Apr 21
We are starting week 6 of distance learning in California with parents and teachers still struggling to keep up with the new normal that COVID-19 has created. Families are learning how to work, learn and be together—all the time. It is not easy. From meltdowns over math problems and increased stress over job security, to grieving loved ones, emotions are running high in most families. Is that true for you? Read more
Apr 16
No matter how much your children like to play together and love each other, the likelihood that they are fighting harder and more often since the shelter-in-place started is pretty high. It is understandable. They are together ALL the time with fewer opportunities to have their own space. And while it is nice to ask older siblings to play with and entertain the younger ones, their patience can also run out. While conflicts among siblings are to be expected, they can be very triggering for parents who are trying to meet their work responsibilities and feel preoccupied about the health of loved ones. Siblings fighting = upset parents. Can we change that equation? Read more
Apr 2
For Spanish-speaking families – I joined Dr. Aliza’s Vida y Salud Facebook live program to discuss strategies to help families navigate the complexities of the shelter-in-place. Check out the video, and share with families that may find it helpful. Stay safe, stay home.
Mar 27
The spread of the coronavirus is asking a lot from families, from homeschooling and work from home schedules to quarantine mandates and social distancing. It is a lot for families, parents and children to handle. This week, I talked to HITN Learning about strategies that parents can use to cope during these challenging times. You can access the video here (conversation starts at 2:08) or keep reading for a summary of the main take-aways. Read more
Mar 16
This morning came the news that we are expected to do “shelter-in-place” to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the county where I live. While some communities are not there yet, others have been quarantined for weeks now. Wherever you are, you have been in my thoughts as I know the many difficult decisions that schools, families and communities are making for the benefit of us all. It is a time that asks for individuals to choose their best actions and take responsible health measures. Read more
Dec 17
There are many stories that find no light in mainstream media; many books, movies, and pieces of art that will never be seen or appreciated, even less paid for. As a society, we choose the stories that are worth sharing and celebrating, and ignore the rest. In many cases, these unheard stories come from people who have been discriminated against because of their race, gender, social class, home language, ability, or sexual orientation amongst others. This prompts us to question—who is telling the story and who is in charge of the narrative. Read more
Nov 5
My oldest daughter came back from a field trip to the local water district ready to educate us about the many ways we can reduce water usage at home. She started noticing when a faucet was running unnecessarily and decided to use less water in her science experiments. She also started pointing out when her parents’ showers were too long! During the field trip, she developed a new awareness about the importance of water conservation, and decided to implement it at home. Her purpose is helping our family become more focused on reducing water usage. Read more
