Tag: behavior
Research supports the idea that gratitude is good for us. It helps us form, sustain and strengthen supportive relationships, and contributes to the feeling that we’re connected to a caring community. This is true regardless of our age. According to researchers at The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, “Evidence from […]
“I don’t know what I did. Brittany doesn’t like me anymore.” The young teen’s angst was palpable. She was 12, maybe 13, and in the throes of middle school. A long-time friendship had come to a screeching halt, and she couldn’t figure out why. “Brittany’s going to a party with the popular kids tonight,” she […]
There is a stigma surrounding mental health issues that makes starting a conversation difficult. When comedic actor Robin Williams committed suicide in August, reportedly motivated by severe depression, people around the world were stunned and saddened, prompting many to post tributes to him and send supportive messages for his family and friends through both social […]
Anxious feelings are normal and expected in times of transition, particularly with a change such as going back to school. For younger children, anxiety often revolves around separating from parents. For older children, it’s frequently about social situations such as fitting in, making new friends and personal performance in specific areas such as academics, music […]
This electronic world we live in may be depriving us of a much-needed pastime: daydreaming. Psychologists say daydreaming helps us formulate goals and understand our deepest hopes, wishes and fears. It also contributes to creativity, social-emotional well-being and school performance. But researchers say distractions such as social media and video games may keep children from […]
It’s a serious problem. Every year, nearly one-third of high school students across the nation will not graduate – that’s more than 1.2 million students a year. In New York State, the numbers are better, with 74 percent of students graduating. But those numbers aren’t nearly good enough, not for the children whose opportunities are […]
It’s probably the second most frequently spoken sentence in conversations with our children, trailing behind “I love you,” of course. “What do you say?” we ask after they tear open birthday gifts, blast through holiday treats and welcome unexpected surprises. As parents, we remind our children that manners matter and courtesy counts. From writing thank-you […]