When teens are seniors and preparing to graduate, they are repeatedly asked whether or not they are ready for college. Have they applied? Been accepted? Chosen a major? Do they feel ready to “live on their own?” While the kids are the ones heading off to class, parents may also … Read More
Redefining Failure: A Conversation with Sara Blakely
Is fail a four-letter word in your vocabulary? Do you define yourself by your failures? Sara Blakely, founder and CEO of Spanx, offers a redefinition of failure. She states, “Failure for me became not trying, versus the outcome.” Our perception of an event and what we think the event means … Read More
Confessions of Empty Nesters
The empty nester time is approaching and your little “chick” is leaving the nest. I’m sure you’ve heard rumors about how you would feel or better yet how you should feel during this time and what your confessions will be. There definitely seems to be politically correct versions of confessions of your … Read More
Emotion-Coaching Parents: Part 4
In The Science of Trust (2011), Dr. John Gottman identified two different types of parents: “emotion-coaching” parents and “emotion-dismissing” parents. This is the fourth blog of a four-part series, and instead of looking at what it means to be an emotion-coaching parent, this last one will address emotion-coaching your significant … Read More
Music and Influence: “Boomerang” by Jojo Siwa
It can be difficult to find positive messages and role models for kids today. They’re bombarded by social media and celebrities, so it is refreshing to find someone in their peer group creating catchy music and videos that also send a message of inclusion, acceptance, and self-confidence. Check out the … Read More
Emotion-Coaching Parents: Part 3
In The Science of Trust (2011), Dr. John Gottman identified two different types of parents: “emotion-coaching” parents and “emotion-dismissing” parents. Read Part 1 for the hallmarks of emotion-coaching versus emotion-dismissing parents. So, you want your children to have the best shot at emotional intelligence and emotional resilience. You want them … Read More
Pledge to Spread the Word to End the Word
The words we use can be incredibly powerful! Words can make somebody smile. They can change the way someone understands a situation. They can also, unfortunately, be really hurtful. You can pledge to end the use of hurtful words. One of the organizations I’m most proud to support is R-Word, … Read More
Emotion-Coaching Parents: Part 2
In The Science of Trust (2011), Dr. John Gottman identified two different types of parents: “emotion-coaching” parents and “emotion-dismissing” parents. Read Part 1 for the hallmarks of emotion-coaching versus emotion-dismissing parents. Now that we’re clear about the differences, let’s talk about why it’s worth taking the time to implement emotion-coaching … Read More
Emotion-Coaching Parents: Part 1
In The Science of Trust (2011), Dr. John Gottman identified two different types of parents: “emotion-coaching” parents and “emotion-dismissing” parents. Through research and coding interactions, they found that emotion-dismissing parents were trying to get their children to change their negative emotions into positive emotions. They disapproved of the negative emotion … Read More
Divorce Is a Process: Counselors Can Be Helpful
The process of divorce can be a traumatic and stressful event. The process becomes even more complex when there are children involved. At GROW Counseling, we believe that having a skilled team of professionals is essential to having the best possible outcome when a couple decides to end their marriage. … Read More