Not only is the prospect of a house burning down terrifying to a child (and everyone!), but so are many of the accompanying variables disruptive and disconcerting. The fires in the Los Angeles area have driven home this reality. Fires are destroying homes; the wind is the enemy; the air is unbreathable everywhere; the road closures make it impossible to go anywhere; and schools are unexpectedly closed. What’s a parent to do? Manage your own feelings. Of course parents are not only terrified … [Read more...] about Extinguishing Fire Worries
Elementary School Children
Watch Your Words: A lessons for kids
My client was mortified. She had just received a call from the teacher saying that her 8-year-old son called his good friend a “butt hole” while on the playground. Even though the teacher had only overheard the comment, the parent had to be told how inappropriate her son had been. Days later a different client wrote to share that her 5-year-old son’s teacher called with similar news. When it was his turn to introduce himself to a new teacher, her son stated his name and added, “and I have a … [Read more...] about Watch Your Words: A lessons for kids
Good Medicine in Difficult Times
Each day I awaken wary of the new bad news that day will bring. I know I am not the only one who feels like we are living in apocalyptic times. Fires are ravaging California; Harvey, Irma and Maria made landfall and decimated parts of Texas, Florida and much of Puerto Rico; then came the earthquake in Mexico; the Las Vegas shooting was horrifying; the threat of a confrontation with North Korea is ever present; the unpredictability of the leadership of our nation unnerves (and disgusts) me to my … [Read more...] about Good Medicine in Difficult Times
Do You Undermine Your Discipline?
For forever Lisa has been cutting my hair every 4 weeks. I have watched her two kids grow up, hearing her many tales and dishing out my advice. My hair looks great, and Lisa is a terrific parent. The proof is in the pudding. Today I got my haircut, and here is Lisa's story. Lisa’s teenage daughter was granted her permission to host a friends’ party at their house, one that would include her boyfriend and his family, too. Mom consented but only with this deal: Lisa does the food and her … [Read more...] about Do You Undermine Your Discipline?
Talking to Your Children about the Terror Attack in Manchester
The bombing at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester is all the more horrible and deeply troubling because the target was an arena filled with adolescents and children of all ages. Parents all over the world are left tongue tied when needing to answer what happened, why it happened, and will it happen to me. I have written about how to talk to children about terror attacks too many times. With a heavy heart, I remind you of the following tips: Your children are watching you. You need … [Read more...] about Talking to Your Children about the Terror Attack in Manchester
Grappling with Presidential Prose
Whether you hate or love President Trump’s politics, most parents agree that his behaviors and style of communication are not very presidential. With all the different goals parents have for their kids, there is one thing most parents share: wanting our children to behave respectfully, politely, and within the bounds of propriety. We want them to live a life defined by the morals and character traits we value. To that end, we model the language, the behavior, the actions, and the values we … [Read more...] about Grappling with Presidential Prose