In a recent article in The Hartford Courant concerning parents philosophies on children's study habits, the following paragraphs focused on former 6-year Starters player Christina Phillips:

Christina Phillips, a varsity athlete in several sports, graduated as valedictorian from Bulkeley High School in June 2000 and attends Yale. Her older sister, Sarah, was also a good student and athlete and is a senior at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass. They have two younger brothers.

If Christine forgot her lunch or Sarah forgot her homework on the counter, Helga Phillips, their mother, would resist the urge to deliver the forgotten items to school.

"Teaching them to take charge, teaching them coping skills will teach them more in the long run," said Phillips.

For that reason, Phillips always opposed the idea of requesting a teacher or trying to offer excuses of any sort if a child didn't do what was expected.

If a child doesn't understand something, Phillips said, it's up to the child to get extra help or - with the help of a parent - to arrange a tutor.

"People have done incredible things and overcome incredible odds. I'm not sure we do anyone any favors by taking away the struggle."

The Phillpses also strictly limited television and only recently got cable. They recently got the Internet on their computer, but Helga won't let her sons have the password so they don't waste time on it. The sisters have joked that their home was an "Amish paradise."