5 Ways to Create a Summer of Renewal

Do this… Not this Does summer mean a time of renewal for you? How do you make that happen? Here’s how NOT to make it happen: Dive into the weeks ahead with no plan except to fill every moment with enriching activities.  Schedule back to back camps or sports activities for the kids. Volunteer for every…

How to change bossy behavior in children

Changing bossy behavior Is your child strong willed? Do you have a strong willed student in your classroom? Determined Spirited In charge Self-reliant Competitive We can either embrace their strengths or spend our days in power struggles.  We can appreciate the value and leadership they can bring to any group or we can challenge their…

Goal setting, personality style and you

How to make your personality style work in your favor Do you set goals then fight against them? Do you find that you work hard to meet other’s expectations but fail to live up to your own? Maybe you question whether setting goals is even useful or necessary at all… In her fascinating book, Better…

Teach Kids Teamwork

Teach Kids Teamwork One of the key characteristics that employers look for today is the ability to work with a team.  It is also a quality that will enhance family and classroom dynamics.  Sometimes we think that it is something that a child is just born with, but in actuality we can teach skills that…

Got a question?

Here’s how to ask it to maximize your results In a previous post, I revealed the secret to getting what you want in life… Spoiler alert: simply ask for it. If asking for what you want is so easy, why don’t more people do it? How hard can it be to ask a question? Turns…

Handle parent-teacher crucial conversations effectively

Four tips for crucial conversations with parents In my years as a school counselor, I coordinated and lead a lot of parent-teacher conferences.  Lucky for me, I worked in a school with an amazing, dedicated team of teachers who came to those conferences prepared and eager to serve. It’s an important mindset to cultivate. However,…

Three surprising things NOT to say to kids

Don’t worry, we’ve all said them… There are a lot of common phrases that we as parents and educators rattle off to kids without thinking much about the meaning that could be interpreted behind it. Some of them are things that we’ve even been told we should say.  Here are three things I bet you’ve said…

Are you procrastinating?

Can’t seem to find the motivation you need? You know what you need to do but… You’ve promised yourself that today will be different, but well… you held yourself back again. You are beginning to wonder if you should just trash the idea altogether.  After all you are stressing yourself out over not doing it…

Reflection and Goal Setting

At the start of the school year, goal setting is a great idea, especially for older students who have had practice setting goals in the past. So what do you do mid-year with all the focus on developing resolutions and  setting goals? Midway through the school year is a good time to  measure progress while…

What People Say About The Wyatt Books

kind words from educators, parents, and kids!

"Going to kindergarten is a milestone for everyone and the beginning of the year is usually filled with excitement and angst.  Wyatt the Wonder Dog addresses the typical concerns that most children have in a sweet and relatable way.  Kindergarten really is fun!"

— Laura Uszenski
Kindergarten Teacher

"Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Teamwork is another great example of helping kids improve their social skills.  It teaches kids the power of working together and how much better we are when we work as a community"

—Melissa Toren Hrin, Professional School Counselor
Beverly Cleary School, Portland, OR

"[Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Mindset] This book is funny!  It's dogs doing things that only people do!  I learned to try new things."

— Samuel Traub
Age 6

Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Giving is a delightful book that teaches kids (and reminds adults, as well) that generosity is possible no matter how old, young, rich or poor we are.  This is a powerful message and an engaging story that every child will love. 

~Jen McDonough, author of Living Beyond Rich

Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Friendship teaches not only friendship and making connections, but also how to become successful at problem solving. Great for school counselors, teachers and families.  Bravo! 

Sharissa Shatten~ School Counselor

Feeling left out? Need help getting along with friends? Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Cooperation weaves important life skills into engaging story telling. Join Wyatt as he learns how to be the superhero in his group of friends by using cooperation and compromise.

~MaryFrances Gonzalez MACCCSLP

Have you ever had a friend that did some things that you disagreed with? Wyatt does and he doesn't know what to do about it. Join Wyatt as he learns that being honest with his friend is the best and only way to solve the problem. A great story!

~Lynn Hughes M.Ed. school counselor

If you've ever lost your lunch money or misplaced your favorite toy, you can relate to Wyatt the Wonder Dog.  This adorable story offers simple, helpful ideas that kids and parents can use to make life less stressful and more fun!

~Erin K. Casey, author