"The Filipino Family Surviving the World"

A new book for families was launched this morning at Powerbooks Megamall. Co-written by Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang (better known as "Tita Honey") and Queena N. Lee-Chua, the book is a collection of essays on the challenges that Filipino families face in our world today, and how best to cope with them.

The book begins with a perspective on "Understanding the Filipino Family", its unique characteristics, and the unique challenges that it faces today. It then goes into the topics of family values, communication, developing our children's potential, and finally, "dealing with tough issues" such as trauma, poverty, abuse, having a special child, and the phenomenon of OFW families.

The book's tone is light but definitely authoritative and substantial, at the same time intimate and personal. The authors explained that they deliberately cut out as much theoretical discussion as they could, in order to make the content accessible, and thus useful, to Filipino families everywhere.

This is the perfect Christmas present for any Filipino family. I can think of many who would appreciate its relevant discussions and sound advice!

Play Therapy Helps Children Grieve

They sat around a table in miniature chairs as a gentle woman guided them
through play with toys that might make some people cringe.

"This is a
coffin," Mary Vondra explained in a soft voice.

In this article and video at KETV.com, Julie Cornell reports on a program for grieving children at Ted E. Bear Hollow, a center for grieving children and teens, in Omaha.

At Ted E. Bear Hollow, children, teens and adults go into separate small groups, where they are free to share their feelings without worrying how they will affect other family members.

Social worker and program director Sarah Flanagan explains the many ways in which family members are helped through the process of grief, through play and art.

Families are encouraged to decorate memory boxes to store letters, pictures and other mementos that remind them of their loved one. Memory pillows can be created, using an article of clothing that belonged to a relative.

To read all about it, and to watch the video, go to Play Therapy Helps Children Grieve.

Check out the center's website, at Ted E. Bear Hollow.