says” columnist shares her very positive experience with them and her advice is for millennials to chill out. They’re doing a great job parenting.

Plan a trip your family won’t forget

It is hard to believe that we haven’t been able to plan a summer vacation without worrying about staff shortages, canceled flights, mask rules, vaccinations, and restrictions regarding destinations, since the summer of 2019.

I’m Pro-Love But Anti-Valentine’s Day!

I’ll let you all in on a big secret: I’ve never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. To me, it’s a “Hallmark holiday” that pressures us to spend money.

My journey to health

The devastating loss of my precious son led me to make drastic changes for my physical and emotional health.

Holidays with Family: Healthy Boundaries & Letting Go

I’ve been thinking a lot about family expectations and how they can be both a blessing and a burden. And specifically, how those expectations play out during the holiday season.

Grandma Tested Tips for a Safer Halloween

So, how can we keep our children and grandchildren safe this Fall? The safest activities will be outside.

The Arts & Our Grandchildren

One of the best ways grandparents can support their grandchildren is by participating in arts activities with them. You could participate in an activity–painting, singing, going to a museum. Or, you could be the chauffeur!

Camping in Mexico: Planning is Key

With COVID still a concern, many families have chosen vacations that keep them off airplanes, out of hotels, and more in control of the environment. My husband and I are part of that group and recently enjoyed a one-week camping vacation in Mexico.

Epic California Road Trip

If you’ve ever wanted to visit California destinations that are off the beaten path, this spring or summer is the perfect time for a road trip of a lifetime!

This Isn’t easy: Coping With Pandemic Anxiety, Depression, and Sadness

The pandemic has necessitated sweeping changes to the way kids learn, play, and socialize. The closure of schools and the cessation of extracurricular activities means that kids no longer have the same access. Their worlds have been turned upside dow

What My Grandchildren are Helping Me Learn About Racism

Children don’t start out caring about race, color, nationality, etc. But, somewhere along the line, they see us. They mimic us. And then they become us. Make sure you are worthy of being emulated. Don’t expect them to overcome your racism.

Pandemic Parenting: Lessons Learned

We are learning many things from this pandemic: some good, some not so good. We are having to rethink how we live our lives, how we manage our businesses, and how we are raising our families.

Words of Wisdom for Mama

Young mothers, I wish I had some wise words to add to these phrases the women told me my whole life. I can’t imagine what it is like raising young children during these times of social distancing, closed schools, shuttered businesses, working and sch

WCGD? (What Can Grandparents Do?)

It’s a tough time, we get it. As grandparents, ask yourself, “what can I do to help my family?” There are so many ways you can lend an assist around your grandkids’ altered education, Halloween celebrations, and fall activities.

Confronting Racism: Setting an Example for Your Grandkids

The point is to get a conversation started. And remember they are watching you: pay attention to your statements, attitudes, and actions. Be a part of the solution so that we can leave our grandchildren a much better world.

RV 101: Planning a Family RV Vacation

With COVID-19 concerns on everyone’s minds, travel restrictions to other countries, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring, it’s hard to plan a weekend getaway, let alone a family vacation.

Meet the Step-Parents and Step-Grandparents

The so-called “traditional” family is no longer as typical as it once was. Mom and dad, two moms, two dads, grandparents raising their children’s children, a mix of parents and stepparents, are all common and valid and beautiful families.

When Mother’s Day Is Difficult

For mothers who have lost a child, for those who have lost a mother, and for those who haven’t been able to conceive, Mother’s Day can be a complex mix of emotions.

Gift Giving Gone Wild

Most of us have more time and money than we did as young parents, and we love nothing more than sharing both with our precious grandbabies. Unfortunately, gift-giving can sometimes cause issues between parents and grandparents.

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