Young children notice difference. As they try to make sense of their world, they pay attention to regularity and irregularity, what is familiar and what is not. And there is no judgment involved, just recognition of difference. Truth be told, most people notice difference. It’s no big deal, or it shouldn’t be, anyway. Problems arise when difference is viewed as unacceptable. I know many adults who could use a lesson in tolerating difference. Last week on the bike path at the beach, a … [Read more...] about Look At That Lady’s Nose!
Compassion
Lousy Local Conditions
While I cannot take credit for inventing the expression lousy local conditions, I use it all the time. It’s just so right-on-the-button. Lousy local conditions refers to those times when a child’s less than perfect behaviors are magnified or even created by the conditions of his environment. The child who has missed a nap or a meal, who went to sleep late or woke up too early, who has been dragged on too many errands, who has attended one birthday party too many, who had a bad day at school, … [Read more...] about Lousy Local Conditions
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
Talking to Children About Haiti
There is no debate that the disaster in Haiti is just that, a disaster. But there are differing opinions about whether young children should be exposed to this news. While I suggest that you have a look at chapter 11 (Is the Fire Going to Come to Our House?" Answering questinos about Natural Disasters, Terrorism, and War) in my book, Just Tell me What to Say, I offer a few pointers in the meantime. Of course it is wholly up to you whether and what you tell your children about the … [Read more...] about Talking to Children About Haiti