Reach Out and Read

Whether man-made or naturally-occurring, chances are children will be exposed to some level of trauma at some point. How we regard these situations and recognize the protective effect of positive relationships will help guide how we may talk to kids and — we hope — buffer the effects of trauma.  Yevgenia Nayberg joins us to talk about "Chernobyl, Life, and Other Disasters", her new book that draws upon her own upbringing in 1980s Ukraine and how she grounded herself in love and art throughout a childhood full of uncertainty.

The 20th Century was a time of unparalleled industry, creativity, innovation, and reach in the toy industry. Michael Kimmel, a SUNY distinguished professor emeritus and author of Playmakers: The Jewish Entrepreneurs Who Created the Toy Industry in America, joins us to talk about the immigrants who practically single-handedly created the material culture of American childhood as we know it.

Can fear and enchantment be two sides of the same coin?  How can stories help children navigate through darkness and wonder?  Maria Tatar, the John L. Loeb Research Professor of Germanic Languages and Literatures and of Folklore and Mythology at Harvard University, joins us to discuss the role of children's literature in offering curiosity and courage in young readers.  Warning: you may never think about some classic books the same way again...

We often understand why building strong relationships in pediatric clinical care is important, but the details of how matter.  Linda Gilkerson, PhD, Founder and Executive Director of the Fussy Baby FAN Network at the Erikson Institute, joins us to talk about reflective practice and how strengthening the provider-parent relationship helps parents become attuned to their infants and ready for trying new relational approaches.

What does it mean to be "enough" as a parent, caregiver, or professional?  Where is my "maternal instinct" if I don't feel an instant bond? How do fathers come to feel like fathers — and what if the connection doesn't come right away?"  These are just some of the questions explored using narrative and reflection by Dr. Junlei Li and Thelma Ramirez in their new early relational health project, The Shock and Beauty of Early Parenthood.