A new year, but feels like more of the same? You're not alone
Welcome to the New Year.
Tips, resources, and programs to support your teen or tween in quarantine!
Hello, Practice families.
It's a new year, although so far, this year doesn't feel much different than the last one (seehereandherefor two of my recent favorite memes on this subject!). Indeed, last week's assault on the Capitol was a vivid and upsetting reminder of the dissension, division, and inequity simmering across our nation.
It may be a new year, but let's face it, the changeover of the calendar did not eliminate any of the challenges that rose to the surface in 2020. There's darkness and difficulty still ahead (although see here for wise words on darkness and light from the Rev. Raphael Warnock, andhere for thoughts about the end of the pandemic from Emily Oster).
I don't have a fix for any of this. But If you're feeling anxious, isolated, frustrated, discouraged, or disconnected, I just want to remind you that you're not alone. You are one of millions of people all across the country (and indeed,all around the globe!) having this experience and feeling these feelings. And there is some comfort to be found in that community, if we can only tap into it. (Seehere for thoughts on this topic from Jack Kornfield, andhere for an on-topic pandemic meditation from Susan Pollak and the Ten Percent Happier team).
That's it-- all I've got this week. I'm linking a few more resources that might be helpful, in light of the new year and/or the news-- and if you're in search of community or support, for yourself or for your kids, please scroll down for our January programming.
A few links related to the news, and the new year... plus a few other things I've bookmarked to share since I last wrote:
Trying to figure out how to talk with your kids about what happened at the Capitol? Good thoughts and ideas from Common Sense Media (ages 2-7,ages 8-12,teens),Lisa D'Amour in the NYT,our friends at Tamalpais Pediatrics,the Child Mind Institute, andDr. Becky Kennedy.
This didn't really feel like a new year for resolutions, but it did feel like a new year for prioritizing emotional well-being. Free new year's "challenges" fromInsight TimerandYoga with Adrienne(and no, it's not too late to join).
An Essential Worker's List of Pandemic Chores for the Kids(pandemic parenthood poetry in the Journal of the American Medical Association!)
How Do We Find Joy Again? (Meena Harris, for Marie Claire)
