“I’m almost finished reading ,” the first-time mom confessed, “and I have to tell you, it’s really stressing me out!” “Well, don’t read it! ” I urged. “Just put it away.” (I think I actually suggested that she throw it away.) That’s kind of an odd recommendation from a... Read more...

How amazing is it that all kids seem to whine at some time or other? Seriously, how is it that they all use the same tone? Is that capacity just part of the factory-equipped model of child?  Truth be told, it kind of is…the capacity, that is. Children... Read more...

Simply put, the following is a link to an article that I believe is a must read. “10 Unsettling Education Trends Started By Tiger Moms” http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2011/08/10/10-unsettling-education-trends-started-by-tiger-moms/ Not only is the information powerful and important in the lives of parents and children, but it is incredibly thought provoking. Let me know... Read more...

Young children notice difference. As they try to make sense of their world, they pay attention to regularity and irregularity, what is familiar and what is not.  And there is no judgment involved, just recognition of difference. Truth be told, most people notice difference.  It’s no big... Read more...

“Professional Halloween Lighting” reads the sign on my corner.  Are they kidding? I wondered as I inched toward my house, looking out for any of my young neighbors.   My block is filled with kids of all ages, nursery through high schoolers. And their house Halloween decorations began appearing... Read more...

“You will not believe this story,” began the email from a client who had just returned from family services for the Jewish New Year. She described the mother and three children sitting next to her own family. “She was knitting!” (Yes, you read it correctly,... Read more...

“Coach Accused of Punching Son”  The headline in the LA Times caught my eye.  A youth baseball coach is facing a simple assault charge for punching his 9 year old son in the face after the boy was ejected from a game.  Are they kidding? I read... Read more...

I watched Derek and his son washing my car, as I stood at the sink, molding patties for our bar-b-que that night. They were having an animated discussion about something, lots of back and forth over the top of my car. The son is really tall at... Read more...

 When I was pondering the Introduction to my new book, You’re Not the Boss of Me, it occurred to me that all I really needed to write was one sentence:  Be the person you want your child to be. Four pages later, that didn’t happen. But I... Read more...

I guess my book, You’re Not the Boss of Me, came out too late for the mom who wrote in the  Two Cents Worth column of my local newspaper:  I think the Pony Baseball Association should consider eliminating playoffs for the younger players (Pintos).  My Pinto player’s... Read more...