We are constantly fed conflicting messages about how to be a man. and these mixed messages can be confusing and harmful to children. If you let the media teach masculinity to your son, he might be drawing on a plethora of bad examples of "manliness": Men not caring what others say, using anger to get their way, or thinking that the world owes them something simply for existing. However, modeling healthy masculinity at home can help your son get a real grip on what being a good person looks like, and show your daughter how a well-behaved man should act. Here are five traits of healthy … [Read more...]
Coping Strategies to Help Families Hit Brakes During Current Worries
There’s a road sign in the low mountains of western Massachusetts that used to strike fear in me: “Runaway Truck Ramp.” As I drove by the uphill side lane with its soft, gravel bed, scenes of crashing 18-wheelers with no brakes would careen through my mind. I passed the sign again last month on my way to retrieve my daughter from her college that, like so many others, closed early due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The empty interstate made me feel like I was driving through the zombie apocalypse, and it didn’t help when Ohio’s “limit your travel” signs gave way to New York’s more … [Read more...]
Remote Work Lets You Get Job Done on Your Own Terms
As I set up my work space in the new house our family just moved into, I started thinking about all my friends who are now working from home for the first time because of coronavirus closings and quarantines. I remember being overwhelmed when I started remote work five years ago. I felt there was no way I could be productive. After a week or two, though, I realized remote work from home would let me capitalize my productivity on my own terms. Now I’m pretty sure I will never be going back to working in an office. Here are some tips I’ve learned about being the most productive remote worker … [Read more...]
Child’s Birthday Party Plans Ruined by COVID-19? Not on Your Watch
Your son or daughter is having a birthday next week? Well, my twins are. I've been hesitant to mention it because a child's birthday party amid a coronavirus "shelter in place" order would be frowned up by the governor and most of my neighbors. Explaining the need to cancel or postpone a birthday party to a 5-year-old, let alone two, can be both difficult and fruitless. Your child may not understand the why, but if you're in a situation like mine you owe it to him or her to try. Delaying such an event, even in the light of the current social isolation thing, actually may be harder than … [Read more...]
Guide to Being a Work-at-Home Parent During Coronavirus Closures
There’s no getting around it: Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures mean you’re going to be home for the foreseeable future. So are your children. They're fortunate that they probably don’t have to attend a video call-in for their class’ presentation on the War of 1812. You -- a working parent -- are not so lucky at your job. What do you do when you have to be a parent and employee at the same time? Here are some suggestions to help the growing number of work-at-home moms and dads new to this dual role conquer the day: First, talk about why everyone is home And by talk, I mean listen. … [Read more...]
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