Parenthood sparks a powerful, instinctive drive to protect. But, in reality, we do our kids a disservice when we do not allow them the space and opportunity to make decisions with the potential outcome of failure. Like Clark Kent, we are transformed from mild-mannered, everyday people into Authority Figures, Responsible Parties…Tooth … Read More
Blended Family: Tips for Surviving the Holiday Season
If you are in a blended family, the holidays may seem like the most difficult time of the year rather than the most wonderful. Splitting time between more than one household is can be stressful. Time always seems too short. You can’t please everyone or feel like you always draw … Read More
How to Parent with the Magic 5:1 Ratio
If you’re a parent, these lines are all too familiar. “Hurry and eat your breakfast, or you’ll be late for school. Stop teasing your sister. Do your homework. Clean your room. I’m taking away that NERF gun if you hit you brother one more time. Are you listening to me?!” … Read More
What Does Emotional Intelligence Mean? Part 1
Children experience the same emotions as adults. They can feel everything from happiness to sadness to anger to nervousness to even stress. However unlike adults, many children do not understand how to effectively deal with the range of emotions they experience. Just like other life skills parents pass onto their … Read More
Our Schools & The Mental Health Crisis
Our schools are experiencing a mental health crisis. In any given year, up to one in five kids living in the U.S. shows signs or symptoms of a mental health disorder. What can we do to identify these students within our schools and connect them to the resources they need? In … Read More
Conflict Tools You Can Use
While perusing Pinterest and looking for posts regarding conflict, I came across the following quote: 10% of conflict is due to difference of opinion and 90% is due to tone of voice and delivery. I was curious about the origin. While I was not able to find consensus as to … Read More
Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children Part 2: Practical Ways to Help Your Children Become More Emotionally Intelligent
In part one of the blog Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children, we defined emotional intelligence and explored its importance. Some children are naturally more emotionally intelligent than others. It is important to nurture emotional intelligence in children to help them adjust well to the challenges life brings. Now that we know … Read More
Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children Part 1: What Does Emotional Intelligence Mean?
Children experience the same emotions as adults. They can feel everything from happiness to sadness to anger to nervousness to even stress. However unlike adults, many children do not understand how to effectively deal with the range of emotions they experience. Just like other life skills parents pass onto their … Read More
What exactly is adolescence?
For many parents, understanding a bit about their teenager’s brain development can be helpful in navigating the sometimes difficult adolescent years. But first, what exactly are the adolescent years? What does the term “adolescence” even mean? Researchers and scientists have had a pretty difficult time coming to a consensus definition. … Read More
Adjusting to Life Changes
High School Seniors have graduated and are looking forward to heading off to college shortly. Parents are savoring the last few weeks that their children will be under their roofs. This is an exciting and anxiety-inducing time in a student’s life. As students, they are looking forward to exploring their … Read More