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…)
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 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.
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 impact of Perfectionism is like the force of Gravity.
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. 
We’re all familiar with finals season. Most teachers give you notice all year about their final exam. They tell you the things that might appear, give you a multitude of study guides, and yet the final exam always sneaks up on you when you’re least expecting it. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Everyone feels the antsy, jittery rush of May and June.