Nancy Kislin, LCSW, Marriage and Family Therapist

02/18/2025

How many school shootings do we need before the mental health alarm bells rings?

Teen threats are on the rise, creating fear in schools. Learn the causes, consequences, and crucial steps parents and educators must take to ensure safety and prevent violence.

10/31/2024

HOW MANY TIMES WILL YOU SAY YOU CAN’T HAVE MORE CANDY TODAY?
How many times a day do you say NO to your teen, your child?
I am here to help!
Read my latest Blog and let me know your thoughts.

Parents can raise resilient kids by setting boundaries, assigning chores that build self-esteem, and embracing boredom to spur creativity.

09/27/2024

Several people have reached out to see how I am doing. I find myself struggling to find the words to express the extent of my emotions. I am full of gratitude and, if I must admit, pride.

I am incredibly proud of President Biden and Vice President Harris for their courage in issuing an Executive Order that directs federal agencies to enhance school-based active shooter drills and address the emerging threats posed by machine gun conversion devices and unserialized, 3D-printed fi****ms.

Many of you know that I have dedicated the last six years to researching, writing, teaching, consulting, advocating, and lobbying for all children's mental, emotional, and social health during school lockdown drills. With the support of friends at BRADYUNITED.org, Moms Demand Action, elected officials, and my family, we have made significant strides in how these drills are conducted, even passing a law on this topic in New Jersey. Today, however, feels particularly special.

This past year, I have had the opportunity to consult with the White House on my research, strategies, and recommendations. I was honored to hear Vice President Harris echo my views in public speeches and campaign commercials. Today, I was moved to hear President Biden voice my concerns as he issued his goal to improve school active shooter drills.
As a social worker and a Jewish woman who was raised not only to believe that I could change the world but to understand that I share the responsibility to improve it, today is a really good day.

Today is a potent reminder that nothing is impossible when we set our minds to a cause, work diligently, and remain focused on our goal—giving the voiceless a voice. Thank you, President Biden and Vice President Harris, for listening to that voice amidst the noise and trusting my guidance. I look forward to the next steps in our shared journey to protect the most innocent among us.

Thank you,
Nancy Kislin
-nj -NJ

09/15/2024

Special request: Could you please share my blog on HOW to addressing the increase in antisemitism with your children and grandchildren? It saddens me that I felt the need to write about this topic, and I am now asking for your help in sharing it. Unfortunately, this blog, which was posted on Psychology Today, has not received much attention. Thank you!

It is imperative to engage in meaningful conversations with kids about the rise of hate crimes.

09/10/2024

Parents who give their children AR 15’s or don’t lock up their guns are RESPONSIBLE for an entire generation of children being afraid to die in school. Are you going to remain quiet or are you going to join the movement for mentally, emotionally and physically safe school lockdown drills.
Parenting Anxious Kids especially During Lockdown Drills

Struggling with how to talk to your kids about another school shooting? Learn how you can support their emotional healing.

09/05/2024

Posting this article yet again! Talk to your kids. Take care of yourself. Monitor how you are feeling. Get support from friends and community. Reach out. BECOME AN ADVOCATE! Your kids don’t have to live this way.

If you feel at a loss for words after the latest mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, you are not alone.

09/05/2024

I wrote LOCKDOWN: Talking to Your Kids About School Violence in the aftermath of the mass shooting in Parkland, FL.

Please click on this link to learn more about how to show up for your kids! Reach out to me if you would like additional information or if you want to bring me into your community to help parents help their children cope during these tough days.

https://nancyjkislin.com/book/ #:~:text=LOCKDOWN%3A%20Talking%20to%20Your%20Kids%20about%20School%20Violence%20offers%20unprecedented,this%20era%20of%20school%20shootings.

09/05/2024

Let's tackle tough conversations head-on. In light of rising hate speech and bullying, it's crucial to talk to our kids about antisemitism. Check out this guide for parents on empowering discussions and creating a safe space for understanding and acceptance. Together, we can educate and combat hate.

https://facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=220580041311284&display=page&href=https %3A//www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/family-and-trauma/202408/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-antisemitism&redirect_uri=https%3A//www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/family-and-trauma/202408/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-antisemitism

07/28/2024

What do you think of my latest Blog? It is hard to disconnect but do it for your kids! They are watching you.

Meal times should be an opportunity for families to connect. Distracted eating can lead to unhealthy habits, overeating, or disconnection from bodily signals.

07/23/2024

Just because everyone is talking about doesn’t mean it isn’t important to put down your phone several times a day.

07/17/2024

Please read my latest Blog and share it. Amidst all the noise and scary images OUR children are watching and listening. I strive to help parents/grandparents lean in and talk to the children in their lives. Many children are feeling the anxiety and chaos of the world. Let me know what you think.

In the wake of the attempted assassination of the former U.S. President, it's crucial to communicate effectively with your children.

04/10/2024

Thank you to the Ethical Society of Maplewood for inviting me to speak about the dilemma of keeping our kids safe in schools during the raging gun violence problem in America. Grateful to join fellow Moms Demand Action volunteers to educate the community! If we safely stored our guns, maybe just maybe, our children would not be traumatized!

I was reminded that many parents and grandparents do not understand what school aged children are going through during school lockdowns drills. To learn more go to NancyJKislin.com or invite me to speak virtually or in person to your community. Our children are really not oKay. I offer concrete suggestions for schools and for parents that don’t cost money but do help children.