You & Your Family

Considerations for Picking Your Child’s Summer Camp

I remember my own summer camp experiences with mixed emotions. On the one hand, it was a wonderful opportunity for me to develop independence, self-confidence and a love of the outdoors that has lasted a lifetime. On the other hand, I also remember being homesick and wondering how on earth I would adjust to spending a month in an open-air tent.

Managing Anger: It’s All About RESPECT

Anger is an emotion hard-wired into the brain. We all get angry. Sometimes it seems as if our brains don’t have a choice; certain things just simply tick us off. But, anger as an emotion has never hurt anyone—it’s what we do with our anger that can be destructive.

The Holidays: Unplugged

We like to play on our computers as much as anyone. But during the holidays, solitary screen time squanders the chance to play with siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins and friends who are also on vacation. Taking a break from work can also mean a chance to recharge without being tethered to our computers.

What If My Child Has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

In writing this article, I’ve checked my computer three times today to make sure I’ve saved it.

I’ve also checked twice that my dog’s veterinary appointment is scheduled, and whenever I’m on a plane, I utter a little prayer to whatever deity is listening that the eight tons of steel in which I sit will actually take to the air.

Choosing Appropriate Gifts for Children

Parents and caregivers today may be overwhelmed by the number of possible gifts for children that promise to increase a child’s intelligence or physical development.  Mass marketing often controls what is available in the market, and not every well-marketed toy is appropriate for your child.

Do As I Say, Not As I TXT: Tips for Parents to Manage Technology Use at the Dinner Table

In 21st-century America, where we no longer quilt on the front porch, play musical instruments together, or plant beans side-by-side in the field, dinner is the primary occasion we use to connect with one another. It’s also an important time to tell family stories, teach social skills and model good manners.

What Incarcerated Dads Can Learn From the Transformation of Andre Dubus

Where did you spend Hurricane Sandy, the super storm that ravaged the East Coast in October 2012?

I was fortunate enough to have a book that I didn’t want to put down, so this made the two-and-a-half days of snow and wind that caused a tree to crush my car seem less important.

The Pain of Losing a Pet

“Do you like to see a youngin’ with his dog?” – Lynard Skynard, “All I Can Do Is Write About It”

Patches was a compromise.

I wanted to call her Sherlock.  I had just transitioned from the concrete logic of Encyclopedia Brown to the more plodding deductions of Mr.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Testing?

Jim’s mom was frantic when she called me.  Jim had been having difficulty in school since the end of kindergarten, at which point it was clear he still didn’t recognize all the letters of the alphabet.  He continued to struggle in first and second grade, getting some extra help from the reading specialist.

Raising Resilient Children

This has been a tough year to be a parent.