NYC-Parents in Action kicked off its popular Parent Lifelines: Online Seminar Series, 2023-24, with a conversation between Geoffrey Golia, LCSW, Director of New York Center for Living; and Laurie B. Freeman, PhD, NYC-PIA’s Director of Facilitation.

Dr. Laurie Freeman posed questions, spurring the substantive dialog. Geoffrey Golia shared solid advice, strategies and tips, demonstrating his genuine passion for helping young people meet their potential and move toward connected, engaged lives.

Moderator Laurie Freeman, PhD, introduced Jennifer B. Wallace, author of the forthcoming book, Never Enough, where Jennifer investigates the deep roots of toxic achievement culture, and finds out what we must do to fight back. Drawing on interviews with families, educators, and an original survey of nearly 6,000 parents, she exposes how the pressure to perform is not a matter of parental choice but baked in to our larger society and spurred by increasing income inequality and dwindling opportunities. As a result, children are increasingly absorbing the message that they have no value outside of their accomplishments, a message that is reinforced by the media and greater culture at large.

Many people find it awkward to talk about money, but author and financial expert Bobbi Rebell assured NYC-Parents in Action’s Online Seminar Series audience that the way to help children become financially mature is through good decision-making and regular, honest conversation.

Moderator Laurie Freeman, PhD, introduced Bobbi Rebell, certified financial planner, journalist, author of Launching Financial Grownups and parent of three, for a conversation on how to manage expectations and guide your kids toward financial independence. Laurie asked Bobbi to set the stage with a hint of what it means to “launch financial grown-ups”: