How do you help your shy child? Does the shy child even need to be helped? The standout quote for me from this article is that shyness is “one of the healthy, normal styles of being human.” Shyness, introversion, slow-to-warm-up temperament and anxiety are distinct states and traits, but they are sometimes all lumped together. To muddy the waters a bit, a generally introverted person may at different times in her life have bouts of shyness or anxiety. A person with a reserved personality may not be shy at all. Finding out what is going on – by listening – will direct parents and teachers how to relate to...

EARLY BIRD

Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird

And catch the worm for your breakfast plate.

If you’re a bird, be an early early bird--

But if you’re a worm, sleep late.

― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Poems and Drawings of Shel Silverstein

For most parents the word “teenager” puts fear into their hearts.  After surviving the sleepless nights, and the dreaded “terrible twos”;  after making it through the first day of school, the first lost tooth, the first soccer game or dance competition, things tend to settle into a relatively regular pattern. Your child’s personality develops, you get to know him or her, and he or she get to know you. Things seem relatively calm. Then, all of a sudden, you start noticing changes, small ones at first, the showers get a little longer, the bedroom door is locked, there are phone calls, texts, emails from friends, or a new...

“All The Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas

Layin' In The Sun,

Talkin' 'Bout The Things

They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done...

But All Those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas

All Ran Away And Hid

From One Little Did.”

― Shel Silverstein

The snow has barely melted, kids are humming along in school, and we’re talking about summer camp already?! Summer activities for school-aged children often require enrolling in early spring.  It is, indeed, time to give summer break some thought.

Working parents and stay-at-home parents alike struggle to find outlets for their children in the long days of summer. The first step is to assess...

“When you’re surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible."

Howard Schultz        

How might reflecting on positive experiences at the end of your work day affect your general stress level? Most people tend to focus on the negative – a jab from a coworker or a complaint about the boss – and such venting can also be stress-relieving. But focusing on positive experiences tends not to come as naturally. Doing so can become a source of strength and wellness. Read this short article on what researchers found they asked office workers to think about positive events...

“Happily ever after is not a fairy tale. It’s a choice.” – Fawn Weaver

Roughly three months ago many people set out to “resolve” concerns in regards to their health and life choices. These resolutions typically include: improving eating habits, prioritizing time, and creating a better work/life balance. As most people are aware, and probably experienced, most of these resolutions have gone unfulfilled.  Although the New Year has begun, it is not too late to revisit and embark on the goals that were established just a short few months ago. If you did not make any resolutions back in January, it is not too late to get started now.

Read more

When I’m getting ready to reason with a man,

I spend one third of my time thinking about myself and what I’m going to say,

and two thirds of my time thinking about him and what he is going to say.

-Abraham Lincoln