Today’s children are smart, talented, and savvy — and they likely have more computer skills than their parents.

Their lives are filled with activities, school, band, sports, dance, church.

How do their lives differ from your childhood?

The News Courier staff is requesting your help writing stories for a special magazine section about the lives of today’s children called “Generation M: Millennial kids are ultra-connected, over-scheduled and under pressure. Can they cope?”

Our team of reporters will look at important issues facing our children, such as the effects of technology, the rise in obesity, the quality of education, health issues and what kinds of leaders they may become.

We will also try to help answer questions about whether kids are overscheduled and overstressed, whether they are too “connected,” and whether they have enough physical education.

Submit your story

To give examples of how children live today (and in previous generations) we are asking our readers to submit essays about the family traditions they share with their children.

Do you have special holiday customs? Do you always play a certain game on long car trips? Do you have memories of an especially funny or memorable vacation?

Write about your feelings the day your child was born, or the day he graduated from high school. Tell us about proud moments as a parent, or share wisdom learned through adversity.

Or contrast your child’s life with your own experience.