BERGEN COUNTY MOMS

In most elementary schools, the science curriculum is limited to instruction and experiments that can be performed in the students’ primary classroom. The Lower School at Saddle River Day School is not like most elementary schools.   One of the great features of the Lower School at Saddle River Day School is a dedicated science classroom and lab, one in which the science teachers have the space and the freedom to devise instructional units and experiments that include scien

OMG, how often have I put others above myself? Let their expectations be my guide? I believe we all struggle with this. You don’t have to jump when others say 'jump'. Yes, you have responsibilities on the job. That's what you're being paid for. But in your family... Are you giving in to your children more than you'd like? More than is good for them or for you? If you have helped create the expectations they have of you, then your responsibility is to alter how you respond. Th

If you’re a parent in Bergen County, your calendar probably feels like a competitive sport. Between school drop-offs, sports practices, work meetings, errands, and remembering which form needs to be signed for which child, the days fill up fast. Somewhere in the middle of all that, you’re also supposed to find time to take care of your own health—like scheduling doctor’s appointments you’ve probably been putting off. That’s why we created One Bergen Health .  Healthcare That

"Wherever you go, there you are" is the title of a book by meditation and mindfulness guru Jon Kabat-Zinn. It means that no matter what the circumstances or the environment, you are who you are. You can't leave yourself or your way of seeing life behind. It's spring break, a time for vacations and special activities. (This applies to the holiday season, and any other special occasion, too.) You'd think that when you're away everyone will be on their best behavior and appre

I didn’t want  a child with Down syndrome. I needed a child with Down syndrome. And now that I have a child with Down syndrome, there will never again be a day without light or edges of my heart not brimming with love.  The mom I thought I’d be was one who took my daughter to get our nails done on a regular basis. I thought I’d be sitting in packed auditoriums for her dance recitals and helping her do things I couldn’t, like ice skate or learn a second language. I saw all of

There’s this little thing called the ego. Not so little, really. The ego says, “I’m important. Pay attention to me. I know more than you. I am right. I must be right—or else who am I?” The problem with needing to be right is that it automatically means someone else has to be wrong. And in parent-child relationships, that often means your teen.  Remember, there can’t be two winners when one has to come out on top. You know what that feels like in any close relationship—rejecti

What is it that makes Saddle River Day School such a unique and special place? Some would say it’s the academic rigor, the engaged, curious students, the dedicated faculty, or the tight-knit community. They would all be correct. But what sets Saddle River Day School apart, our real differentiating factor, is that we have created a curriculum and an environment in which students have the confidence, agency, and tools to take risks, to identify a problem that needs to be solve

I n this new year, I want to offer a simple, grounding reminder: Nobody is coming to save you. I know—that can sound harsh. Especially if life has been unfair, painful, or deeply disappointing. In an ideal world, the people who hurt us would make things right. In the real world, that often doesn’t happen. And waiting for it can keep us stuck. Here’s the part that matters most: What others do or don’t do is beyond your control. Your healing is not. Two thousand years ago, the

Children don’t always have the words to express grief—but it often reveals itself through their behavior, thoughts, emotions, and bodies. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward offering meaningful support, understanding, and care. The Lukin Center has partnered with Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss , to help support children and families navigating grief. Together, they aim to bring awareness to the many ways loss can impact young people and to ensure familie

“Individualized instruction” is more than a phrase at Saddle River Day School —it’s a promise brought to life through meaningful, personalized academic pathways. One of the most distinctive ways SRDS fulfills this commitment is by offering students the opportunity to begin Upper School and even college-level coursework while still in Middle School. Students who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in a subject are identified by their teachers and, through a combination of placeme

Living with a teen can be utterly draining. It reminds me of parenting a toddler. You might want to trade them in, but there are no returns, no refunds, no exchanges, all sales are final. What’s a parent to do? Have you noticed the similarities between toddlers and teens? I remember my son as a toddler. He had too much energy, and didn’t like the word ‘no’. His words weren’t always clear , which increased frustration for both us. When he wanted something, he kept going and

Many parents find themselves exhausted trying to navigate the school system while advocating for their child’s needs. When something doesn’t feel right—academically, emotionally, or behaviorally—the process of getting answers can quickly become overwhelming. School jargon, meetings, timelines, evaluations, and questions about eligibility often leave families feeling confused, intimidated, and alone. Dr. Dinah Braude Kremberg is a licensed psychologist at Lukin Center for Psyc

When I was a middle school teacher, “The 6 Pillars of Character” program was launched in schools across the country. There were wall hangings in the lunchroom, poster and creative writing contests, and a few “character ed’ activities sprinkled through the year. The truth is that even with the best of intentions, this was a feel-good, surface-level program. Without daily focus on character at home and school, it wasn’t going to make much of a difference. I admit I’m a bit of s

Have you ever kept your feelings to yourself? Because they're big, maybe too risky to express? If so, you can understand why your teen may hide their feelings and shut you out. While it's normal that kids don't want to share with their parents, there's a big downside. Hidden, negative feelings grow and lead to depression and isolation. They see their feelings as bad, and judge themselves as different, weird, abnormal. The first step to help your teen through this is to neutra

Parents do it all the time — we watch, we worry, we analyze, and we try to fix. It comes from love, of course. But when your energy is focused on what your teen should be doing, you might be neglecting what’s happening in your own thoughts and reactions. Every time you micromanage, remind, or overanalyze your child’s choices, you’re essentially stepping into their business — their responsibilities, their emotions, their learning curve.  And while you’re doing that, who’s tak

When a child experiences anxiety, a parent’s natural instinct is to step in and make the discomfort disappear. While this response comes from a place of love, certain accommodations can unintentionally reinforce the anxiety cycle over time. S.P.A.C.E. Therapy (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) empowers parents with practical, evidence-based tools to respond differently—helping children build confidence, independence, and long-term emotional resilience with

As parents, our primary job is to prepare our children for life. Yet, so much emphasis is placed on academic preparation for college, often at the expense of nurturing the attitudes and skills that truly help them navigate life’s challenges. While a solid education is important, preparing for life goes beyond textbooks and classrooms  —it involves encouraging our kids to experience life firsthand. We are all experiential learners; we learn best by doing. The lessons we learn

A goal is connected to an emotion. It’s great when the emotion is excitement; your brain will naturally want to move toward it. However, if it feels like pressure — something you need to do or should do — instead of something you want to do , your brain will see it as a burden. You’ll likely procrastinate and maybe give up. Your brain gives you what you think most about: the good, the bad, and the ugly. What if you stop using "need to, have to, and should" and replace them w

With the season of giving upon us, you’re likely searching for thoughtful gifts that build connection and resilience rather than just adding to the toy clutter. As a licensed psychotherapist specializing in child development, I’ve compiled my top ten therapeutic resources that make excellent holiday gifts while supporting your child’s emotional growth and mental health. These aren’t just books and toys—they’re evidence-based tools that help children develop crucial skills lik

In my world, a curious question is designed to help your teens think for themselves and learn to problem-solve. A curious question is not: checking up on your teen. a way to make yourself feel better that things are getting done. to help you feel empowered, that you’re doing something. ‌ Because curious questions are not about you. ‌ Let me say that again. Curious questions are not about you. ‌ They are entirely about your child. They are questions that nudge your child int