It’s all about gimme gimme gimme right about now, the middle of Chanukah and three weeks before Christmas. Well, of course it is, because the world—the media, advertisers, merchants—focus our children’s sights on the stuff they’re going to get. Ugh! In the end it is the experiences that define the holidays. Do you remember what you received when you were 7 or 8 or 9? Not likely. But you do remember what you always used to do with your family, year after year. Experiences in the form of … [Read more...] about The Experience of the Holidays
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Your Child is “Shy” Around Strangers
An Interview with Betsy by Heidi Stevens of the Chicago Tribune Q: Your kindergartener is extremely shy around strangers. How do you get her to warm up to relatives she only sees at the holidays? Few topics are more complicated than family at the holidays, which is why Betsy Brown BraunÖ, author of “You're Not the Boss of Me: Brat-proofing Your Four- to Twelve-Year-Old Child” (Harper Paperbacks)Ö, suggests a four-pronged approach. No. 1. Change your language. “I never use the ‘s’ word,” … [Read more...] about Your Child is “Shy” Around Strangers
ThanksGIVING…and then?
I am always struck by the irony of Thanksgiving, the holiday of giving thanks, being followed so closely by the winter holidays—Christmas and Chanukah—the holidays of gimme gimme gimme. Our children are taught the Thanksgiving story—the horror of the true story somewhat p.c.-ified (made politically correct) to reflect the supposed kindness of the Native Americans to the Pilgrims. They are asked to consider all of that for which they are grateful. They participate in canned food and gently used … [Read more...] about ThanksGIVING…and then?
At What Age Should My Child Have a Cell Phone?
Wouldn’t it be great if there were a clear answer to this question? There isn’t. As with every decision you will make regarding your child, this one is about your particular child and you. The only thing I know for sure is that “all my friends have one” is not a good enough reason for allowing your child to have a cell phone (or anything, for that matter!). I am also quite sure that somewhere around the age of 9 years your child will claim that she really needs a cell phone. (How … [Read more...] about At What Age Should My Child Have a Cell Phone?
Let Halloween Be The Kids’ Holiday
“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 last week. Next door to me there is a menagerie of scary guys and body parts, bushes dripping with spider webs. Across the street there is a whole array Halloween creatures, hanging ghosts, spiders, … [Read more...] about Let Halloween Be The Kids’ Holiday
Join the Family
The “perfect” family—mom, dad, and two girls probably ages 6 and 9—sat across from my husband and me as we dined at a local restaurant to launch our weekend As hard as I try, when I am out in the world I cannot help but notice families. It is my passion and my life’s work, and I am just selectively perceptive to parents and kids wherever I go. Knowing them doesn’t matter, (but it is the icing on the cake.) The girls were adorable. The older one, on the quiet side, seemed calm, centered, … [Read more...] about Join the Family