Menderist contributors share how they overcame challenges and enhanced relationships with a variety of people, including family, friends, and colleagues.
Special Issues: Family Mental Health, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorable Gift, Teacher/Educator, Year in Review
It wasn’t until he became a parent, explains teacher Rolland Chidiac, that he realized how much work goes into caring for a family. He shares how this new understanding has deepened his appreciation for maternal strength and capabilities.
A love of travel, art, reading, and conversation were some of his mother’s interests, Dave Sacher remembers. Those and many other qualities inspired him, as did the time his mom revealed the secrets of long division.
It’s not only parents who raise children: other relatives and friends often help, too. In a follow-up article to his first story, Dave Sacher pays special tribute to the special care he received from two aunts.
New for Spring: Menderist lists 6 more mental-health themed books that children aged 8+ and their parents can read and discuss together – in recognition that an estimated 13 to 20 percent of mental health problems begin by the early adolescent years (11 to 14).
“London feels stuck. His school friends think he’s this confident kid who likes video games and will kick your butt if you get on his bad side. His high-achieving parents think he’s a genius coder …None of this is true.” (from the review of ‘Is There A Boy Like Me?’)
Sometimes parents and children want to read more high-quality books but don’t know about the great review sites available. To help these families, Menderist lists 10 well-respected sites we used in researching our Spring 2025 article, Books on Mental Health for Parents and Children to Read Together.
In the following article we list seven reputable websites, from organizations such as Kirkus, CommonSense Media, and Quill and Quire. We also link to a popular crowd-sourced site, and an independent review site.
Author Deborah Kerbel shares the story of a memorable gift celebrating the birth of her daughter, which also helped a baby living in an area affected by Hurricane Katrina.
A mother remembers one of the best gift she’s ever received, which arrived when she was preparing to move her family.
Author Cathy Carr describes her favorite handmade present, and considers why gifts with a personal touch are preferred by most people.
A librarian and educator shares how a long-ago visit with a relative in Iran resulted in one of the most memorable gifts she’s ever received.
A teacher receives an amusing special gift from her husband, who is on a business trip during their anniversary.
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Every few weeks, people share encouraging essays, anecdotes, and stories about moments that turned their day around.
