What Makes You Happy?

March 25, 2011

A recent article in the magazine “Real Simple” (January 2011) summarized some of the recent research on how you can be happier throughout the year.  Happiness is a big topic these days, one we care a lot about as a counterpoint to all the stress and worries of modern living.  So, what does make you […]

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Tips for Busy Parents – Relieve Stress with Moments of Mindfulness

March 18, 2011

Parenting classes often focus on how parents can better understand their child’s development and behaviors, and how to develop parenting skills that are mostly about behavior management strategies.  These are certainly necessary for effective parenting, but they are not sufficient.  There is one key ingredient missing. In fact, without this important prerequisite, all the parent […]

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Tips for Busy Parents – Focus on What Really Matters

March 5, 2011

You’re running around, chasing after your kids, your To Do Lists, even your own tail. You want more time to relax and enjoy your life.  You wish desperately to revive your spirit, re-energize your body, re-ignite the passion with your partner, reconnect with your kids in fun, loving ways. Enough bickering about homework and housework.  […]

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Taking Time for Slow Dancing

February 25, 2011

This poem was recently shared with me, and went straight to my heart – especially when I learned that it’s author, the late David Weatherford, was a child psychologist who dedicated his life to helping kids and families, while seeking to enjoy his as well.  A fellow traveler indeed. May you, and your children, benefit […]

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Choosing Time for What Matters Most

February 11, 2011

Parents today are often running low on time, energy, and patience.  Kids are too distracted, disorganized, and demanding.  Mindless multitasking is the norm, and everywhere, busyness surrounds us. It envelops us like a misty fog, swirling into our communities, our schools, and our homes.  We breathe it in every day, without a thought, and soon […]

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Taming the Tiger Mom Within

January 28, 2011

The new year has started off with a bang – Chinese fireworks exploding over the American child-rearing landscape.  Amy Chua’s new book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, has re-ignited the age-old debate about strict versus permissive parenting. As a Yale law professor and Chinese-American mother of two daughters (now 18 and 15), Chua wrote […]

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Conscious Care Giving – And Receiving

January 14, 2011

QUESTION: What’s the number one secret to guiding your children through the challenges of growing up today?  How do you get your kids to cooperate respectfully, complete their chores and homework, listen and talk to you, socialize safely with a good group of peers, be happy and healthy, all while preserving some semblance of family […]

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A Gift Worth Giving

December 29, 2010

Ahh, the holiday season.  A time for giving and for new year’s resolutions.  What can I resolve to give my children this year?  And how can I really make that change?  Really stick to it?  Here are 7 strategies that will ensure a gift worth giving throughout the year. 1. Pick one thing. It’s easy […]

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The Family That _________ Together, Stays Together

December 16, 2010

a) PLAYS.  Laughter is the best medicine.  We love learning new card games and enjoying old favorite board games at the kitchen table several times a week.  It’s fun to create indoor forts once in a while – with blankets and pillows and sheets strung about the family room furniture with secret back doors for quick […]

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Teenagers, Rights, and Responsibilities

December 3, 2010

“Being 14 is a funny place to be,” I say to the teens I work with.  “When you were 4, your parents made almost all your decisions for you – what to wear, when to eat, who and what you could play with.  When you’re 24, you’ll be making almost all your decisions – where […]

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