My teacher friend, Barbara, retold the wonderful story of a little boy in her new Pre K class. She was reading the class a particular book the plot of which was getting tense. The little guy interrupted her reading and announced, "Let's look on the bright side, guys. I'm pretty sure there's going to be a good ending to this story!" Call it half empty-half full or just plain having an optimistic attitude, this little boy had it. The optimistic child (and adult, for that matter), is the one who … [Read more...] about A Spirit of Optimism
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Bad Behavior…of Grown Ups, That Is
This morning's treadmil conversation at the gym was livelier than usual. I announced that I just had to blog about the growing epidemic of bad behavior...of adults... public figure adults' bad behavior. Whether or not my gym rat buddies felt Serena's tongue fault was forgiveable (It was, they thought--it was her first outburst; it was a lousy call; it was a genuine mistake), whether Joe Wilson had the right to call President Obama a liar (He did not, they agreed), or whether Kanye West's … [Read more...] about Bad Behavior…of Grown Ups, That Is
The Proof is in the Pudding
I really truly believe in the power of parents. I wouldn't be doing what I do if I didn't, right? I've written two books about it; I teach classes about it; I lecture about it, preach about it, consult about it. Parents who are deliberate in their parenting--who give thought to and discuss the ways they want to raise their kids--are on the track to raising pretty darn great kids. Yesterday I had one of those belief affirming experiences. I attended the Bat Mitzvah of a now young woman, … [Read more...] about The Proof is in the Pudding
Attachment, Regardless of Age
I don't know a person in the world whose breath was not taken away by the story of Jaycee Dugard's homecoming. Isn't it every parent's worst nightmare that her child will be stolen from her, never to be seen, hugged, kissed again? It' would be like someone reaching into your chest and pulling out your heart. Of all the press this story has gotten, of all the horror stories that continue to surface, of all the details that are being revealed, of all the insights that mental health workers have … [Read more...] about Attachment, Regardless of Age
Sabotaging September and the Start of School
As much as you looked forward to school being out last June, there is something to be said for school being back in session in September..for kids anyway. You loved the lazy days of summer--the care free schedule, the lack of pressure, the slower pace. And your children did, too. But truth be told most children often do better during the regular school year, having the consistent schedule that necessarily accompanies school. But September can be a challenging month. For children there is so … [Read more...] about Sabotaging September and the Start of School
Taking the plunge
This week, coincidentally, I worked with three different clients who came to me with the same issue regarding their children. Theirs is the child who doesn't like to try, who won't try something new--a new lesson, a new activity, a new game, anything new to him--especially if it means he might not be good or good enough in his estimation. This is also the week, coincidentally, that my new website is launching (note the word new.) I have been planning, designing, working and reworking this … [Read more...] about Taking the plunge