Have you given or received a hug today?
In addition to feeling good, hugs provide a surprising list of health benefits,
Tag Archives: Nurturing Connection
The Power of Our Words (and The Ugly Truth About Harsh Words)
Words have the power to help or hurt, build up or tear down, and perpetuate gossip or stop it. This article shares the ugly truth behind harsh words.
Parenting Tips: Instead of Fixing Things for Your Kids or Giving Advice…
Do you ever offer your kids unsolicited advice or jump right in to help them solve their problems? Yeah, me too. Breaking the habit of trying to fix things for your kid is hard, but important…
The Surprising Reasons Middle School Students Start Dating
Over the past year, I’ve been talking with tweens and teens to gather research for my next book, which explores the weird stuff that happens in middle school. I’m amazed by the honesty of students and their understanding of the underlying reasons driving social behaviors. (such as cliques, gossip, chasing popularity, etc.)…
Five Ways to Connect With Tweens and Teens
Despite their increased desire for independence and privacy, tweens and teens need their parents support as much as ever. But how can parents stay connected between all of the eye rolls, closed doors and one word answers?
Four Surprising Things About Compassion
I’ve been inspired lately to learn about compassion. Not just compassion for our “tribe,” which comes pretty naturally, but for those not in our tribe. It’s not easy to find compassion for people that we don’t like, that we don’t agree with or that behave in difficult ways.
Introvert or Extrovert: Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Nature
Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert? What about your child? Knowing your natural tendencies and those of your family will help you better understand and support your loved ones.
Three Ways to Cultivate Respect at Home (and in the World)
Many homes are filled with name calling, fighting, blaming and other forms of disrespect. Here are three ways to create a respectful home.
Dear Parent, Your job is not to be perfect.
Okay, I have to admit that I’m writing this mostly for me. But I’m guessing that I’m not alone on this one.
As a recovering perfectionist, I find that often the hardest person for me to forgive is myself. Anyone else ever experience this?..
Validation – Key to Connecting with Your Kids
Validation means letting kids share their thoughts and feelings without judging or criticizing them. It means that you understand what your child feels is real to her. And it’ a powerful parenting too.