A major role in parenting is instilling confidence in children. In order to feel competent and valued, kids need to hear certain things from their parents. A compliment can drive a child towards great things. Some of the best and most meaningful compliments can come from Mom and Dad. Here … Read More
Rationalization is Unhealthy
Over the past few months, I’ve written about a number of defense mechanisms and the important role they play in human interaction. Defense mechanisms reflect the mind’s brilliantly creative approach to protecting itself. While each of them can be effective in different situations, I freely admit that rationalization is my … Read More
Decision Making with Distractions
Thanks to technology, travel, and education, we live in a world of almost endless possibilities. We have access to opportunities and experiences that previous generations couldn’t have even imagined. However, it’s also easier than ever to lose focus, to lose valuable time simply sorting through our options. It can feel … Read More
How’s Your Emotional Hygiene?
Have you ever stopped to consider that many people spend more time taking care of their physical health than their psychological health? Ignoring psychological injuries (failure, rejection, loneliness) can worsen just as much as ignoring a recurring migraine or strained muscle. In his TED Talk, “Why We All Need to … Read More
Relationship: The One Thing You Need for a Happier Life
It’s not wealth, fame or even success in your career. According to this Washington Post article, Harvard researchers have found that the key to the happy life is…relationship. The 75-year-old Grant Study is the oldest of its kind. It has followed the lives of men from Harvard University and Boston … Read More
The Beauty in Consistency
We as humans are drawn to predictable patterns and people. We like to be able to understand our world, and categorize things into neat little boxes in our minds. It helps us to relax and feel safe when we feel like we know what is coming and how we need … Read More
The Best School Year Ever: Saying No
With the new school year about to begin, you are going to be faced with a lot of new opportunities. There will be new sports to join, new hobbies to try out, and new volunteer opportunities. It is so tempting to jump into everything and take on every possible fun … Read More
Words: Beyond Sticks and Stones
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” I appreciate the spirit of the maxim, the refusal to give credence to critical, spiteful, thoughtless speech. The problem is, it’s not true. Scientific studies, legislation regarding hate speech and even … Read More
Ease the Back to School Butterflies
As summer comes to an end, you may notice your kids are asking more questions about going back to school and may even have some butterflies about all the upcoming changes. Kids may feel worried about having a new teacher, finding friends to sit with at lunch, or even if … 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
