About
Brenda Tobias muses about theatricality, on and off the stage. Her life is a balance of longing for a more genteel sepia toned world while staying present and realistic. A longtime New York City resident, and curmudgeon in training, Ms.Tobias offers a perspective you may very well share. Natterings about well being, childhood, culture, and style have never been so cathartic.
Ms. Tobias considers theatrical criticism to be a service to potential audience members. Her years in front and back of the stage guide her critique. Stints as a school social worker and higher education administrator influence Ms. Tobias’ perspectives on childhood and education. For seven years, Ms.Tobias worked for a major fashion design label as an analyst. An understanding of the industry plus her vast personal experience with fashion mistakes equal style guidance extraordinaire!
Her work has been published in: Ladies’ Home Journal’s Divine Caroline, Hearst’s All About You, Journal/Anthology Airplane Reading, Stage and Cinema, Geeked and multiple university publications. Ms. Tobias is a CrassTalk and on-air Huffington Post contributor.
Ms. Tobias is the author of Dear Auntie Mame:The Romance Guide.
Here She Is Boys 
carolynquinn
December 28, 2012 at 11:39 pm
Greetings! I love your blog, so I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Here’s my post. Thank you for all the times you’ve made my day on WordPress! http://wp.me/p1l1PS-xe
brendatobias
December 29, 2012 at 7:27 am
Thank you so much for your message & for the nomination!! Happy New Year to you!
carolynquinn
December 29, 2012 at 9:40 am
Right back to you!
Cheryl Gajowski
May 9, 2012 at 10:52 am
Hi there – having read your response to the NYT Well post on Parents’ Depression … and followed your link, I’ll be back — as another curmudgeon in training….
brendatobias
May 9, 2012 at 10:56 am
Welcome Aboard!!!
Mary Catt
May 8, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Brenda,
Thank you for your column on supplying the liquor so that teens can drink at home. As the only parent in my child’s graduating class to not include beer and wine at the must-have (at least in my location) graduation party, I am affirmed!
Mary Catt
brendatobias
May 8, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Thanks for fighting the good fight Mary!
J J Madden
May 5, 2012 at 9:21 am
Thanks. Would love your impressions of the blog if you have time. You might like the first post!
J J Madden
May 4, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Hi Brenda. I saw your sensible comments in Katharine Rosman’s WSJ piece on the secret lives of tweens then went to your interesting blog which moved me to introduce myself. I’m a journo, adjunct prof, writer/producer and parent of three in the DC area. Like you, I write about a variety of topics, but mine are loosely related to technology and how it’s changing our lives. I am trying to get a book published on the same subject with an eye on how to sensibly raise children. Incidentally, the oldest of my kids whom I like to call “My Starlet Daughter” went to find fame in Hollywood and got a degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts but is now sounding like she may be coming back east to pursue her acting career. Anyway, if you have a chance, please check out my blog:
http://www.durablehuman.com
p.s. Commonsense Media has just done a study showing more kids than ever are being allowed to have TVs in their bedrooms. I specifically recommend in my book that kids now more than ever need “sanctuary” in their lives and that their bedrooms may be the only place they truly can unplug/unwind!
For those who missed Brenda’s comments, she said: “Unless you are willing to forgo purchasing any and all electronic devices for your child, curtailing their activity is a challenge. Even those without parent purchased paraphernalia will find a way to connect. Expecting them not to do so is the modern equivalent of telling them which kids to avoid. (The second you make something forbidden is multiplies tenfold in appeal.)
Instead, I suggest being crystal clear about your family’s rules (i.e., we never use our real names, we never give out ANY personal information – and explain what that means, etc.) I’m also a fan of no devices (or food) allowed in bedrooms, at the table, or at school (school administrators have telephones in their offices if there is a true emergency.)”
brendatobias
May 5, 2012 at 6:54 am
HI JJ – Thank you so much for your thoughtful (and generous) comments. I am looking forward to checking out durablehuman.com. Wishing your “starlet daughter” much luck in selecting a coast and fulfilling her moniker!
Kate Woods
February 28, 2012 at 1:38 pm
Brenda!
Where have you been all my life? You write what I think – and with such wit. Thank you!
brendatobias
February 28, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Well it’s official: my day has been made. Thank you!!!
Julie P. H.
February 8, 2012 at 1:59 pm
I liked your sweet little comment on the John Waters post on the WSJ blog.
brendatobias
February 8, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Why thank you!
ellenreynolds
December 27, 2011 at 2:32 pm
I love your blog!! I am a professor of film, filmmaker, mother, city dweller… We’re on the same page! (literally 😉 )
Thanks for your effort
brendatobias
December 27, 2011 at 2:40 pm
How very kind! Thank you!!
Karen
December 25, 2011 at 8:23 am
Happy Holidays.
Amy Eddings
November 22, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Hey Brenda. Amy Eddings from WNYC here. WOuld love to talk to you about your tips for having a good time at Thanksgiving. Please contact me ASAP aeddings@wnyc.org and let me know how i can reach you