Here in New York City, we’re coming up on the annual Department of Education’s Respect for All Week. From February 10-14, K-12 school activities promote positive school climates, including the National No One Eats Alone Day on Friday, the 14th (which,…
In the absence of love and belonging, there is always suffering. – Brene Brown If you’ve ever been excluded, you know what a powerful and negative impact it has on the soul. If you were excluded as a child, you…
Dear Elementary PTA President (a.k.a. Superhero in Mom Jeans – or Dad Sneakers), Schools wouldn’t be a community without you and we need strong communities to help raise resilient, happy kids. Thank you for stepping up. Without your efforts to…
The school crossing guard asked,“Can I help you cross the street?” It was the first day of school for my oldest daughter who seemed confident and ready for the next step: Kindergarten. But those kind seven words were not meant for…
Remember Harold Kushner’s best-selling book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People? Sometimes those “people” are our children. It would be wonderful if we lived in a state of nirvana but, unfortunately, we have to function in the real world…
This is National Bullying Prevention Month. I’m sorry it needs its own month but it’s such a big issue that we need to address it during October and every month after. Kids mental and emotional — and sadly — physical…
I met the most extraordinary boy yesterday through the Pajama Program. (Please click the link if you want to find out about the coolest organization doing something simply spectacular…inspiring reading and providing warm pajamas to under served kids.) Shane, age…
Last week I handed out three MEDABO cards in very unlikely places. Two were on the 15X express bus from Staten Island to Manhattan and the other one was on the #4 subway. MEDABO is a family charity. My father…
Please watch the whole thing. It will not disappoint. One of the books I recommend for early bullying prevention is Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. (You can also download great materials for kids ages 4-9. But…
Bully premieres in New York and LA today. (Actually in about 20 min. in NYC.) I worked with Lee Hirsch (director) and Cynthia Lowen (producer) during the development phase. Actually, it was just the three of us at the time….