mindset
Kids and risk-taking
Kids and Risk Taking Babies and toddlers naturally take risks. Watch any toddler navigate through a room and every step is an invitation to connect with the ground. They wobble. They stumble. They totter, while the adults excitedly cheer them on. We instinctively know that they have to make mistakes and learn how to get…
Read MoreThe power of ‘not yet’ in changing behavior
“Not Yet” and Changing Behavior As I visit schools and provide training in DISC personality style to staff and parents, I’m often asked, “Can you change your basic personality style or is it just hard-wired in?” The exciting news in all areas of human development is that we can change and grow in many ways.…
Read MoreDeveloping self-esteem in kids
Kids and Self Esteem Back in my early counseling days we called it developing self-esteem in children. While developing self-esteem is certainly important, turns out we might have gone about it the wrong way. We told kids that they were special… everyone is. We told them they were smart–geniuses really and so talented. We told…
Read MoreHow to motivate kids
Kids and Motivation He has the potential to do so much more… She daydreams all the time and never focuses on the lesson. He doesn’t care and it shows in his work. Parents sheltering at home and responsible for helping their children stay engaged with their schoolwork are frustrated. How do you motivate an unmotivated…
Read MoreKids and anxiety
Kids and Anxiety I was recently talking with a teenager that I volunteer with at Mostly Mutts, a local shelter for dogs. In the course of our conversation, she told me that she is home schooled because she “has anxiety.” What does it mean when we think and talk about anxiety this way? When we…
Read MoreSurprising research about praise
How Do You Praise a Child? What a great job you did! You aced this test, you are so smart! The home run you hit saved the day! You are the best hitter on the team! In this age of positivism, affirmations and intentions, what could possibly be wrong with praising a child? Turns out…
Read More