In this age of succinct emails and text messages, the value of handwritten notes is not lost—especially between parents and children. Parents often place sweet messages in their children’s lunchboxes, providing a nurturing moment of their presence with the good food. Writing letters can also help us communicate with children when spoken words might fall short or might not have the desired results. An apology letter to an older child after an upsetting situation can inspire reflection and open...

With darkness wrapping around us earlier each evening, autumn invites us to more and better sleep. Experts say fall’s cool air is the most conducive to refreshing sleep. Snoozing more helps us respond to the quick temperature changes and more purposeful activity of fall. More sleep also helps maintain strong immune systems. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep compromises adults and children mentally and physically. Many of the challenges we fret about with children reflect the reality...

I recently had fun seeing the new Superman movie with my grandson. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Superman’s dog, Krypto, and the adorable way he knocks over his master and smothers him with kisses? However, (spoiler alert) when Superman’s arch enemy, Lex Luthor, uses DNA to create a clone designed to fight Superman to the death, I had big feelings. I desperately wanted Superman to pulverize his look-alike, and watching them fight made me feel empowered. If I had on a Superman shirt, when we...