By Shirin Yadegar

“Mom, there’s a big fire coming towards our house!” Camille, my 13-year-old, screamed from her room.

I rushed to her side, my heart pounding, and froze when I saw the flames—red and raging—getting closer, too close. I had never seen anything like it before.

“Pack a bag. Be ready to go, just in case we get the alert to evacuate,” I told her, my voice steady even though my insides were in turmoil. Lily, my 15-year-old, was already in tears, her face full of panic. I held her tight, trying to comfort her, while the fire continued its relentless march toward us. (more…)

By Jill Levin

“The greatest things we can give our children are roots and wings.” – W. Hodding Carter II.

As parents, one of our deepest desires is to offer our children a sense of security, love and belonging – the strong roots that allow them to feel grounded and confident in the world. But we must also give them wings – the freedom to explore, learn and grow beyond the familiar. In parenthood we must strike a delicate balance between nurturing our children’s roots and allowing them to spread their wings, take risks and experience life in new and exciting ways.

One of the most powerful ways to give your child those wings is by encouraging them to attend an overnight camp or participate in a specialized overnight summer program. These experiences aren’t just a way for children to fill a few weeks of summer; they are transformative experiences that often stay with them for a lifetime. (more…)

By Ashley Wenter

As parents, we share a universal goal: to protect our children and provide them with a safe environment to grow and thrive. In today’s rapidly changing world, however, that mission feels more urgent and complex than ever. The challenges we face—from emerging threats in schools to the uncertainty of global events—demand a fresh approach to safety and resilience. We need a new safety playbook, one that reflects the realities of our times and starts where all meaningful change begins: at home, with moms leading the way.

As husband-and-wife business owners, Cory and I, combine our unique talents to make schools and places of worship safer for families like yours. Cory’s journey started with service in the Marine Corps, with experience in presidential security, disaster response, and martial arts instruction, before spending 17 years protecting one of the country’s largest synagogues with cutting-edge safety measures, and advanced security training and protocols. I am a former teacher and school administrator, and strive to bring a heartfelt understanding of what educators and families need to feel secure and thrive. Together, we built Pangaea Consulting—a company blending Cory’s safety and security expertise with my educational insight to create practical, effective safety solutions. Our partnership is proof that when strategy meets heart, extraordinary things happen for the people who matter most: our kids.

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By Shirin Yadegar
As we stand on the threshold of 2025, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been both challenging and transformative. The past year has tested us in unimaginable ways, but it has also reinforced the profound strength that comes from standing together as a community. As a proud Jew, a mom, and a firm believer in the power of shared values, I’ve seen firsthand how connection and unity can help us rise above even the darkest moments.

October 7, 2024, is a date that will forever be seared into our hearts. The tragedy and heroism of that day remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of community. For the families of the hostages who are still waiting for their loved ones to return, we must continue to pray, to advocate, and to hope. Let’s keep their stories alive, teaching our children the power of empathy and the importance of standing up for what is right—even when it’s hard. (more…)

By Laura McCann Ramsey

We’ve all heard that routines are crucial for mental health. But let’s take it a step further—what if your routine could be a scented pathway to self-care, stress relief, and emotional balance? Welcome to the world of aromatherapy and chakra balancing, where each breath can be a step toward a better you.

The Power of Small Changes

Mental health routines don’t have to be complicated. It’s the small, consistent actions that make a difference, and with Adoratherapy, we believe those small actions can be intentional breaths—inhales and exhales powered by essential oils designed to reset your mood. Need a boost? Reach for our Chakra Boost roll-ons, your “life coach in a bottle” to guide you through the day. Aligning with the energy of your chakras helps ground those little habits, turning them into transformative moments. (more…)

By Shirin Yadegar

Fleeing Iran with my family was a decision born out of desperation, a leap into the unknown, grasping for safety amidst the rising tide of antisemitism. As a Jewish Iranian woman, my mother sought sanctuary for my brother and I in the United States. Becoming a mother of four daughters, I always thought my girls would always grow free from the shadows of hatred that had darkened my homeland. Yet, the events since October 7 have stirred the embers of old fears, igniting a flame of sorrow and anxiety that wakes me at night. (more…)

By Carolyn Mahboubi

The impact of Perfectionism is like the force of Gravity.

Most (I’m hoping all) of us are aware of it, and ignorance doesn’t shield us from its effects.

In other words, not understanding gravity will not prevent us from falling, and in that way, it’s shockingly similar to perfectionism. You see, not understanding perfectionism won’t shield you from its inevitable psychological and emotional damage. (more…)

By Shirin Yadegar

As the lazy days of summer wind down, the buzz of back-to-school preparations begins to fill the air. August is a crucial month for ensuring a smooth transition from carefree vacation mode to the structured routines of the school year. Here’s how I tackle the challenge of preparing my kids for the upcoming academic year.

1. Organization is Key
One of the first things we focus on in August is getting organized. This includes everything from decluttering school supplies to establishing a daily routine. According to organizational experts, creating designated spaces for backpacks, lunchboxes, and school paperwork can significantly reduce morning chaos. (more…)

By Emily Felt
Before We Held You in Our Arms is a recently released children’s picture book that draws on the love and desire of parenthood long before the baby cuddles and snuggles. Emily Feit, a Los Angeles native and licensed clinical social worker, wrote this book after her long personal journey with infertility. After having her twins through multiple rounds of IVF and her son through surrogacy, she was inspired to write this heartwarming story after she noticed that many children’s books about infertility did not touch on the emotions that go along with the infertility journey. Authoring this book is Emily’s way of helping to open the conversation between parent and child about how much the child was desired before they were born. Gentle and age appropriate, the book is a love story between parent and child. (more…)

I lost my father on August 28, 2022. This is my Father’s Day card to him in heaven.

By Shirin Yadegar

Dear Dad,
This is my second Father’s Day without your sweet smile, soft voice and strong embrace. The words for this card flow with the same rigor of my tears. There is so much lost in the past 22 months. The loss of hearing your genuine love, smelling your sweet scent and listening to your gentle voice. Camille, who you always called the “professor” hasn’t washed your sweatshirt she took from your closet so when she wears it she can hold on to your scent. (more…)