Dear ParenTalk readers,

The last two and a half years of writing this blog has been a fulfilling and creative experience. I have loved sharing the writing of Bethany Saltman and Lisa Merlo-Booth, passing on important information about children, family life, and even trying my hand at some more expressive writing.

In this life filled with “shoulds” and “have to’s” I am trying to let go of things… Read More

Jean Kunhardt’s niece is a wonderful photographer of children and families here in Manhattan. Abby Kunhardt teaches young children during the day and runs a small photography business when she is not in the classroom. Children are naturally comfortable with Abby, which is one of the reasons she is able to capture such genuine expressions and beautiful portraits. Her photo sessions are fun and informal.

Check out her website: www.abbykunhardtphotography.com… Read More

The Curse and Seduction of Being Right
by Lisa Merlo Booth

Many people struggle with the curse of being right.  When people struggle with being right it feels as if you’re constantly in an argument about the “facts.”  Sometimes it can feel as if you’re talking with a lawyer instead of a friend or partner.  For example, you might ask your partner… Read More

A recent article in Child-Psych gives important data about children and discipline. There is now even more reason for parents to approach punishments from a calm, thought out place instead of reacting in anger.

A study conducted by Talwar and Lee looks at two separate West African schools, one with punitive in it’s disciplinary practices, the other non-punitive. Children at both schools participated in a ‘temptation resistance program’ and… Read More

By Bethany Saltman

T and I are scheduled to offer a retreat, along with other senior lay students/parents, on the practice of parenting at Fire Lotus Temple in Brooklyn, the city center of Zen Mountain Monastery. And I agreed to lead a discussion about parenting after being approached by a lovely new mom in Woodstock, and owner of Illuminated Baby, which will happen soon after. Oy.

As readers of… Read More

Children as young as three know and can articulate what they love and feel happy about. Kids love traditions, and the smells and tastes of the holidays are stored in their little brains forever. Here is a great ritual to make Thanksgiving true to its name.

Using a sketch or scrap book start a Family Thanksgiving Book together. Give each person, large and small, a page to write or… Read More

By Heidi Bernstein-Krantz, Professional Life Coach

1. Although it may not be easy to envision, the challenge of divorce can be accompanied by significant opportunity that would not have otherwise presented itself. Identify one goal that you can accomplish now, that you could not have achieved during your marriage.

2. Divorce can often cause our confidence and self-esteem to waver. Recognizing your positive traits is essential at… Read More

When times are good with your children, you can’t even imagine not wanting to be a parent. When difficulties arise, from the typical and small, like constant temper tantrums, to the  unthinkable, like diagnosis of Asperger’s, or a an illness like juvenile diabetes, or your teenager, bitten by an eating disorder is losing weight by leaps and bounds that your mettle as a parent is tested to the limits… Read More

Bookended by an earthquake and a hurricane we went to Gray, Louisiana for our sixth trip! Collage, watercolor, pastels, mask and crown making were just some of the activities the kids participated in.  Since it was the 6th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, many of the children recalled memories of being airlifted into helicopters, living in shelters and losing their homes. One of the boys said, “It was mighty scary and… Read More

No matter your political persuasion, there is no debate that great economic disparity is damaging to children, and therefore to society as a whole. The lack of opportunities for the less wealthy not only hurts them, but the effect of a greater population struggling with economic anxiety and the sequela has an impact on every citizen. The Boston chapter of the National… Read More