Much has been discussed about the toll this year has taken on all of us. The Latin phrase “annus horribilis”, translated “a horrible year” probably best sums it up. When the New Year’s Eve Ball dropped in Time Square on December 31st, ushering in a new decade, few of us envisioned the mess we find ourselves in. A New Year usually means New Year’s Resolutions of weight loss, or exercising more, going back to school and other such life changes. Surely, we did not anticipate “keeping our mask on” or “social distancing” as a New Year’s Resolution; and at that, ones we had to follow through on! The physical, emotional, spiritual and financial toll this pandemic has had on all of us cannot be underestimated. Certainly, some have suffered more …
Parenting During the Coronavirus Outbreak
The Coronavirus is causing stress, panic and uncertainty for many adults around the world. Think of how overwhelming this is for children. Kids thrive on routine, structure and predictability. We have anything but that right now. You only have to turn on any television station, view your social media headlines on your phone or walk into a grocery store to figure out we are in unchartered territory. School and all extra-curricular events are cancelled for all our kids and they are repeatedly being asked to wash their hands and not get too close to their friends. This is a lot for kids to deal with and especially difficult for kids who have underlying anxiety. The following are some ideas for parents and caregivers to help their kids during this uncertain …
What Will Your Children Remember of the Holidays?
Another holiday season is here. We are bombarded with marketing tactics to buy the latest gadget or search for the lowest price or sprint for the new “IT TOY” this season. Holiday madness or Holiday gladness? Which one will you choose? Memories are very powerful. They are encoded in our brains and strongly influence our lives. When our children look back on their childhood holiday memories, what do we want them to remember? Despite our efforts to get the perfect toy or video game, etc. for our children, most can’t even remember what it was that they received last year for the holidays. I remember years of taking so much time to send out holiday cards, get matching wrapping paper and bows and the latest decorations. I HAD to make …