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Being Present and Calculating Risk This Pandemic Summer and Beyond

 While we are stuck together as we shelter in place, and this summer (whatever that might look like), it's important to be present, really present, with each family member.  Sometimes when we are together too much, we forget to "see" each other.   Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, authors of my favorite parenting books, describe how to "show up" and connect with your family. 
Do You Really "See" Your Child

Taking risks is an important part of childhood (more on that next).  But how do you calculate this risk moving out of the pandemic, and deciding who to see(grandparents, friends...) and where to go (school, daycare, camps...).  Emily Oster, the economist and author of Crib Sheet and Expecting Better, helps parents understand how to evaluate risk. How to Decide: Grandparents and Day Care.

Allowing your children to take risks as they play, whether on their own or with others, is an essential part of development. For those of you who have read this article, it's been a while since I've posted it, I recommend you read it again, and see how you resonate with it now. If you haven't read it, you should.  It helps us not to worry about our children when and how they play.
The Overprotected Kid: A preoccupation with safety has stripped childhood of independence, risk taking, and discovery--without making it safer. 

Upcoming, this fall, Zoom Parenting Workshop September 12:  Creating a Family Vision and Mission.  Prospection, thinking about our future, can make life more meaningful. It's time to think about your family beyond this pandemic. Join me for a productive date night with your partnerGeared for prenatal to adolescent parents. Find out more here
Lastly, How to Avoid Parental Burnout. I just had to toss this in.

Summer is here and I will return in August. Until then, I hope you make opportunities to "see" each other, play outside together, and find joy and love even during these difficult times. Take good care.
--Nancy


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