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
Parenting
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
She MD
I was a guest on a newish and quite good website, SHE MD, with Mary Alice Haney and Rhea Seahorn. For those who are in need or just wonder, I think it's worth the watch! Managing Divorce, Co-Parenting and Blended Family Dynamics to Raise Resilient Children with Betsy Brown Braun and Actress Rhea Seehorn … [Read more...] about She MD
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
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