the Ifarium journal

Look closer at the moment.

Short reads that begin with real parent questions and leave room for your child’s own answer.

Eli and Dad sit close together on the bed, smiling over an open storybook.School & LearningThey can read by themselves. Keep reading together.2 minute readNora shoves Milo beside the fallen domino run; both children’s expressions are visible.Big FeelingsThey know the rule. So why do they still do it?6 minute readOne child holds a favorite dinosaur while a younger visitor reaches toward it.Getting Along & Making Things RightShould a child have to share a special toy at a playdate?6 minute readPriya watches from the playground fence, holding her rope while the game continues without her.Friends & BelongingYour child was left out. Should you step in?6 minute readGrandma opens her arms in the doorway while Wren pauses in front of her.Body, Boundaries & SafetyCan a child say no to Grandma’s hug and still be kind?6 minute readNadia struggles with her coat zipper, her face tense, while Dad and her younger sibling wait at the door.Big FeelingsYour child isn’t the same decision-maker when they’re upset6 minute readThe teacher stops the rehearsal and Suri looks up as the other children watch.Confidence & Being MyselfWhy can a kind correction make a child want to disappear?6 minute readLouie has slid off the bench onto the wet blacktop as Micah stumbles around; cards scatter everywhere and the gold fox spins down into the puddle.Getting Along & Making Things RightSorry isn’t the same as repair6 minute readLily draws Emma a rainbow card after a lonely recess at school.Friends & BelongingWhy return to a friend who sometimes leaves them out?6 minute readAsh and Jakub continue their game while Tomas sits alone on the step behind them.Body, Boundaries & SafetyWhy “How would you feel?” doesn’t always change what a child does6 minute readBram waits with his book open while the teacher and the other children sit around the reading table.School & LearningWhy can reading aloud feel harder on another day?5 minute readTheo cries on the kitchen floor while Dad crouches nearby; the last cookie stays untouched on its plate.Big Feelings“Calm down” isn’t a skill. It’s an outcome.6 minute readNell stands beside Fern on the school bench as they face a difficult secret.Body, Boundaries & SafetyIs it tattling, or telling an adult something important?6 minute read