Communication

Child doing distance learning on a laptop during COVID-19 pandemic

Distance Learning: Kids Need Parents and Teachers on the Same Team

Five Things to Keep In Mind As You Get Started

Teachers, parents, and families everywhere are scrambling to bring teaching and learning online. Administrators are working hard to find ways to provide food and technology to families who need them. Caregivers are juggling full time work, the strain of job loss, or the stress of working on the front lines at the same time that…  Read More

Parenting talking to daughter and building resilience

Building Resilience: Your Family Stories Matter

“Our family really knows how to cook!” my son exclaimed proudly as he served his own specialty macaroni and cheese to us a couple of days ago for dinner. “YES!” my youngest agreed happily, squeezing enough ketchup for the entire family onto his plate.  Whether or not I agree with the level of culinary sophistication…  Read More

Children washing hands

How to Talk to Kids and Teens About the Coronavirus

Plus comics, podcasts, and links to support your efforts

“How long should I wash my hands? Two hours?” my five-year-old asked before dinner. “Kids don’t even get sick from the corona virus!” my oldest asserted in a calm yet slightly annoyed, “I-know-more-than-you” voice. An argument ensued over who knew more about the virus and exactly which song is twenty seconds long. Even if children and…  Read More

Parent tucking child into bed with family ritual

Do You Have Family Rituals?

A simple and creative way to stay connected

“Say our important things,” my youngest child reminded me as I told him to turn off his headlamp and close his eyes to go to sleep. “Of course! Do I ever forget?” I asked. “Well sometimes, but not usually. No, I guess not,” he replied, snuggling into his bed waiting for me to begin our…  Read More

Elementary age child crossing his arms and looking angry

Anger Management is a Big Part of Parenting, So How Do We Do It?

From Calm to Chaos The sun rises, your alarm rings, you roll out of bed and find your way to your first mug of coffee (Not a coffee person? Imagine tea instead). The birds are singing. The world feels full of possibility. You take a deep breath, committed to starting your parenting day with smooth…  Read More

Teenage relationship holding hands

Teenage Relationships

The Talk 70% of Teens Wish Adults Would Have with Them

Perhaps in your house, your teen is eager to talk to you about all the things. Perhaps your teen turns to you bright eyed and engaged with a simple and clear request “Mom, I cannot wait to talk to you about ______!” (insert emotionally vulnerable topic here). But for those of you who are lobbing…  Read More

White parents talking to their children about race

Let’s Talk With Kids About Race and Racism

My oldest son and his friends have been watching a lot of The Who Was? Show on Netflix. The series explores the lives of famous people from history. Before dinner recently he excitedly listed all the people he had learned about. After reciting the names he made this obvious but important observation: “That was a…  Read More

What Will Your Children Remember About The Holidays?

The Power of Emotional Memories

It is December and the holidays are in full swing. Whether you celebrate a holiday this month or not, the break from school and work is an opportunity for togetherness, reflection and family. It can also be a time of way-too-many-things-to-do and way-too-little-time-to-do-them. It doesn’t help that stores started their holiday marketing strategies in October…  Read More