parenting
Kids and Rewards
Kids and Rewards What motivates children to want to learn? Is it possible to motivate children without using rewards and treats? Could it be that using rewards is actually causing students to be unmotivated? Where does motivation come from anyway? Some Surprising Research In his book, Drive, The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us, author…
Read MoreTen Engaging Questions to Ask Your Child
Asking Questions that Make Kids Think As a school counselor, I often talked with parents who were concerned about their inability to engage their children in meaningful conversations. They’d ask, “What did you do at school today?” and get the standard response: “Nothing.” They’d learn from other parents or the teacher about significant events or…
Read MoreStress Free Morning Routines for Kids
Stress Free Morning Routines Mom, where’s my lunch money? I can’t find my backpack! What happened to my homework? If the dog didn’t eat it who did? Get in the car… Get. in. the. CAR! Did the school bus just go by? It’s back to school here in Georgia. Have you established a morning routine…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreThree 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…
Read MoreBrain Research and the Benefits of Play
Play and the Brain As chilly winter days transition into balmy spring time, children and adults both anticipate spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, the school environment doesn’t always cooperate with the onset of spring fever as students prepare for and take mandated tests or complete end of year projects. Test anxiety and teacher stress is…
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