Learning Years: An Optimist’s Reflections on 2020January 1, 2021 Thoughts on being hopeful in 2021 Thankfully this monster of a year is finally in the rearview mirror. Disruption came in various forms, including a global pandemic, epic political conflict, h...
Learning Years: Helping Your Child Appreciate Disappointment and DefeatNovember 1, 2020 Helping your child build a growth mindset with the “power of yet” In the movie Talladega Nights, arrogant race car driver Ricky Bobby said, "If you ain’t first, you're last." This statement ...
Learning to Cope with UncertaintySeptember 1, 2020 Learning Years: Dealing with life's stressors takes effort and practice Some people are natural risk-takers who are nimble and can pivot when encountering the unexpected. None of them are re...
Help Young Children Understand Coronavirus (COVID-19)March 20, 2020 During stressful times children want to know two things: will I be safe, and who will take care of me? Parents should discuss the Coronavirus in a way that kids can understand but without spre...
Learning Years: Escape the Moody CycleNovember 18, 2019 Learn clues and strategies to recognize and disrupt moody breakdowns and blow-ups. Sudden escalation of anger in response to small incidents is a common trait of moodiness at any age. Excess...
Learning Years: Raising Indecisive KidsSeptember 26, 2019 Good enough is sometimes good enough when it comes to anxious children. Childhood anxiety is on the rise. A constant companion of this tormentor is childhood indecisiveness, which has becom...
Learning Years: Gender & Identity ExplorationJuly 30, 2019 "Fortunately, some youngsters are allowed to gradually learn who they are with supportive families." The notion of gender gets more complex the more socially ubiquitous it becomes, but parents p...
Tips to help your child overcome negative thinkingNegative thoughts lead to more negative thoughts, but using logic and self-reflection can help guide your child out of this pattern. Party pooper, stick in the mud, and Debbie Downer are all terms for negative...
The importance of object permanence on babies.By Pat Blackwell, Ph.D., 1.10.19 There are simple ways to observe your child's play and interact with them to create lasting effects to their motor and cognitive development. Renowned Swiss child psychologis...
Helping Children Cope when a Child Care Provider Departsby Pat Blackwell, Ph.D Young children bond with their childcare providers. So when a caregiver leaves, special care is needed so children understand where that cherished adult is going. Ideally it is best to...
