Today, we're going to Tampa to meet a 33-year-old mother of four whose husband tragically passed away just over a year ago.

Learning about the contours of this family reminded me of the amazement of watching a circus clown car.

How new, interesting, flexible characters continue to emerge from a restricted vehicle.

What looks on the surface to be uncomfortable contortionism is actually awe-inspiring flexibility.

Our conversation ranged wide.

From the power of the ante, one of my daughters recently told me she appreciates my sister because she's like me but less uptight.

To D-Day, Dinosaurs, a seven-year-old crush and a Switzerland child.

We'll wrap up this episode by looking at grief as puddle-drumping,

why it's helpful to let children help in times of trouble,

and untranslatable Hebrew words with identical definitions from Sanskrit and street Hebrew.

Oh, and some Harry Styles.

First, a disclaimer.

What you are about to listen to is not a professional counseling session.

Each episode is a one-time conversation and the advice I offer does not constitute psychological treatment

or services substitute for professional diagnosis, intervention, or behavioral health care.

In order to protect their privacy, our guests have been given pseudonyms and some personal details have been changed.

If you have concerns about your child's well-being or your own,

seek out guidance from a medical or mental health professional,

good places to start, your child's pediatrician, the counseling staff at your child's school,

and the American Psychological Association's Comprehensive Guide to Finding Resources in your State.

And now, onto the fun.

Honey, you're my best friend, and I think that we got this.

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