Every kid complains of excessive homework, but these days many parents have joined the chorus of “More may not be better”. We’ve all become slaves to the prevailing notion that the primary focus of childhood should be getting top grades, taking AP classes, and building your college résumé while ignoring skills like social-emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and the arts. Grade school has … [Read more...]
Worst parents ever! The 7 habits of highly unsuccessful parents
August 31, 2017 by Leave a Comment
One thing I find that all parents have in common is the fear that they are THE worst parents on the block. They worry they are becoming the worst version of their own parents. Perhaps worst of all is their anxiety that everyone is watching and judging them, and everyone agrees that you are doing a crappy job. So I thought I’d lay out 7 of the worst habits of highly unsuccessful parents I have met … [Read more...]
Homework, chores, routines: Top 4 tips on how to not mess up the school year
August 14, 2017 by Leave a Comment
The 1st day of school is upon us once again, bursting with tears from kids and whoops of joy from parents. Parents and kids will be faced with the daunting task of addressing agreements about school year routines including homework, chores, and schedules. The following are my top four ways to get the year off on the right foot. Family meetings: Have a family meeting to decide together, as a … [Read more...]
Depression? Suicidal thoughts? Best tool for girls is to savor the moment
June 22, 2017 by 1 Comment
One of the best tools I have found to counter depression and anxiety in girls is for them to “savor each moment”. Teens today are scurrying around busy and distracted, and often don’t spend time taking in the good things surrounding them. People with depression often focus on the negatives and what they don’t have vs. what they do possess. Learning to savor the moment is the perfect antidote to … [Read more...]
8 reasons to not worry about 13 Reasons Why
May 12, 2017 by 4 Comments
When it comes to TV shows like 13 Reasons Why, don’t be afraid and reactive; be present and proactive. Working with girls for over 30 years and having read a lot of history books has given me a different perspective than most people when it comes to teen issues like sexuality, grades, or the latest hot topic to arouse angst; in this case, the TV series 13 Reasons Why. For those of you who … [Read more...]
“Un-Words” girls desperately need to gain self-esteem and happiness
May 11, 2017 by Leave a Comment
I have come across a slew of “UN-Words” that describe some essential qualities all girls require for a healthy transformation from a girl to a woman. These virtues are also needed for gaining self-esteem, passion, and happiness. Unreachable: Girls need to have times in each day when they are unplugged from technology, where their friends can't get a hold of them. Why? So they have time to … [Read more...]
How my dog Buddy saved a young girl
April 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Okay, so Buddy didn't REALLY save anyone. But he has proven to be a girl's best friend; here's how. A seven year old girl I’ll call Rachel came begrudgingly into my office for a visit, and she was so miffed at being there she wouldn’t shake my hand or tell me her name. She stomped into my room, sat on the loveseat, crossed her arms, and stuck out her chin as if to say, “Just try to make me … [Read more...]
The lesson of the butterfly: Let kids struggle and develop resilience!
March 30, 2017 by Leave a Comment
There is great value in allowing children to struggle, but it requires mom and dad parenting with the long term in mind. It’s often quicker and easier in the moment to do things for kids, rescue them, and solve their problems. In the long run, you’ve made them dependent and lacking crucial coping skills like self-reliance and resilience, both necessary for a successful life. A grandfather … [Read more...]
Simon Sinek’s millennial paradox: He’s making matters worse!
March 10, 2017 by 1 Comment
Simon Sinek’s solution to the problem’s facing millennials in the workplace (Sinek video)is a repeat of what got them there in the first place. While I concur with Sinek about the challenges employers face in dealing with this young workforce, his placing the onus of responsibility on companies is misplaced and apt to make matters worse. Top 500 business owners and CEO’s I have spoken with all … [Read more...]
