talking to kids

The Problem with Overpraising Children

Research has shown that there are positive effects of praising children, but it depends on what kind of praise we’re dishing out. A recent Stanford study of toddlers showed that “praising effort, not talent, leads to greater motivation and more positive attitudes toward challenges” down the road. These findings are consistent with previous research, which has connected… Read more »

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Is Your Child Depressed?

Early on, many of a child’s emotions  are chalked up to physical stages of growth; Tempers are attributed to teething and the “terrible twos,” whining is associated with tiredness or tummy aches, irritability is associated with learning disabilities or adolescent hormonal shifts. While biological phases do have a great impact on a child’s development,  how… Read more »

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Imperfect Parenting: Rupture and Repair

One of the things I know for sure as a parent is that I’m constantly being challenged to look at myself—my reactions, my intentions, my foibles and my regrets. Barely a day goes by that I don’t reflect on some aspect of my interactions with my daughter. Many times I feel pleased about our relationship,… Read more »

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How to talk with kids about the economic crisis

It’s yet another hard subject to explain to our kids, but leaving them in the dark can mean leaving them alone to worry. Help your kids understand financial concerns without making them fearful. My sister and her husband were driving home recently, with their 5-year-old son in the backseat. The two adults were discussing the… Read more »

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