by Tara Shafer posted in Parenting

As flood waters in Texas and Hurricane Harvey-affected areas begin to recede, the scope of the historic crisis is laid bare. The outpouring of resources, sympathy, and thoughts and prayers has been tremendous.
As human beings (and as parents) our hearts break for families facing long term recovery. Children are placed in situations of grave stress as they watch their parents struggle to make accommodations for food, clean water, and shelter.

As a once-resident of Texas, I love the state. I love the vastness of the land, the hugeness of the sky, and the hearts of the people there. As I watched the flood waters rise and as I watch them now recede I feel broken, some. And I am thousands of miles away. The most admirable thing about living together and existing in communities is in our collective capacity to reach for one another in a crisis. Our impulse is to offer comfort and a hand up to strangers as they face dark and uncertain days ahead.
Nothing lends necessary hope like the generous acts and support of strangers ? as well as that of family and friends.  Those who were in New York City after 9/11 will remember. Survivors of past disasters like Hurricane Katrina will as well.

As parents, our hearts break for children whose lives have been upended. We want to help their parents, because, well, there but for the grace of God.
It surprises me not at all that there is talk in the BabyCenter community about ways to help. That is who you ...