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
Elementary School Children
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
Part II of Kids Don’t Understand Money: TEACHING ABOUT MONEY
In Part I of Kids Don't Understand Money I shared a story of a parent whose child had not previously seen or paid attention to paying with cash. (Really!) I addressed the reality that children today don’t know about our legal tender: coins and bills. It’s shocking to think about. And here is the rest of that story: The 7-year-old, upon seeing his dad use green money, asked incredulously, “Do you have more of that?” How do kids learn about money? Where does it comes from? How do we get it? … [Read more...] about Part II of Kids Don’t Understand Money: TEACHING ABOUT MONEY
Kids Don’t Understand Money. Part 1
True story: The dad took his 7-year-old son to a funky donut shop he had heard about, a shop which took cash only. No credit cards, no Apple Pay. “But Dad, how can we pay for this?” the worried boy asked, fearing he wouldn’t get his donuts. The dad took out his wallet and found a couple of bills. The rest of the story is not important for now. What it does illustrate is today’s kids’ dwindling knowledge of real money. A different parent shared with me that her 6-year-old not only couldn’t … [Read more...] about Kids Don’t Understand Money. Part 1