It is important for us as parents to be in the moment with out kids and to connect with them without any judgement of the situation. According to Dr. Carla Naumburg, a clinical social worker and author of Parenting in the Present Moment: How to Stay Focus on What Really Matters: ” It is not…
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It is not uncommon that families and children today are experiencing tremendous amount of stress that could potentially damage mental and physical health and well-being. Luckily, Dr. Ginsburg from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has identified the 7 C’s of resilience that serves as a guideline for parents to help their children recognize their abilities…
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Learn this powerful tool for challenging unhelpful negative thinking. Positive emotion is a skill that needs practice like any other skill, but once mastered has been shown to protect against depression. If you think you are already experiencing depression, however, please seek treatment.
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In honor of Red Ribbon Week (October 23rd – October 31st), parents are highly encouraged to use this opportunity to talk with their children about the dangers of using substances and discourage risky behaviors. Signing a family pledge is one strategy to help kids avoid using substances as it lays out the family rules and…
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According to the Oxford Dictionary, validation is defined as the “recognition or affirmation that a person of their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile.” So why is validation an important tool for parents and caregivers? Your validation shows your child that they and their feelings or opinions are important for you to listen and…
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Madame Montessori suggested that children imitate their parents and therefore are highly motivated to work. Your child wants to be just like you, so working together builds not only your relationship, but also confidence and competence. Making things together — cooking, baking, cleaning, washing dishes, setting the table and crafting particular objects with the recipient…
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We all know that asking “How was your day?” often gets us a one word response. What if we used this opportunity to ask a more intentional question? If we make a daily or near daily habit of it (perfection isn’t required here!), it will demonstrate to our child that their growth is important to…
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When it comes to anger, there are three paths we can take: Aggression: This is where we believe our feelings trump the rights of others, and at its extreme end result in emotionally or physically abusive behavior. Perfection: On the opposite end of the spectrum, some of us get the message that we don’t have…
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Feelings are a normal part of the human experience, but often we shame children for certain feelings. Or we send the message that they should be able to “control” their feelings. Some research suggests that this can actually produce anxiety in children, who feel they must be in control of all of their emotions. Instead,…
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According to the 2018 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment, about two-thirds of children reported that they have not talked with their parents about the dangers of alcohol and other drug use and they do not perceive drugs to be risky, making them more likely to being using alcohol and other drugs. Underage drinking is associated with…
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