Kids are going stir crazy, and some are stuck home learning, parents are juggling roles, and grandparents want to help. In October, JCC Chicago, JCFS Chicago and the Grandparent-Grandchild Connection presented a panel discussion on creating a plan. Experts in family dynamics and COVID-19 shared their insights. Plus a sampling of parents and grandparents shared…
Grandparents just want to be helpful during these challenging times. But what happens when grandparents live in another city? Or when concerns about COVID prevent meeting in person? How can technology help? This 2nd panel in the Lifelines for a Lifetime series, presented by JCC Chicago, JCFS Chicago and the Grandparent Grandchild Connection program,…
Kids are home learning online, parents are juggling roles, and grandparents want to help. Join us for a panel discussion on creating a plan, with experts in family dynamics and COVID-19, plus a sampling of parents and grandparents who will share real-life challenges. Learn how to navigate conversations about what parents really need, and how…
We older adults are the most vulnerable to the virus. According to the CDC that’s anyone over 60. I’m well beyond that, at 92 (technically 91 and 51 weeks). We are stuck at home. If we are a widow or widower we may be alone and lonely. As I work on creating these opportunities…
Oh the stories you’ll hear! This past Saturday they came to Deerfield IL from Madison, WI. My son, his wife and my grandchildren Merete and Aiden. My granddaughter Katie and her boyfriend Lance came up from Chicago. My lady friend, Felice, was there too The chatter over lunch and dinner was rich, lively and full…
The thing about Family Meetings is that if you make them a habit when children are young, they continue to be a priority as children age. There may be a different feel at different times of life, but that is the beauty and essence of knowing and growing in sync with one another. When Ariella…
At 80ish I wrote a chapter for a book, 80 Things to Do When you Turn 80. The chapter was titled “Life is an Adventure. In it I talked about meeting my wife Margaret and our long life together, and on writing a book and rebuilding my life after she passed. The theme for that…
Photo credit Teennick A friend’s daughter, Jennifer, found there were some topics that were perfect for the larger extended family, but also felt a need to better connect with her husband and two sons. Between work, business travel, school, and other activities, they often did not even have time to eat dinner together, let along…
By Jerry Witkovsky, author of The Grandest Love Striving to become more connected as a family doesn’t mean that everyone is obliged to see things the same way. For example, not all of my family members see a deliberate commitment to Teaching-and-Learning as being central to our family’s synergy. Says my daughter Ellen, herself a…
With Easter and Passover on the horizon, families may be gathering from afar, making it a perfect time to hold a family meeting. There are many excellent resources, online and at your public library, for conducting Family Meetings; and all can be adapted to fit your needs and circumstances. Here are three tips to get you…
