When I was seven years old and at a family gathering, I noticed all my cousins calling my dad by his given name, Joe. So I started calling him, Joe, as well.
After a while my father called me over, put his hands on my shoulders, looked at me kindly, and said, “Son, there are lots of people in the world who can call me Joe. But you’re the only one who can call me Dad.”
Achieving a sense of community in a classroom is tricky, a teacher explains, then shares a story about a lost student …and a memorable day.
“In fearing the worst, I’d be assaulted by visions of the Titanic – as if we could metaphorically veer off course, hit an iceberg, and slowly disappear….”
A parent of a teenager with severe mental health issues shares steps that are helping manage fear and anxiety affecting the rest of the family.
“How will I manage the impact of one child’s severe mental health issues on our family? My challenge has been to address that issue as our household has dealt with my daughter’s challenges….”
A Grade 6 teacher remembers the day a girl with unique challenges arrived in her class, and how helping that student has enriched her own life.
“When I was expecting my first child, I received my student roster for the upcoming year….”
A father’s approach to problem solving creates lifelong memories.
“My father had a very simple policy: all problems were just puzzles to be solved – all puzzles had a solution. The trick was to understand….”
Resources to help our children work through the challenges of the past three-plus years
“Mental health organizations report that, linked to the pandemic, children are showing higher levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness….”
A parent looks back on a son’s experience with severe anxiety, and the actions that helped the most in improving his mental health.
“The promising start to the high school year came to an abrupt end, and my son struggled with his health, then fell into a debilitating depression. Meanwhile, our family scrambled to figure out how to help….”
Sign up to be notified when new Menderist content goes live.
Every few weeks, people share encouraging essays, anecdotes, and stories about moments that turned their day around.
