The Chance to Wait

I grew up with six brothers. That’s how I learned to dance – waiting for the bathroom. – Bob Hope “Are we there yet?” This is the common refrain from the backseat on the long road trip to Grammy’s house. We “moo” at the cows. We examine the red barns. We talk about the funny …

Empathy, Kids and Nature

We must widen… “our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” – Albert Einstein “Feed the birds, Mom. Don’t forget today,” E tells me with fervor on one of the last freezing cold days of Winter while the birds chirped longingly for Spring. He heard them …

Elements of a Confident Kid… Cultural Awareness

– the beliefs, customs and arts of a particular society, group, place or time. 1 About Cultural Awareness Culture is who we are, how we act and how we communicate. It defines our membership in multiple communities whether they are professional or personal, spiritual or practical. Our families are a culture. “Michael doesn’t have to …

Elements of a Confident Kid… Service Minded

– noticing others or environmental needs, feeling empathy and desiring a role in contributing to their or its well-being. About being service minded A service-minded person is both self and socially aware. She must know her own strengths and limitations. She sees what contributions she can make and how they relate to other’s unmet needs. …

Stop, Think, Go!

If you have a problem, don’t muddle through. Here’s a simple rap about what to do. Stop, calm down before you act. You’ll think more clearly – that’s a fact. Say the problem and how you feel. Set a positive goal (and try to be real). Now for some “brainy” contributions, make out a list …

Elements of a Confident Kid…Balanced Positive Thinking

  Positive – good or useful – hopeful or optimistic 1 About Balanced Positive Thinking: It seems there is much debate about whether positive thinking actually leads to or deters from happiness and success. So positive thinking must be clearly defined. Advocates confirm that it can lead to positive health outcomes, skill development and goal …

Elements of a Confident Kid… Sincerity

– honesty of mind :  freedom from hypocrisy1 About Sincerity: Who “To be or not to be? That is the question.” Though Shakespeare questioned the choice of existence, the question of our authenticity may be just as important and fundamental. Psychologists have made numerous distinctions over the years attempting to define our sense of self. …

Seize the Moment – Random Acts of Kindness Week

Once there was a tree and she loved a little boy… – The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein When my son E turned seven in September, we hosted a party with all of his friends at our local park. I created a treasure hunt with clues hidden behind the many trees so that children could …

Elements of a Confident Kid…Managing Emotions

About Managing Emotions: What happens when one family member loses his or her temper or anxiety overwhelms him? How does he or she deal with it? How does it impact those around them? Fear, anxiety and anger consume us at varying intervals. For some, it may be daily. Others may go months without the feeling that …

Elements of a Confident Kid… Negotiation

– a formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement. 1 About negotiation: Children begin to develop some of the foundational skills for effective negotiation early. Typically, they are able to articulate a compelling, heart-felt argument as to why they should be the one to receive one more cookie. They are practicing …