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
Toddlers
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
Parent – Teacher Conferences
Communication between home and school is essential to a child’s successful school experience. Fall is the time when many schools, public and private, have their first parent-teacher conferences of the year. Unfortunately, these conferences are usually short, sometimes only twenty minutes. You want to use your time well. Save the chit-chat and small talk for another day! Just as your teacher prepares for the conference, so should you. Whether your child is in 5th grade or in his first … [Read more...] about Parent – Teacher Conferences
My Child is a Hoarder!
"Daisy is a hoarder!" my daughter exclaimed in horror (and frustration). If I didn't know about kids and their typical development, I might agree with her. For Daisy, the world is filled with treasures. Whether it is a lost sequin spotted in the driveway, a set of Halloween vampire's teeth, a singular sticker from a coach, party favor junk, or another piece of plastic cr&p from the dentist's office, it is must be saved. Castoffs of all categories, shapes, colors, and sizes are for the … [Read more...] about My Child is a Hoarder!
Extinguishing Fire Worries
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
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