Some children are lucky enough to have already gone back to in-person school. But, sadly, many have not. Today the internet was alive with stories of more public schools soon being able to go back to in-person education. Hallelujah! While we would all love our children to run and jump headfirst into school, it may not be so easy for some. For each child and family it will be different. Age is not necessarily the determining factor. The re entry transition has more to do with your child’s … [Read more...] about Smoothing the Re Entry into School
Learning
Deciding on Schooling During a Pandemic
With school fast approaching, many parents are faced with having to make a big choice. My email box is overflowing with requests for help in deciding what to do about school this fall. And the fact that many private and charter schools in California are now applying for waivers in order to open, makes the decision even more difficult. Virtual or in person? For parents of younger children--preschoolers or rising kindergartners--it is just as difficult: Should my child start kindergarten? … [Read more...] about Deciding on Schooling During a Pandemic
Parenting in a Pandemic
It’s one thing to manage your family’s health, safety, well-being as well as that of your parents and in-laws. It’s another thing when you have genuine concern about contracting a life threatening illness. But it’s a whole new ball game when your children are home 24 hours a day and you are in charge of their education, entertainment, on top of their health, too. Welcome to parenting in a pandemic. What’s a parent to do? When the Coronavirus warnings first came, none of us … [Read more...] about Parenting in a Pandemic
Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
I have been reluctant to write a piece about the Coronavirus for two reasons: 1) I don’t want to fuel the sense of worry or even panic that seems to be building, and 2) there are many articles on the same topic circulating in cyberspace. But after I received 5 different emails today asking the question “How do I talk to my kids about the virus?” I changed my mind. Talk of the coronavirus COVID-19 is everywhere. People are wearing face masks which is a new sight to many kids. … [Read more...] about Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
Kobe Bryant’s Death: Talking to Kids About Premature Death
Around the age of 4 years, most children begin to ask about death. It surfaces in their play, they say things like, “I’m gonna kill you,” they ask if you are going to die, among other questions and references. Unless they have experienced death at a younger age, this curiosity and sometime seeming obsessiveness are age appropriate and typical. It is a part of growing up. The answers to these questions are hard for all parents. No one wants to create fear or pain for her/his child. But … [Read more...] about Kobe Bryant’s Death: Talking to Kids About Premature Death
“Is Santa Real, Mommy?”
One of the signs (sometimes laced with a bit of sadness) that your child is growing up is when the inevitable question comes, Is Santa real? While it seems so simple, it is one that puts many a parent into a tail spin. What should I say? Should I tell him the truth? Should I lie? Won’t he be so disappointed? What if he accuses me of having lied to him when he finds out the truth? Let me put your mind at ease. You have not been lying to your child if you have allowed Santa … [Read more...] about “Is Santa Real, Mommy?”