June 2009
12 posts
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: Answers To Three...
QUESTION #1: Is there a difference in the advice that one would give to a child who has lost a parent after a long-term illness and a child who has lost a parent suddenly? Losing a parent is one of the biggest traumas that any child can encounter. And whatever the circumstances surrounding a parent’s death, getting over it is always extremely difficult. Losing a parent unexpectedly and losing a...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: America’s...
An extremely precocious fourth-grade boy lives in my building. Oftentimes he comes into my apartment for a snack from the cupboard that I keep well stocked for my grandchildren and other kids in our complex. The boy plays the cello and would rather read than play sports. In addition, he prefers to have one friend instead of many, and enjoys playing with girls as much as he enjoys playing with...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: Farrah Fawcett’s...
I was riding the subway into the city. Sitting next to me was a father and his elementary-school-age son. The father was reading a newspaper article about the death of Farrah Fawcett while his son played an electronic hand-held game. When the father finished the article, he folded up the newspaper and sat quietly. The boy asked, “Who is that woman?” The father answered, “She was a famous movie...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: Michael Jackson’s...
Like millions of people, I was affected by the death of Michael Jackson. But the thing that bothered me most was something that might not have bothered others. It sickens me to hear all of the amazing post-death tributes to Michael in light of the way he was treated when he was alive. Salacious accusations and inappropriate labels were steadfastly maintained, even though he was legally exonerated....
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: So What Can We...
The subject of divorce is a continuous thread that runs throughout public consciousness. However, sometimes it takes center stage when a well-known couple announces that they are divorcing. Such is the case with Jon and Kate, the stars of a reality show that also features their twins and sextuplets. While I don’t watch the show, it’s hard to ignore the media hoopla that has tracked the couple’s...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: So What Can We...
“Jon and Kate plus Eight” is a reality show involving two parents and their eight children. Recently the couple announced their decision to separate and the media exploded with opinions regarding their decision. The decision to maintain or abandon a marriage that is struggling must begin with an honest assessment of why one is choosing to stay or leave. If two people are completely compatible but...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: Whining
One of my greatest weaknesses as a parent and grandparent has always been giving in to a child who is crying. No doubt the extreme discomfort I feel when a child is in distress is what prompts me to cave in, even when it is not good for the child for me to do so. About a month ago, I told Sekai, my younger granddaughter, that I owed her an apology. When she asked, “Why?” I told her, “I want other...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: Family Events and...
It’s the end of the school year—the time when families are inundated with recitals, closing programs, and graduations. My younger granddaughter completed kindergarten this year and her entire class spent weeks learning songs, writing poems, and preparing classroom decorations for their highly anticipated graduation ceremony. On the day of the graduation, I hurried to the school where I joined a...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: Criticism And...
I sat horrified as a mother told me a story about her young daughter who had recently attended a slumber party. After months of hurling debilitating criticism and rejection at the girl, a group of “mean girls” finally did an about-face and offered her a coveted invitation to their slumber party. Elated by what seemed to be a positive change in direction, the girl enthusiastically accepted the...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: Kamikaze Kids
“Kamikaze Kids.” I had never heard the term until a few days ago when it was explained to me that it referred to “the new breed of kids whose parents let them get away with murder.” The incident that prompted the explanation occurred in a park where a boy’s tantrum caused his exasperated mother to give in to him and remain in the park until the boy was ready to leave. I have noticed lately that...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: Summer Safety
The other day my granddaughter presented to her mother a note from her teacher that outlined the procedures for the last day of school. The gleeful look on my granddaughter’s face juxtaposed with her mother’s deep sigh said it all. While most kids look forward to summer with as much anticipation as they do Christmas, parents are never as enthusiastic about this time of the year. Of course, one big...
Parenting Advice From Joy Berry: Infant/Toddler...
Every collection of travel tips for infants/toddlers usually includes putting together take-along bags containing various activities to engage young children while on the go. There are two other take-along kits that I feel are just as essential as the activity kit: the Medical Kit, and the Maintenance Kit. Both kits are invaluable for short and long trips with infants and toddlers. The key is to...