Hello fellow travelers,

I hope that this finds you doing well-- looking hopefully toward summer and preparing for a bit of rest and relaxation. My, what a time it's been!! There's not much more to say than that😊.

I have missed writing my newsletter, but honestly, I couldn't squeeze one more task into my days lately! I am sure that many of you can relate. I feel like I am just starting to come up for air (from a professional stance and a "parenting in the pandemic" viewpoint). Sending you love as you settle back into yourselves and ease into summer.

RE-ENTRY REMINDERS FROM PARENTS

Over the past few months, I've conducted some Zoom Parenting talks for our local schools, often addressing Re-entry concerns for parents. Some children smoothly and happily transitioned back to hybrid learning, and some have not.

Some kids have not yet returned, and many of the concepts on this tip sheet may prove helpful for families that will have their kids rerunning to in-person school in the fall. Here is a useful handout that I created for South Bay Families Connected.

UPCOMING TALK FOR SOUTH BAY NETWORKING: PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR ADOLESCENTS

SUMMER OF RE-CONNECTION

It is time to reconnect! With ourselves, our communities, and our friends and family. One fun idea could be to write a Summer Bucket List and tick the items off as you go this summer. We do this each year as a family, and it's always been a lot of fun. Download a sample Summer Bucket List courtesy of Play Party Plan.

NEW RESOURCE: CENTER FOR HUMAN TECHNOLOGY & LIFE ADVICE THAT DOESN'T SUCK

Are you as tortured by parenting around technology as I am? Sign up for this thoughtful commentary on how we can enjoy technology and be aware of pitfalls and ways to manage tech for ourselves and our families.

They argue:

As long as social media companies profit from addiction, depression, and division, our society will continue to be at risk.

Powerful stuff! 

I suggest Mark Manson, Life Advice that Doesn’t Suck.

I was given his book The Art of Not Giving a F*ck…and find Manson’s irreverent and direct commentaries on life interesting and refreshing. You can sign up for his weekly e-blast or follow him on Instagram: @markmanson. He recently had a good counterargument about how social media is not the cause of all ills (like it is often portrayed), human behavior is the culprit. Good food for thought!

SUMMER LEVITY

NEW BOOK THAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT

The Lonely Century by Noreena Hertz

I heard this author speak today! Wow—it is staggering how many people in modern society feel lonely—and the incredible toll that takes on one’s mental and physical health. Feeling lonely is as toxic to one’s physical health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day!

This resonates with what I see in the office— particularly after 15 months of the pandemic. We are hard-wired for social connection...and we must work hard to ensure this in our lives and for those we care about and serve.

PRACTICE UPDATES

The office is bustling—indoors, outdoors, on the balcony, in the courtyard, walk n'talk…the creative work and energy abound as we manage our full client loads! My #WorkTribe has worked so darn hard during the pandemic, and all are looking forward to some summer vacation to restore after a busy season! Thank you for being wonderful clients, for referring to us, networking with us, and keeping us in mind in the community.

We currently have three High School Girls' groups run by myself, Stacy, and Theresa. Meaghan continues to run a popular Middle School Girls' Group. There are openings and always some movement as kids feel better, graduate, and move on…please keep in mind!

Stacy and I ran our first Mother's Day workshop on the beach to help restore some local moms. We received great feedback, and it felt so good for us and the ladies who joined us!

May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and June is Pride Month. Yes! ❤️

Ever thankful to you for reading 😊,

Leah & the gals