How to Deal With People Who Drain Your Energy

Stop feeling depleted every time you interact with an energy vampire Let’s eavesdrop on a conversation with an energy vampire. THEM: They insist that you invest your energy in their cause, and their cause always seems hopeless – or it’s just not your cause. YOU: To avoid being rude, you accept their agenda. Now yourContinue reading “How to Deal With People Who Drain Your Energy”

What Forgiveness is, Really.

The idea of forgiveness is a common misconception amongst a number of my students and clients. When I mention the word “forgiveness” in response to a client’s experience of a particularly nasty betrayal, I’m frequently either laughed at or met with irritability. The thing is, forgiveness is not dropping the subject and never broaching itContinue reading “What Forgiveness is, Really.”

What is the “Right Age” for Kids to Use Social Media?

5 rules for teaching young people use technology with dignity and respect What is the “right” age for youngsters to begin texting and using social media? As the Mom of two young daughters and an educator on bullying prevention, I field this question frequently. Truly, there is great debate on the subject among professionals, alongContinue reading “What is the “Right Age” for Kids to Use Social Media?”

How to Make Peace With Something You Cannot Control

Feeling safe when you’re not in control is a valuable skill Source: ibreakstock/Shutterstock Being in control feels safe, you can feel safe when you’re not in control too. The world is unpredictable and your power is limited, so feeling safe without control is a valuable skill. When the world disappoints your expectations, your brain releasesContinue reading “How to Make Peace With Something You Cannot Control”

Ten Kid-Friendly Rules for Texting With Respect and Dignity

How to talk with kids about netiquette and cyberbullying prevention As a School Counselor and educator on the subject of Bullying Prevention, one of the most commonly asked questions I receive is, “What is the “right” age for youngsters to begin texting and using social media?” As with most aspects of child-rearing, there isn’t aContinue reading “Ten Kid-Friendly Rules for Texting With Respect and Dignity”

My Brain Made Me Do It! Neuroscience for Kids Who Need It

How the basics of brain science can help kids change troubled behaviors Several weeks ago, I was sitting in the hallway of my school building talking with a student who was feeling distraught after her involvement in a heated conflict with several classmates.  The young girl had lashed out verbally at a group of studentsContinue reading “My Brain Made Me Do It! Neuroscience for Kids Who Need It”

Teaching About Social Meanness In Middle School

Developmental insecurity in early adolescence can cause cruelty at school. Several books ago I wrote one, Why Good Kids Act Cruel, to help parents help their early adolescents in middle school deal with mistreatment from social cruelty in any of the five forms it commonly takes: teasing, exclusion, bullying, rumoring, and ganging up. Why isContinue reading “Teaching About Social Meanness In Middle School”

What Is Therapy? — The Complete Definition of Psychotherapy

Therapy [psychotherapy] is the process of working with a licensed therapist to develop positive thinking and coping skills and treat mental health issues such as mental illness and trauma. Answering the question of “What Is Therapy?,” however, goes far beyond this basic definition. The definition of psychotherapy depends on the therapist, type of therapy andContinue reading “What Is Therapy? — The Complete Definition of Psychotherapy”

Mistakes Parents Make When Feeding Their Kids

Tried and true ways to avoid common pitfalls at the family table. Whether your children are overweight, underweight, or perfectly fine, you probably still worry about how they’re eating. Here are 7 common mistakes parents make and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Encouraging Kids to Join the “Clean Plate Club” For the most part,Continue reading “Mistakes Parents Make When Feeding Their Kids”

5 Ways to Help Young Kids Communicate Their Emotions

One of the most valuable lessons you can teach your child is to identify and manage their emotions. Doing so shows them that experiencing a range of emotions is normal. Kids who learn healthy ways to express and cope with their emotions show less behavioral problems. They feel more competent and capable. “Being able toContinue reading “5 Ways to Help Young Kids Communicate Their Emotions”