Anxiety seems to be much more prevalent in modern times than it was in previous generations. Some argue that one of the factors causing this is the number of choices we have on a daily basis. Living in a shtetl with few people, few stores, and few outlets can feel comfortable. It means our lives are simpler and require less decision making. There is less to worry about. In addition, we basically knew ahead of time how our lives would play out, at least regarding those aspects over which we had control. We knew where we would live, what occupation we would follow, how we would eat, where we would go to shul, and where our children would go to school. Today, our choices about all these aspects of life are much broader. Unfortunately, when a person is inundated with options and, thus, decisions, it can trigger anxiety. This can be true even regarding small decisions.

Phantom rings and vibrations are new symptoms currently affecting many people. These happen when a person is walking or sitting and suddenly hears a beep or feels a vibration, checks the phone in his pocket, yet finds no message or notification. People report this phenomenon occurring even on Shabbos, when there is no phone in their pocket at all!* Technology is now not only in our pockets but on our wrists and in our homes. We must be aware of how intrusive these devices can be. This is especially true for our children, who are more vulnerable. As we enter the summer months and our children generally have much more free time on their hands, we must stay aware of how they are keeping themselves busy.

Awkward, scared, uncomfortable, worried. These are the feelings that come to mind when considering having an “adult” conversation with a child. Yet such conversations are necessary to empower our children’s safe and healthy development throughout the year. The approaching summer months, when many children go to sleep-away camps, present an especially important time to do so. We have greater awareness than ever before of the occasional boundary crossing and even abuse that can take place within our community. It is thus incumbent on us as parents to properly prepare our children before they leave home for an extended period of time.