Some people tend to give others the benefit of the doubt, while other people tend to assign blame and assume bad intent. Which style has more positive relationships and overall happiness?
Tag Archives: healthy families
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness”
Have you ever noticed that our darkest thoughts happen about 3 am? Last night, my mind swirled with anxious thoughts triggered by the uncertainty in the world right now. I tried all sorts of mindfulness and relaxation tricks to clear my head and get to sleep. Nothing worked. Eventually, I gave up and read a book.
Six Tips to Create Family Routines, Connection and Calm in Uncertain Times
Daily routines and structure help kids feel calm and safe. But when schools are closed, your job is in flux and fear is widespread, how can parents create structure at home? In these uncertain times, maintaining routines, family connection and calm is more important than ever…
Simple Ways to Cultivate a Respectful Home (and World)
Urban Dictionary defines RESPECT as “Treating others in a dignified manner.”
This definition does not conjure up images of my childhood. Like many, I grew up in a home filled with name calling, fighting, blaming and other forms of disrespect…
Four Relationship Skills that are Important for Families (That are Not Taught in School)
There’s scientific evidence that healthy relationships are foundational to a healthy life. But in childhood or as a young adult did you ever learn the skills that lead to healthy relationships? Me neither…
The Yoda Way to Guide Kids through Friendship Struggles
As parents, it’s extremely hard to see our kids struggle. We want to alleviate their pain and solve problems, so we jump right in and offer quick solutions. But often, our efforts only make US feel better. And we miss the opportunity to help our kids navigate their emotions, feel heard and develop healthy relational skills.
So how do we guide kids through friendship struggles – the Yoda way?
Belonging Vs. Fitting-In at School…and at Home
The past few months, I’ve been spending time in classrooms doing research for my new book. I’m exploring the “weird stuff” that happens in middle school. I’ve asked over 100 tweens and teens, what should be included in this book and the responses have been powerful. The most frequently shared response is….JUDGEMENT. Not surprisingly, judgmentContinue reading “Belonging Vs. Fitting-In at School…and at Home”
What if the Point of Parenting, and All Relationships, is Really About Growth?
There are several parenting lessons I wish I’d figured out earlier. For instance, how to navigate toddler tantrums and help my daughter work through anger in a healthy way. I figured out that lesson about three years later than I wish I had…
Family Dinner Topic: What Makes You Feel Loved?
Last week, I wrote about focusing on what really matters as parents. For me, that’s making sure my kids feel loved and worthy. A book that helped me ensure my kids feel loved is The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman.
Focusing on What Really Matters – Helping Kids Feel Worthy and Loved
Helping kids feel loved and worthy…sounds simple enough, right?
Interestingly, I’ve noticed it’s not simple at all. It’s so easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks that daily opportunities to help my kids feel loved and worthy are often missed.