On March 3, 2020, I stood on the stage of the Ciccone Theater on the campus of Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey and delivered a TEDx talk entitled “A Compassionate Approach to Building Resilience.” Little did I know that later that week, the College would shut down to become a COVID-19 testing site.
Read moreMoving Joyfully into the New Year
As I immersed myself in Positive Psychology, and began to participate in Megha Nancy Buttenheim’s Let Your Yoga Dance, I realized that movement is not only essential to our physical well-being, but a way to expand our joy. And for me, this unique combination of dancing and moving through the chakras, or energy centers, has become a pathway to living more joyfully.
Read moreParenting for Your Child’s Nature: The Insightful Water Child
Does your child appear quiet and withdrawn? Prefers to eat dinner in his or her room rather than joining the family at the table? You may be parenting a “Water Child.”
Read moreParenting for Your Child’s Nature: The Precise Metal Child
Parenting for Your Child’s Nature: The Caring Earth Child
Does your child tend to procrastinate when trying to get his or her homework done? Is s/he often worried, distracted, or becomes indecisive when stressed? You may be parenting an “Earth Child.”
Read moreParenting for Your Child’s Nature: The Playful Fire Child
Is your child the “class clown”? Having trouble controlling his or her impulsive behavior? Acts silly until everyone is laughing? You may be parenting a “Fire Child.”
Read moreParenting for Your Child’s Nature: The Wood Child in Motion
Is your child in constant motion? Does s/he have trouble sitting still in class? Easily frustrated at home? You may be parenting a “Wood Child.”
Read moreThe Positive Psychology of Parenting: Getting to Know Your Child
Have you ever noticed how many shout-outs to moms and dads there are in winners’ acceptance speeches at award shows like the Oscars and Tonys? Often when we reflect on our accomplishments we recognize and appreciate our parents for believing in us, and for really getting to know our nature, strengths, and passions, and for supporting us in becoming our best selves.
Read moreAsk "What's Working?" through Appreciative Inquiry
It’s approaching the end of October. (In some places) the air is cooler, the leaves have changed colors and are falling off the trees. Notebooks have lost their fresh clean smell, pencils are beginning to dull and students’ report cards and progress reports are coming home. By now, most parents have met with their children’s teachers, attended back to school night, and after school routines are fully in swing. Once Halloween comes, the frantic rhythm of the holiday season doesn’t slow down until after the new year.
Read more3 Good Things
By now you’re probably poised for "Back to School." Backpack? Check √. School supplies? Check √. Lunch box? Check √. Positive attitude? Check √ Check √ Check √. But how long will it take for that positive attitude to wear off? For your focus to shift to the negatives, the problems, the feeling that it's all just a grind? Don't worry, the issues will crop up, and you will have to deal with them, but there are some things you can make part of your routine that help you and your kids focus on the positives throughout the school year. One way to keep up a positive "Back to School" attitude is through practicing gratitude, appreciation, and finding "3 good things."
Read moreYou Know More than You Think You Do
Still looking for the instruction manual that you expected to come with your child? You already have it, but don’t know it. “You know more than you think you do,” was the theme of one of the best selling books of all time The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, written by Dr. Benjamin Spock. Millions of parents of “baby boomers” (my generation) relied on Dr. Spock’s book for advice in the late 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. But with all of the “how to’s” from the good doctor himself, his main message to parents was to trust their instincts and have confidence in their own abilities.
Read moreAllow me to introduce myself. I am you.
Let me introduce myself. I am you. A well-intentioned parent who’s often overwhelmed with the awesome task of raising a child to become a happy, healthy and successful adult. With a little luck, a lot of hard work, many sleepless nights, and a carefully selected community of support, I can proudly say I accomplished that mission with my now 23 year old only child. (Read my parenting story here).
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