Parenting with a Growth Mindset: Helping Kids Believe in the Value of Failure
As parents, we all want our children to thrive and excel, but it’s essential to remember that success isn’t just about achievements – it’s about fostering a positive mindset that embraces challenges and learning from failures. Drawing from the insights shared in the Growth Mindset Journal for Boys that I co-wrote with my son Gabriel, […]
The Art of Giving: Thinking About Someone Else’s Wants and Wishes
With the winter holidays coming up, it’s a perfect time to delve into your child’s “person files” in order to brainstorm gift ideas. A person file is a tool created by Michelle Garcia Winner (www.socialthinking.com) to help store information about people we know or are getting to know. The files can be things we remember […]
Embracing Teachable Moments in the Kitchen for Holiday Preparation: Nurturing Executive Functioning Skills
The holiday season is a perfect time to create cherished memories with our children. Beyond the joy of festivities, this is an excellent opportunity to nurture their executive functioning skills through engaging kitchen activities. As we embark on this journey of holiday preparation, let’s explore how involving our children in cooking can foster cognitive growth […]
Thinking About Dad on Father’s Day
Father’s Day is coming up fast! Even during the craziness of school ending and summer starting, there is still time to make this an extra special day for the father or father figure in your child’s life. Not only is it an ideal time for dads and kids to come together for fun and connection, […]
Embracing Calmness: A Parent’s Journey with Mindful Breathing for Kids
As a parent, I’ve often found myself caught in those moments when my sons get frustrated or overwhelmed. My immediate instinct is to whisper, “Calm down, just breathe.” Yet, as any parent knows, it’s not always that simple. Many kids, including my own, struggle to find focus when asked to concentrate solely on their breath. […]
Pay it Forward for Valentine’s Day
In today’s fast-paced world, fostering social-emotional skills in children is more important than ever. Recently, I had the opportunity to introduce the concept of “paying it forward” to a 4th-grade class, intertwining it with the practice of heartfulness. This initiative aimed to cultivate compassion, empathy, and a sense of community in the young minds. Let’s […]
Using Gratitude to Increase Well-Being – Five Tips to Help Get Started
As the holiday season approaches, we’re presented with a wonderful opportunity to enhance our family connections and cultivate gratitude. Integrating mindfulness and gratitude practices into this festive time can create lasting memories and a more meaningful holiday experience. Here are five mindful tips to help you infuse the holiday season with a sense of connection […]
Nurturing Neurodivergent Kids: The Power of Parental Self-Care and Stress Relief
As parents of neurodivergent children, we often find ourselves tirelessly supporting our kids with the tools and strategies they need to thrive. However, in the midst of hectic times and demanding schedules, we must remember to prioritize our own well-being. Taking care of ourselves through mindfulness and self-regulation not only benefits us but also sets […]
Elevating Your Child’s Journey with Year-Round Social-Emotional Learning
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)? Social Emotional Learning (SEL) encompasses a range of skills that empower children to navigate their emotions, understand others, and forge connections. It’s not confined to a specific age group; instead, it’s a lifelong journey that begins with fostering self-awareness and empathy. Through SEL, children learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, […]
Strategies to Empowering Independence and Executive Functioning for Your Children…and stop Nagging them!
As parents, we often celebrate the milestones of our children’s development—no more diapers, no more breast pumping. But the challenges don’t simply disappear as they grow older. Dealing with older kids comes with its own set of hurdles, including fostering independence and ensuring they understand responsibilities at home and school. I have struggled with supporting […]