How to navigate these difficult times?

By Elizabeth D. Winkler
College is a time of curiosity, discovering your values, and cultivating your direction in adult life. I have had the honor of working deeply with college women over the years facing stress, anxiety, as well as a multitude of traumatic experiences. The pandemic brought a whole new level of anxiety and a mental health crisis to campuses nationally. Currently many students and families are experiencing deep fear for their safety due to the War in Israel. Many have asked how do we navigate these incredibly difficult times? Fortunately, even in the face of fear, we have timeless tools to navigate the fear we hear, see and feel.

I’m here, as a mental health professional, a mother of Jewish children, and as a human with hope that we can find ways to, as my dear friend and mentor davidji says, transform the world by transforming ourselves. As a psychotherapist and meditation teacher I am always focused on how to heal. How can we transform at this time of intense energy, and overwhelming fear? I always look to the healing and teachings that have endured thousands of years of turmoil, pain and devastation. (more…)

Feminists for Palestine?

Moms, please read and share with your daughters.

By Eve Barlow
I have struggled with something all week. Well that’s a lie. I knew the whole time I advocated alongside the global feminist movement this past decade that the day would come when I’d feel made to be an outcast by my commitment to fighting for Jewish survival and the rights of all women, including Jews. I did it anyway because I’m a feminist and I care about women’s right. I was compelled to do the right thing.

The demographic of person I have by-and-large muted, blocked or simply unfollowed from my feeds since the war between Israel and Hamas began are the woke millennial moms. Believe it or not, the woke millennial moms have become the biggest propaganda pushers for Hamas. There was a point last week when I thought perhaps the woke millennial moms might be the end of civilization. I mean, they do know that if Hamas/ISIS/Iran win this thing, then liberation in America looks like us all skipping our college educations and wearing hijabs, right? How the hell did this happen? (more…)

5 Fun Things to do in LA for Halloween

  1. Carved, located in the Descanso Gardens’ returns Oct. 7-31. A family-friendly event with its popular pumpkin house, hay maze, glow-in-the-dark face painting, live pumpkin carving and special Day of the Dead installation. Price: $20-38. Descansogardens.org
  2. Night of the Jack, located at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas returns Sept. 30 through Oct. 31. An immersive, family-friendly event featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins and immersive scenes along the nearly mile-long walking trail, the annual all-ages event also offers food, drinks, and sweet treats from L.A.’s best food trucks and a full bar for the adults. Price: $29.99 – $44.99. Nightsofthejack.com
  3. (more…)

Cheesecloth Lollipop Ghosts

By Rochelle Perry

My first craft is inspired by those lollipop ghosts from childhood. But instead of using tissue paper, use that cheesecloth!

Materials:
• White cheesecloth
• Lollipop (I used what I had on hand – dum dums.
• Scissors
• Yarn (or ribbon)
• Sequins
• Hot glue

Instructions:

(more…)

How to Raise Confidence and Self Love in Our Girls

Bring your daughters, friends and educators to the Shero’s Rise Summit Oct. 14

Local nonprofit, Shero’s Rise, is bringing together students, parents and educators to change the narrative for women and girls in our community! We invite you to join us on October 14th for our first ever Shero’s Summit : “The Butterfly Effect” – the idea that small things can have a big impact on large, complex systems.

The Summit will allow you to be a part of the conversation on how data regarding women and girls impacts you personally, what meaningful change matters most to you, and how you can help be a part of the solution for the women and girls in our lives. (more…)

5 Things My Parents Did Right

Curious Cardinals Forbes 30 under 30 founder shares insightful parenting strategies that formed who she is today.

By Audrey Wisch

Audrey WischAs the 22-year-old founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals, I spend most of my time with parents and their kids. Since I was in their kids’ shoes not too long ago, parents often ask me “what did your parents do right?”

No one is perfect. I’m not and nor are my parents. But I attribute much of the personal fulfillment I feel in life to lessons learned from my parents. And as parents, what more do you want than to ensure your offspring feel fulfillment in life?!

Here are a few lessons from my mom and dad that profoundly shaped my path: (more…)

Pranamor’s Detox Jungle Smoothie Bowl inspired by the Medical Medium protocol from their new Recipes for Love e-book!

Pranamor’s Detox Jungle Smoothie Bowl is inspired by the #MedicalMedium Liver Cleanse and Cleanse to Heal program, which @fernolivia and @maximmarlo, the power love couple of @pranamormusica, guide during short and long-term retreats at their beautiful center in Costa Rica.

The nutrients within this DELICIOUS superfood-packed and very filling #smoothiebowl clears toxins from your brain and body, so feel more energized and clear. (more…)

How to Stop Parenting with Fear

My honest journey of finding the joy of motherhood after 4 children.

By Shirin Yadegar

Shirin YadegarWe are so afraid of failure that we don’t take risks. We are so afraid of not being perfect that we don’t say yes to new opportunities. We are so afraid of rejection that we don’t step out of our comfort zones.

The example we are setting for our children is a false sense of perfection.
Studies show that 1/3 of teens are anxious and have attempted suicide. It’s because they don’t see the joy in the journey of life. If their parents and community are fixated on perfect grades, scores, schools and jobs without an emphasis on the journey and the joy of life then of course they are going to be anxious and unhappy. (more…)

The Importance of Exercise for Children

By Emily Mora

Emily MoraIt’s no surprise that exercise and active play are important for children of all ages. And, with all the distractions from screens and sedentary activities, it can be difficult for parents to know how to help their kids get what is needed. These days, it’s common knowledge that exercise benefits health, but it’s also important for parents to understand the impact of exercise and active play on a child’s mental, emotional, and social development. (more…)

Preparing for a Successful School Year: 5 Essential Tips for Parents

By Michael Garcia

Michael GarciaAs the summer break draws to a close, it’s time for parents to gear up and ensure a smooth transition for their children into the new school year. By taking proactive steps and instilling positive habits early on, parents can set the stage for their child’s academic success. Here are five practical tips to help parents prepare their children for a productive and enjoyable school year. (more…)