OH MAMA!
Addicted to Stuff: Helping Kids Learn to Let Go
For four years in college and four years after, everything I owned fit into a small space. Because I moved yearly, I lived simply. If I was tired of schlepping something between apartments, it was discarded. Like most people, once I stopped moving and settled in one place, I began to accumulate. Balancing my decisions…
What if Losing the Baby Weight is Not the Answer?
I shamefully listened one day at Stroller Strides (yes, this is actually a thing) as a fellow mom told me about the supplements she was taking to “lose the baby weight.” I was suffering. I was tired. And why so full of shame? There were several reasons: I consider myself a feminist I recovered from…
Is Your Kid “Looping” On a Negative Thought?
As a family therapist, I often hear parents complain of a child who cannot move beyond an interaction, incident or situation, even when it has been addressed. In fact, the parent may have already listened, empathized with the emotion, and talked the issue out. An apology happened. Reassurance was provided. However, the child just cannot…
Attachment Theory in the Age of Trump
Recently, the New York Times ran an article entitled, “Yes, It’s Your Parents’ Fault.” The piece presents the main principles of attachment theory. What’s interesting about it is that the writer, Kate Murphy, is summarizing attachment theory for the Times’ readership, and that’s it. The article is a good introduction to the basic facts about…
When It Always Has to be Your Way, No One Wants to Play: Using Proverbs to Teach Children
As any parent, educator or child counselor can tell you, children enjoy short, catchy and true phrases. However, in the heat of an emotional moment, it is hard to retrieve what we want to say. So, we often “do” before thinking. In addition to learning academics at school these days, children are taught relationship…
The Dark Side of Motherhood: It Does Get Better
When I was pregnant with my son, I was was incredibly anxious during the entire pregnancy. I had miscarried before and was so worried that my heart would be broken again that I was on constant alert. I felt that if he was born, I would do everything in my power be a good mother.…
Mothers Rising Strong: A Manifesto & Short Film
When I became a mother nine years ago, I underestimated what a big deal it was. I remember a friend without children said to me “I don’t understand why becoming a mother is such a radical life transformation. There are other experiences in life that I think are just as monumental.” She may be right.…
Empower Kids With Family Meetings
Those who parent are in the midst of the back-to-school buzz: juggling after-school activities, managing screen time, homework, dinner, and reestablishing bedtime routines. This busy pace plagues many families. Parents frequently ask how to help young kids complete homework, sit down for dinner, get along with siblings, be more respectful, get to school on time,…
Back to School: Mom Friendships on the Schoolyard
There’s so much comfort and relief that comes with the crisp whispers of fall as we ease back into routine: knowing what’s on the family agenda everyday; and that old friend, solitude, who’s been on vacation these last three months. But getting back into the swing of school means getting back into the social scene…
You’ve Got This: How Your Family Can Embrace Transition with Baby #2
You are about to welcome baby #2. You think to yourself, “I’ve got this.” But do you? The answer is not a simple one. People always talk about how much harder it is to add another child to your family but it’s an abstract concept when you are expecting your second. The good news is,…
Mothering Boys: Unlearning White Male Privilege
I didn’t really expect to be the mother of boys. I minored in Women’s Studies, and always imagined myself raising little feminist daughters. It didn’t work out that way. I have two wonderful little boys and trust that the universe brought these particular people into my life for a reason. But, I feel out of…
Don’t Let Your Child Take the Lead
At times parents can find parenting extremely frustrating. “Why can’t they just stop?” We ask. “Why doesn’t she listen?” When we are really frustrated and don’t know what else to do to help the situation, we scream at them to “STOP” throwing a tantrum. The problem is, we expect the child to calm down before we…