Processing Your Parenting Legacy
I have a friend whose parents are very involved in her family’s life. They are helpful and attentive grandparents, and I tell her how lucky she is all the time. Not only are my parents not very active in my…
Summer Jobs and Dismantling Racism in Your Family
My 14-year-old son has been wanting to work a real job since he was in elementary school. He could apply for a special work permit and find a job this summer, but I think he should wait until next year.…
Calming Vaccination Anxiety
Help! My 5-year-old has a huge fear of doctors, nurses, and even the pediatrician’s office. He has an older sister who has been trying to help him be brave about getting shots, but all this a done is cause more…
How to Empower Your Holidays
We’ve been working at home, learning at home, and staying safer at home since March, and I’m happy to report, everyone in my family is physically healthy and safe. My kids have started to ask questions about the holiday season…
Coping with Custody
The decision is final, and we are getting a divorce. My partner and I are working with our lawyers and a counselor to figure out our custody arrangement. Our kids are nine and eleven. Should we involve them in this…
Managing Separation Anxiety
I’ll be dropping off my 3-year-old at a childcare center for the first time this month, and I’m extremely nervous. Do you have any tips for parents? What if there are separation issues? It’s hard to move into this season, even…
Today’s Boys and Babysitting
I have always counted on my older kids to take care of my toddler, and because I’m working from home now, that has become even more important. My 13-year-old son is saying he shouldn’t have to take care of his…
How to Stop the Squabbling
Like everyone else, we have been spending a lot of time together recently. My two kids (nine and twelve) fight with each other constantly. In the beginning, I separated them early and often, but really, that gave them exactly what…
Kindergarten Readiness and Career Choices
My son will turn five in September, and I can’t decide if he’s ready for kindergarten. Are there any solid indicators in your opinion? The most important skill for your child is not a skill, but a healthy state of…
Enhancing Your Child’s Body Image
Our 14-year-old son is built like me, thin and wiry, while my 12-year-old daughter is the picture of her father – stronger and heavier with very broad shoulders. Unfortunately, she’s getting unwanted attention about this from so-called friends and family…
