A Special Saturday Night
They say, “Home is where the Heart is,” and at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Chicago, hearts are not only evident in their logo but found in much of the artwork and murals displayed around the building. For those families residing at the Ronald McDonald House, their hearts are fragile, hopeful, full of optimism […] Learn More ›
Growing Up Looks Different For Everyone
I have been working in education for the past eighteen years. Over the years I have reassured countless parents about their child’s development, education, independence, and future. It is only recently that I have realized how much a certain level of academic achievements and developmental milestones are taken for granted as rites of passage in […] Learn More ›
My Sheva Journey
The practice of gematria, or the spiritual interpretation of numbers, is common in Jewish tradition and is one technique for understanding sacred texts in Judaism. Commonly, we think of the number 18 for its meaning of Chai or “life.” We often gift a new baby, Bar/Bat Mitzvah child or bride and groom $18, $36 or other denomination […] Learn More ›
The Gift of Giving
The time of year has come when our children are busy in their classrooms learning about the story of Hanukkah. The aroma of latkes fills the hallways, books about brave Macabees take over the library corners, and riveting games of dreidel are in full swing. While gift giving has not always been a tradition of […] Learn More ›
The Salience of Superheroes
“Mommy, I bet The Hulk could pick up the whole world with one finger.” Ah, the morning musings of my four year-old on our drive to school. As an early childhood professional with two young ones of my own, I’m well versed in the world of good guys, bad guys, princesses, superheroes, and the miracle […] Learn More ›
The Wonderful World of Why’s: Providing Answers Beyond “Because I Said So!”
My daughter: Why are the birds so loud? Me: They are chirping. My daughter: Why? Me: Because just like we talk, chirping is how birds communicate and “talk.” My daughter: Why? Me: Their family wants to know where they are and if they need something. My daughter: But why? Me: Because their family cares about […] Learn More ›