Taking the drama out of conflict

father and kids

Take the Drama out of Conflicts “He’s not following the rules!  He’s a cheater!” “She is being mean to me and my friends. She won’t include us in her club.” “She took my markers and lost them.  Now I don’t have any.” Some days it feels like all we do as educators and parents is…

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Two secrets to help kids get organized

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How to Help Kids Get Organized “I lost my homework!  I did it though… really I did.” “Tomorrow is spirit day and I can’t find my school shirt.” “My project is due tomorrow and I haven’t even gotten started.” Sound familiar?  The bane of every parent and teacher’s existence is helping kids develop organizational skills.…

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What to do when kids argue

brother-shouting-at-sister

Kids and Arguments “I had it first… it’s mine!” “I want the green one… you can have the blue one.” “No the green one is bigger… you always get the biggest one.” “You always get your way… it’s my turn to go first.” Sound familiar?  Recently after teaching a parent class at a local elementary…

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Celebrate the Introvert

introvert girl

Worried about a Student Who is an Introvert? One of the most common misconceptions about personality styles is the difference between being shy and being an introvert. It’s not really the same thing. Shyness is often rooted in fear and anxiety while introversion is a type of personality style that has certain characteristics, most notably…

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Surprising research about praise

parent and teacher with child

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…

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Teach girls bravery not perfection

girl with ice skates

  Girls Need to Learn to be Brave Reshma Saujani is a woman with a mission.  She is on a campaign to change the way that we socialize young girls. Her premise is this: girls are taught to be perfect, while boys are taught to be brave.   How does this happen?  In her effort…

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