Even though I am based in Pacific Palisades, California, I have many clients in Texas; I have clients who have Texas connections; I have clients whose children go to camp in Texas. My phone has been ringing non-stop; my email is overloaded. How do I talk to my child about the flood in Texas? Whether your child is a Texas camper or knows someone who is, the news is spreading fast. As far away as Texas is, bad news can hit close to home. No person, no child, no parent can imagine losing a … [Read more...] about Talking to Children About the Flood ( and Deaths) in Texas
Adolescents
Before It’s Too Late
The end of life of a very dear friend of mine for 54 years is on the horizon. Needless to say, it breaks my heart. I have been spending as much time with her as I can. Last week I sat down and wrote her a long, detailed, and descriptive letter. It was not to say goodbye; it was to say how much she means to me today and every day over the past 54 years. In fact, it was everything I would say about her at a Memorial. But I wanted her to hear and have it now. Writing that letter reminded me … [Read more...] about Before It’s Too Late
Fire Talk, Part 2. Older children, tweens, and teens
It is impossible to imagine a human who has not been profoundly affected by the catastrophic fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, California. Those who lost their houses, all their possessions, and their physical mementos holding their family memories, are overwhelmed, are in pain, and are numb. Those who did not take a direct hit are suffering, too. In writing this blog, my goal is to offer support to parents of children, young and old, in dealing with their children. Parents need to … [Read more...] about Fire Talk, Part 2. Older children, tweens, and teens
Holiday Envy
Let’s face it, Christmas is everywhere. Even in cities heavily populated by Chanukah celebrants, Christmas rules, as the streets are dressed in sparkles and twinkle lights and red and green and fa la la. It’s no wonder that cries of “I want to have a Christmas tree!” fill Jewish air space. The omnipresence of Christmas trappings fuels what is known as the “December Dilemma.” Many a Jewish parent recalls lusting after Christmas trees as a child, and that memory is enough to push her over the … [Read more...] about Holiday Envy
Talking to Children About the Election
I awakened today to more than a few emails pleading, Help! How do I explain the election results to my kids? This processing of the election is not meant just for those who are unhappy with the outcome. It is for both those who are deeply disappointed and those who are ecstatic. There is just no way that yesterday’s election went unnoticed by any child who lives in a family who votes. Strong feelings have run hot and heavy in homes across America for many months. Your kids have heard … [Read more...] about Talking to Children About the Election
Turn ON the TV…Lessons of the Olympics
Turn OFF the television and spend real time with your children! How many times have I preached this advice to parents? Today I am doing an about face. It’s time to turn ON the television … to watch the Olympics. Parents frequently come to me with complaints about their child… who has to be first or best who can’t cope with failure who doesn’t stick to an interest when he isn’t immediately successful who won’t try something new for fear of not being good who gives up … [Read more...] about Turn ON the TV…Lessons of the Olympics