Beseeching your child to just give an activity a try, to practice the guitar she begged to take, to put in more effort on an assignment frustrates parents, lots of them. Parents frequently come to me with complaints about their child… who won’t try an activity because he fears won’t be good 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 gives up easily who doesn’t give an activity enough … [Read more...] about “Just Give it a Try,” Pleaded the Father.
Teens
Talking to Children About the Flood ( and Deaths) in Texas
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
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