This article explores goals, guidelines, tools, techniques, and emotional issues involved in parent-child separations.

An email to Irene from a 2-1/2 year-old boy who dictated his email to his mom:

Hi Ms. Irene,

Are you scared of the monsters?

The end.

L.

Children have got it right. Tears-whether during a tantrum or with disappointment over no dessert or when a fire engine gets taken from them-are freeing. They help release all that feeling. They help wash the slate clean. After the tears we can start anew.

Many families are dealing with the aftermath of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, flooding, and power outages. These natural disasters are challenging for everyone, but especially your young child, who can absorb the general anxiety and intense feelings within a family.