Helping Children Make Sense of Life| News and Media | City and Country School, New York

Last week, Lesley Koplow spoke to a packed audience of Lower School parents, bringing wisdom and authenticity that resonated deeply. Her acknowledgment that “being a parent is hard” struck a particularly powerful chord, offering comfort and validation to many in the room.

Lesley also shared heartfelt reflections on the importance of child development, the role of play in learning, and the school’s commitment to children’s social-emotional well-being. Parents left feeling seen, reassured, and more confident in their journey.

Felix, father of a five-, seven-, and ten-year-old, shared:
"The conversation covered ideas we all sort of know intuitively as parents but don’t always take the time to dissect. The concepts of ‘just right information,’ storytelling at bedtime as a way to delay separation, and recognizing the ‘toddler’ in older children were particularly insightful. Hearing the phrase ‘You’re a parent, but you’re also human’ was reassuring.”

Frank, father of a two- and seven-year-old, reflected:
"Lesley was an incredibly insightful and reassuring speaker—I felt truly seen as a parent. She helped me understand that many of the challenges young kids face are completely normal. I left feeling more confident and at ease."

For those interested, here is a follow-up reading from Lesley, "Helping Children Make Sense of Life."