I loved the story of eight-year-old Ethan (posted below) whose mom granted his Christmas wish, providing him with a professional lesson in how to apply makeup. I immediately thought of my daughter, Emily, who, while attending a theatrical performance at the age of five, pointed at the stage and said she wanted to be up […]
Yes, It’s Attached
A father confided recently that his penis was yanked by his two-year-old daughter when he stepped out of the shower. Even though he termed it “a commando raid,” he was burdened by guilt and went as far as to ask, “Is that incest?” “No,” I told him. “It’s play. Kids love toys with moveable parts. Human […]
One-On-One Time . . . the Quickest Way to a Kid’s Heart
The first time I heard the expression “one-on-one time,” I was living in California working on my PhD. My friend and mentor, psychologist Harold Bessell, was holding seminars for parents on raising emotionally mature kids. I was his workshop organizer and partner at the time, and as such, sat in on all the events. I […]
The One Big Talk
Remember as a kid, one or both of your parents telling you to sit down before proceeding to deliver The One Big Talk? No? You never got The One Big Talk? Instead you were handed pamphlets by the Girl Scouts of America? No? You never got the pamphlets? You weren’t alone. A generation ago, doing […]
Sex Is Wonderful!
“Sex is wonderful! Sex is amazing! Sex is something you’re going to enjoy the rest of your life!” Nowhere did those words appear in an article I read recently about having sex talks with kids. The author emphasized the importance of moving beyond simple mechanics, scary stories, and dire warnings to include discussion of relationships, […]