Change is hard for all of us. Since the onset of COVID-19 in 2019, we have been in a constant state of flux. Families went from routines and always being on the go to sheltering-in-place in their homes. Overnight, work and education went from outside in, shifting from offices and schools to our kitchen [...]
Ah, summer. It’s the season for outdoor fun, especially if you have little ones at home. Sometimes simply playing in the yard or taking a walk around the block can be all the entertainment you need on a nice summer day. It is also fun (and often educational) to try some new summer activities. [...]
Special needs children offer important lessons to parents and the community. Indeed, the term special needs are associated with disabilities and implore parents as well as stakeholders in the community to ensure their children get special assistance and accommodations for their medical, psychological, and learning deficiencies. However, the use of the term special needs [...]
We rely on social and emotional skills to navigate everyday life with our families, co-workers, and friends. This is as true for individuals with autism as it is for others. Children with autism deal with a unique set of challenges when it comes to developing social and emotional skills. As a family, there are [...]
Like the saying goes, babies don’t come with instruction manuals. New parents are often left to figure things out for themselves, using a mix of personal experience and advice from friends and family. Even practiced parents struggle as they try to guide their children through crucial stages of development. Here are six parenting books [...]
Unfortunately, children don’t come with printed instructions. Daily experience is the only real way to master the art of raising a child. However, there are books that provide reliable guidance and information to parents. These five books help parents navigate challenges, build stronger bonds, and gain a better understanding of your child’s inner world. They [...]
Open and honest communication with a trusted adult on a regular basis is a key factor in child development. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services compiled a list of recent studies that verify some of the long-term benefits. Adolescents who receive open, validating, and respectful verbal guidance from a parent or mentor are far [...]
People of all ages benefit from good interpersonal skills at home, school, in the workplace, and in any other situation that requires a team effort. Children who lack social skills have a hard time relating to others and might struggle to contribute meaningfully to a group. This can lead to social rejection, which negatively [...]
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify feelings in ourselves and others. It also involves knowing how to manage your emotions and appropriately respond to others. High levels of emotional intelligence enable us to build strong and meaningful relationships. Successful management of emotions has also been linked to improved physical health, better long-term mental [...]
It’s often lamented that children don’t come with instruction manuals. Parenting is tough and we all try our absolute best. A reactive style of parenting, however, may actually be working against our best intentions. Even though there isn’t an official booklet to explain how to raise a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted child, these seven simple [...]
A parent's greatest goal is to see their children grow into strong, satisfied adults. Keeping a healthy body is an essential part of achieving that goal. Poor eating habits have been linked to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. These diseases shorten life spans, contribute to depression, and prevent sufferers [...]
When the emotions or physical sensations get too intense, youngsters may choose to act out. Your family is at your favorite restaurant enjoying a meal. Your toddler, distracted by the blinking lights of an arcade game, begs to be released from their high chair. You refuse, pushing their plate of unfinished food closer to [...]