When my youngest grandson was 3, he moved a chair to the sink, climbed up, and started washing his dish. He did it mindfully, not like some kid splashing for the fun of it. Watching him, I remarked at how “capable” he was. I explained that being capable meant he could handle stuff. Someone […]
Blog Posts
On the Death of an Ex: Grief Isn’t Just “for” the Kids
This post was inspired by a conversation with the woman I call my “wife-in-law.” She is married to my ex-husband. I thank her for her first read of this piece and for allowing me to share her story beyond the boundaries of our family. My wife-in-law’s ex-husband died last week. They were married […]
How To Not Write 2020: Still Battling Procrastination
I have been writing and revising “How To Not Write” since 1977, the year the late T. George Harris took a chance on me. Founder of Psychology Today and American Health, T. George was then at New York magazine. I worked in educational publishing (as editor and author). He patiently — and, in retrospect, […]
Dear Family Whisperer: My Puppy Is in Charge!
Dear Family Whisperer: I feel guilty leaving my 15-week-old puppy alone. Everyone tells me to “crate” him. He’s good in his travel carrier and sleeps through the night in his crate in my bedroom. But during the day, I put him in the crate only when I leave the house. When I’m home, I put […]
Very Little About Aging Is Funny, but Humor Helps
My best old ladies have (or had) a good sense of humor. And no wonder. Laughter is healthy at any age. But when you’re ninety and beyond, being able to “make light” is a survival tactic. Whenever I tell 101-year-old Marge she’s my role model, she laughs. “I don’t have much competition!” My first real […]