5 effective strategies to help kids develop stronger self-control
We all know children who are very impulsive. They’re the ones who throw a tantrum at the grocery store because their moms wouldn’t buy them candy. They’re the kids at the playground who nobody plays with because they’re so quick to hit or shout at other children. Impulsive children act on their emotions, regardless of…
Read MoreBuilding Empathy in Your Romantic Relationship
Connection grows when partners feel understood. Building empathy in a relationship is about feeling with your partner and responding in ways that communicate care and understanding. Even in loving relationships, empathy can fall short during stress, conflict, or daily distractions. Moments of criticism, defensiveness, or quick problem-solving often replace curiosity and openness. Over time, this…
Read MoreStrategies to Manage Your Defensiveness
We recently discussed ways to identify whether or not you are defensive in your relationship with your romantic partner. If you saw yourself in some of those descriptions and recognize that you are consistently being defensive with your partner, what are some steps you can take toward shifting that behavior into something more productive? A…
Read MoreAre You Being Defensive With Your Partner?
Romantic relationships need open communication without defensive reactions. When defensiveness in relationships shows up in subtle or frequent ways, conversations may turn into power struggles, and emotional distance grows. People often try to protect themselves from discomfort, yet this pattern creates more tension instead of relief. The topic matters because these habits influence connection, emotional…
Read More10 Ways to Get Yourself Out of a Funk
We do a lot of talking this time of year about resolutions and committing to making changes in our lives. While you might have some specific goals for yourself for the new year, like starting a yoga class or watching one less hour of television a night, perhaps you just have a loosely defined sense…
Read More5 Key Ingredients for a Good New Years Resolution
Are you planning on making a list of New Years resolutions for 2014? More importantly, do you make these lists and then consistently drop the ball and not follow through? If so, think about the overall effect of making resolutions and not sticking to them. What does it make you think and feel about yourself?…
Read More8 Signs That You Might Be Sabotaging Your New Relationship
Dating is not always easy, and a new relationship can be both intoxicating and challenging. You and your new partner are constantly revealing aspects of who you are to one another as you get to know each other. Although this newness is thrilling, this exchange can touch some of our most vulnerable parts – and…
Read MorePreparing Your Emotional Self For Family Gatherings
Family gatherings can be a challenge for many people, and during the holidays, many of us are preparing for a family get-together soon. Do you find yourself worrying about an upcoming family gathering? Have these events gone badly for you in the past? Maybe you fear the judgment of one overly harsh and critical family…
Read MoreWould you give yourself a life bonus this year?
Giving end of year bonuses is a very common practice among employers, and bosses often determine employee bonus distributions based upon financial and non-financial measures. End of year performance reviews and hoped-for bonuses are a frequent topic of conversation this time of year. Taking a cue from business, today I want you to think about…
Read More6 Tips to Handle Holiday Travel with Kids
For some of us, the holidays are a time of beauty, wonder, and time with our loving families. For others, it can be one of the most stressful times of the year. And traveling during the holidays is among the most stressful parts of the holidays. With strained finances, long lines and cancelled flights at…
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