“What are we going to do today?” pleads the child as he climbs into the car after a full day of school. What is that about? Is it that the child has come to expect that every day brings a new form of parent-organized, post school entertainment – music lessons, sports lessons, art classes, dance classes, “enrichment” classes, and playdates? And I wonder if maybe, in our mission to make sure our children don’t miss one minute of mind and body improvement, we are forgetting the importance of … [Read more...] about The Importance of Doing Nothing
Parenting
The Daily Eulogy
“I just have to hug my kid. And I tell him that I love him every chance I get.” That’s what I have heard over and over for two weeks, as parents continue to process Julia Siegler’s death. They are circling the wagons, appreciating every day with their kids, drinking up as much as they can. There is certainly nothing wrong with that. Is that enough? As I have read the countless stories about Julia, and as I recall the eulogies for this child who died too young, I am struck by how glorified … [Read more...] about The Daily Eulogy
Hurry Up and Slow Down!
Last Sunday morning I stood on the corner of Sepulveda and Skirball Drive. Ten families with children of all ages in tow and I stood at the red light, eager to get to Milk and Bookies. (The glory of that charity event held this year at the Skirball is for another blog.) There were no cars anywhere in sight. Not a one as far as the eye could see. Yet everyone stood there, waiting for the light to change. Good! I have been trying to process Julia Siegler’s tragic death all week long. Julia, … [Read more...] about Hurry Up and Slow Down!
Teaching Children About Death
A mom called me from New York today. In a panic she explained that her mother was in the last stages of her life and what on earth would she tell her child. She said she needed a crash course in death. So sad for her, but good for her. There are parents of young children who will read the title of this blog, shake their heads, and walk--no run-- away from the computer. Don't do it! Children need to learn about death, and they should learn about it from you. Death is the one great … [Read more...] about Teaching Children About Death
Olympic Idols
It seems like there is something for everyone in this Winter Olympics, and it’s easy to become an addict. The entire event is packed with heart-racing excitement as well as examples of natural talent, acquired skill, and athleticism. Don’t you just sit on the edge of your chair? But there is more. While I am a believer in limited screen time for children, especially commercial television, the Olympics are providing our children (and us) with important lessons and messages that are hard to … [Read more...] about Olympic Idols
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
With Valentine’s Day always comes lots of talk about love. I love you, Mommy. I love my teacher. I love chocolate. I love making Valentines. Kids are exposed to the word the moment the cord is cut in the delivery room. And it is reinforced and expanded over and over throughout their growing years Daddy loves you. See you after school…remember, I love you. But truth be told, love is a complicated concept. It’s just not as easy as it sounds. When I work with parents who are separating … [Read more...] about What’s Love Got To Do With It?