I Concede

I Concede

photo credit: Claudia Barbosa/Pexels Last week, we saw politicians across the country lose their quests for state and federal positions. When they decided that their campaign season was over, they got to make a call: “I concede.” When is your season over?...
Choosing Hope with Emily Fletcher

Choosing Hope with Emily Fletcher

“School is so different. It kinda sucks.” – Every student I counsel “Everything is going so fast right now. What day is it again?” – Every Parent I coach In the pandemic, it’s hard to remember what month it is. Has time just sped up since March? When we...
Pandemic of Stress

Pandemic of Stress

You are already infected. Without knowing how to avoid COVID, we spin in circles from hand-washing to wearing masks. The uncertainty causes a secondary pandemic that has already infected us all: the flood of cortisol and other stress hormones. Helping to build...
What is school (really) for?

What is school (really) for?

It was just another Thursday at work but I felt angry. On February 15, 2018, I showed up at my school in Southwest Philly the day after the shooting massacre in Parkland, Florida. I expected something to shift. However, on that Thursday, I could see that my job was...
Why there is so much shame in parenting?

Why there is so much shame in parenting?

Things you find yourself saying when you become a parent:  — Don’t make me count! — Just eat it. — I *was* listening. — Slow down! What’s the rush? — One!… Two!… Two-and-a-half… And my favorite, usually comes later, but every generation says...
The double-edged sword for modern dads

The double-edged sword for modern dads

My wife Betsy answered a “what’s the skill you’re most proud of” prompt on FB by sharing her parenting success. She feels proud that she was able to raise two functional, independent adults who care for each other and the world. She should be proud. She was raised by...
Can you really fake it until you make it?

Can you really fake it until you make it?

A parent recently asked me, “What book can I read to feel more positive?” I asked her for clarification. I wanted to know what she wanted to achieve. “I just feel like the last few months have left me in a dark place.” She was worried that her mood was impacting her...
Tiger Moms versus Jewish Moms

Tiger Moms versus Jewish Moms

Whether they are Chinese or not, my friends who have Asian heritage use the term “Tiger Mom” to describe or to contrast with the way that their parents raised them. (The term was made popular by Amy Chua’s book, “The Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother,” referring to a...
One Easy Step to Become a Positive Parent

One Easy Step to Become a Positive Parent

Do you yell more than you would like? Are you the fun parent or the grouch? Would you like to change your ratio of work-time to play-time? I can help you become the parent that your kids deserve to have. You can see how important it is to the lives of your kids to be...