Making Stepfamilies Work
The so-called “blended family” is no longer an aberration in American society: It’s a norm. Planning for remarriage A marriage that brings with it children from a previous marriage presents many challenges. Such families should consider three key issues as they plan for remarriage: Financial and living arrangements. Adults should agree on where they will live […]
Infographic: Communication: an overview
Communication is a process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, feelings and emotions through speech, signals, writing, or behavior. 4 Types of Communication: Verbal Communication Nonverbal Communication Written Communication Visual Communication For more information click here…
Mentoring Youth Matters: Six Qualities That Make You A Good Mentor For Teens
We understand the benefits of mentoring young people when we hear the powerful stories of teens whose lives have been changed by a single, caring adult. If you listen, those stories are everywhere. Like me, you likely have a story of a mentor from your own youth. What we know about mentoring is that it […]
Infographic: What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are the commonest psychiatric illnesses globally. There is no test for anxiety disorders like panic disorder, PTSD, OCD or social anxiety disorder and the diagnosis is based on a good history and examination. The signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders are often missed or explained away. Anxiety disorders are also commonly comorbid […]
Smartphone Addiction: Tips for Breaking Free of Compulsive Smartphone Use
While a smartphone, tablet, or computer can be a hugely productive tool, compulsive use of these devices can interfere with your daily life, work, and relationships. When you spend more time on social media or playing games than you do interacting with real people, or you can’t stop yourself from repeatedly checking texts, emails, news […]
How to Be a Better Grandparent: Tips on Building Great Relationships with your Grandkids
As grandparents we all want to make the most of the precious family time we get to spend with our grandchildren. You can create deep, loving relationships with your grandchildren by sharing the things you love and by learning about what excites them. Whether you’re a full-time grandparent, a step-grandparent, or a long distance grandparent […]
Teaching Kids Poetry
Why Should I Teach Poetry? Memorizing and reciting poetry builds confidence. Poems give children an easy way to remember a lesson or value. Poems inspire us. Poems capture emotions and ideas in lyrical phrases that are often easy to remember. Poems offer a chance to build connections within multiple areas of a child’s curriculum. You […]
Infographic: That Extra Push: How Extracurricular Activities Can Give You A Leg Up
As high schoolers, the pressure is high to pad college applications with extracurricular activities in hopes that such displays of well-roundedness will tip the admissions scales towards acceptance. Fortunately, studies have shown that the benefits of extra curricular activities extend beyond helping you get into college and well into your career. This latest infographic explores the […]
When children bicker: Stopping the fight before it starts
Bickering is not yet a full-fledged fight, but it could become one. Or it could just go on all day long until it drives you crazy. Some amount of bickering is normal, since kids are still learning how to express their needs appropriately. But bickering is always a sign that something is less than optimal. […]
Hectic Life? Quick Tips for Mindful Living
A person once said to me, “I hear about all this research where mindfulness can be healing for stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic pain, etc.., but I have 3 kids and work 50 hours/week, where would I ever find time to sit and practice meditation for my mental health?” While having certain traditional disciplined meditations […]
10 Essential Strategies for Teaching Boys Effectively
A middle school teacher told us recently, “Boys in a classroom should be one of the most fun things in life. Boy energy can be contagious, after all. But in my school, we talk mostly about difficulties we’re having with boys. We need help understanding and teaching them. We’ve got to stop losing that boy […]
Put a stop to sibling bickering: Make a get-along jar
Sibling bickering isn’t fun for anyone – not for the kids and definitely not for Mum. Maxabella shares how can you end sibling frustration … and all it takes is a jar and some sticks! My children’s bickering was like a not-very-musical accompaniment to daily life – all day, everyday, nah, nah, nah. “It’s my shirt, no […]