teaching children

Why Do Kids Get Stuck on Certain Tasks?

When we focus on our kids’ learning process over their final product, we can take steps to help them overcome hurdles. In our daily lives, there is a premium on product or getting things done. Whether it is chores, homework, or getting to places on time, executing tasks is highly prized. In the immediate, there… Read more »

Learn More

Why We Need to Teach Kids Emotional Intelligence

For years, I’ve taught a weekly psychology class to students ranging from 7 to 14 years-old. In this class, I encourage self-reflection, asking kids to identify and express what they think and feel and to consider the thoughts and feelings of others. The results are often surprising. Strong, self-aware statements come out of their mouths… Read more »

Learn More

The Effects of Honesty, Empathy, and Higher Order Thinking on Moral Development

          As I began to research the topic of moral development, unbeknownst to me, was enough information to write multiple books (hence why it’s been done).  Although the topic is incredibly situational, I came to believe that moral development comes down to having a few traits instilled in a powerful way… Read more »

Learn More

It isn’t whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game, or is it? The law of unintended consequences

It seems today as if outcome or product is the priority.  From grades and test scores, following rules, being “good”, winning a soccer game to getting into the best college or job, the focus is on the end product.  While this seems to be a responsible pursuit for conscientious parents, this path may in fact… Read more »

Learn More

VIDEO: Teaching Children to Appreciate Life

In her interview with PsychAlive Senior Editor Lisa Firestone, Dr. Donna Rockwell talks about engaging children in the appreciation for being alive. Donna Rockwell:  Another thing that I did with my kids all growing up is when they would go to sleep at night, I’d say, Before we go to sleep after we’ve read, I’d… Read more »

Learn More

How to Approach Learning Challenges with your Child

As loving parents, we want the best for our kids. If we can afford it, we take our children to the orthodontist to correct their teeth, so they have a beautiful smile and keep their teeth to old age. I find this to be a helpful metaphor for learning challenges. Learning challenges are unseen “misalignments”… Read more »

Learn More

Discipline

One of parenting’s most challenging opportunities Often in circumstances where it is necessary for a parent to discipline a child, the parent’s own anger or frustration comes through in lieu of healthy guidance and direction. At these times, we hear words we never thought we’d say coming out of our mouths: “Because I say so!”… Read more »

Learn More