My Latest Round-Up

Here’s a look at some of the things that I have been reading, listening to, and watching.

Books

All-Time Favorite Parenting Book: How To Raise An Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

I jokingly/not so jokingly refer to this book as my bible. I think of it as a love letter to myself about the kind of parent I strive to be. The book draws on research, conversations with admissions officers, educators, and employers, and on the author’s own insights as a mother and as a student dean to highlight the ways in which overparenting harms children, their stressed-out parents, and society at large.

Just Starting: An Ordinary Age: Finding Your Way in a World That Expects Exceptional by Rainseford Stauffer

Really looking forward to this book. It is geared more towards late teens and young adults but if you are raising them, then I think it would be applicable. Plus, the author is speaking for a great local organization called FAN (Family Action Network) where anyone, anywhere can check out the author’s program for free via zoom. Details can be found here: https://www.familyactionnetwork.net/events/an-ordinary-age-finding-your-way-in-a-world-that-expects-exceptional/

Podcast

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting (Dr. Lisa Damour)Dr. Damour is an amazing resource. Her podcast was born out of the pandemic and has been a huge hit. Each episode covers one topic/question raised by her listeners. She has the perfect mix of knowledge, research, personal experience as a parent, and concrete, realistic ways to manage everything parenting. 

Recent News Articles

This article talks about why so many kids of all ages are having a challenging time at school this year. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/20/parenting/kids-school-students-coronavirus.html

An explanation as to why the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children’s Hospital Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have declared the mental health crisis for kids and adolescents a national emergency. https://www.npr.org/2021/10/20/1047624943/pediatricians-call-mental-health-crisis-among-kids-a-national-emergency

Fun

Okay, with my recovery from a stomach bug and the ongoing pandemic, fun has looked a bit different lately. While it is no secret that I love all things sports, what has been surprisingly fun lately is watching the start of the Chicago Bulls season. This is surprising because basketball has never been my favorite, the NBA is definitely not my favorite basketball organization, and I grew up a New York Knicks fan.  But alas, I have some basketball-loving boys who are die-hard Chicago sports fans. Alright, here is the fun part. The Bulls are actually good this year. Now it’s only seven games into the season but the games have been exciting to watch. The Bulls have some fresh talent and a skilled bench.  I have really enjoyed watching the games as a family. 

YOUR TURN…LEAVE A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU’VE BEEN LOVING LATELY!