At the Intersection of Make-Believe & “Making It Work”
Imagination—it’s something I had in spades when I was a child, and I have been proud and giddy as I’ve watched my son develop a healthy imagination of his own. He’s loved, loved, loved indulging in make-believe scenarios, and it’s been one of our favorite “together” pastimes over the past two years. But I have found myself wondering lately: Does it matter exactly what types of pretend play he’s engaging... Read More
Multiple Layers of Reality
We wake up every day with a laundry list of things to do—some so ingrained we forget they’re even “things to do,” like brushing our teeth, others literally checked off a scribbled list of reminders, like “pick up fish for dinner.” As parents, our lists are too long to get through on any given day, something we stress about far too much. To be honest, I don’t even want to list our many mutual tasks here because I don’t want to think... Read More
One Book I Am Saving for My Child, and Why
As editorial director of NYMetroParents, I see a lot of books coming across my desk (I’m always surrounded by stacks of them, on the floor, my windowsill, the chair purportedly for guests). And as the mother of a 3-year-old and aunt to kids across the age spectrum, I am fortunate to be able to bestow some of these books upon the kids from time to time. But it’s not often I stash away a book for when my son is older. We live in an apartment... Read More
The Perfect 10 that Made Me an Olympic Fan Forever
Nadia Comaneci in the 1976 routine that earned her the first perfect-10 score in Olympic history. Nadia Comaneci was only about 8 years older than me when she won her first three Olympic Gold Medals. Talk about inspiration. I was just 6 years old, but I vividly remember sitting in front of the TV—I had begged my mom to let me stay up late enough to watch the gymnastics competition. I only know it was the Montreal Olympics because I Googled it recently.... Read More
A New Book Can Help Parents Learn How to “Let Go”
Author Mary Lou Quinlan shares memories of her mother and the very special box of prayers she sifted through after her mom passed away in her latest book, “The God Box.” This beautiful story is worth a read, no matter religion or gender—it’s a touching, inspirational little book that will be a welcome read for anyone who likes to always be in control (perfect, I dare say, for overextended parents!). My Mom Had Her Hands Full (or So... Read More
Facing the Unknown
At 7 months pregnant, I had no idea what the future would bring. I’m a mother of a child who has not been diagnosed with any special needs. And yet, I can relate in so many ways to the fathers featured in the forthcoming documentary, Autistic Like Me. Why I think everyone should help support this filmmaker’s outreach campaign: When I was pregnant with my son I was 38 years old, 39 when I delivered. For most OB-GYN doctors these days, I was considered... Read More
