November 2012 Entries
Now that we have all survived Black Friday and Cyber Monday, families need time to reflect on the craziness of this shopping season. When I read that one family camped out at a store the Monday before Black Friday, I couldn’t help but think, 'Aren’t they missing the point of the season?' The emphasis on material things during the holiday season tends to create kids who want more and more based on what they see on television and in stores.
This past month we have witnessed a devastating hurricane on the east coast, leaving thousands of people without homes and businesses. There are wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, earthquakes, droughts and so many disasters. The nightly news sounds like a diatribe of Matthew 24. In that chapter, the disciples ask Jesus about the end of the age. When will it come?
Reader Question: My husband recently lost his job and money is tight. I know I have been more irritable and on edge because of the financial stress we feel. Do kids pick up on this? And if so, how do we talk to them about what is happening? Our kids are ages five, seven and nine. When the economy takes a down turn or jobs are lost, adults get anxious and often pass that anxiety on to their children. It is important to first deal with your anxiety.
Jerry is 40 years old and has a history of changing jobs often. He is easily bored. Jerry’s wife is frustrated with all the home projects Jerry starts and never finishes. He seems easily distracted. A trip to the doctor landed Jerry a referral to a psychologist for an ADHD evaluation. When Jerry received the diagnosis, it all made sense. As a child, he struggled in school despite being very bright.
It has been a traumatic week. The raging winds and rains of Hurricane Sandy have wreaked havoc in the lives of so many along the East Coast and even inland this time around. Now, days after the storm has finally abated, we witness the devastation left in its path—people who died, pets swept away, homes and even an entire community destroyed, coastlines washed away, cars tossed about like toys and boats smashed into houses.