Care and Feeding: What to say to a 5-year-old who is fascinated by death?

For our 5-year-old son, this was his first experience with death.

Some kids are profoundly affected by death, and others have a more pragmatic, detached reaction.

If your son is a conversationalist, then Kitty ’s passing has provided a great gift: sharable content!.

This year , she sent an email specifying that she would like to send our children a “Hanukkah” gift, and I know she’s aware of the recent drama and our own family traditions.

This seems like needling at an issue we’re trying to either settle or avoid; the thought of sending our children gifts is kind, of course, but this email makes it seem very loaded given the context.

If you want to maintain the moral high ground, I think your best choice is to accept the gift.

A 50-year-old aunt is concerned about her niece's reaction to a saucy meme.

Talking to her mom is pointless, since she is not an involved parent.

She might find bodice-rippers hilarious, but it might be that she's into that content and thought you might be too.

It doesn't have to be awkward or parental; the more casual you are, the better it will land.