As social beings, we exist in relationship to others whether in the home, school, workplace or community. Relationships work best when we can understand the situation, thoughts and feelings of another, to facilitate cooperation. This is empathy.

As our sights become set on summer break, there is a tendency to want to abandon routines and structure, and just “go with the flow.” While taking a break is important and needed, it’s also important to maintain health and well-being.

There exists a stereotype of toddlers referred to as the ‘Terrible Two’s. The increased abilities and autonomy characteristic of that age present parents/teachers with the challenge of finding a balance between allowing for exploration and discovery while keeping them and others safe. It is also a time of testing which can result in power struggles that feel ‘terrible’ for both adult and child.

Having options and the opportunity to choose is liberating and facilitates self-directed and self-determined behavior. When confronted with challenges or feelings we’re not sure what to do with, having a Wheel of Choice keeps us mindful of options and takes us to next steps.

My family and I have had the pleasure and sense of wonder over the last several weeks of watching the growth and launching of two baby hummingbirds in a nest outside our window. At first, we could only see two tiny beaks peeking over the top of the small nest, then watched as they grew to the point of barely fitting in it. From hatching to launching took about three weeks, and the two were on their own in the nest the entire time with the mother returning every so often to feed them. The birds were left to develop on their own.

In order to accomplish anything with others, we need to understand the components of collaboration. The following steps provide a framework for ‘co-labor-ing’ for solutions with students and others.

How many times have we said, “He made me angry,” or “I lost my temper.” Have you ever been arguing with someone when another person walks in that you don’t want seeing you angry, and then instantly curb your anger? In the first two situations, we typically think we have no control over our anger, while in the second, we can and do control this feeling. How can these both be true?

Today’s offering is an 18 min. video that covers the effects of screens and technology on the brain, including the developing brains and minds of young people. There is science-based information about the effects on sleep, focus, the potential for addiction, communication, social-emotional skills, and relationships.

The word ‘trust’ means different things in different contexts, i.e., public trust (responsibility and accountability to society), trust in God (internal confidence or faith) and trust in the future (a hope that things will be better).

When it comes to relationships, ‘trust’ becomes more clouded.

When the calendar flips to a new year, it is common to mark this turning point as an opportunity to make a change in one’s life. Some make well-intentioned New Year Resolutions, some do so half-heartedly expecting at some point to fail, and some are simply not interested.

Did you know that practicing gratitude can change your brain and also help you become healthier? Research has shown that feeling grateful releases dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain that help enhance mood.

In the movie “Shrek,” Lord Farquaad justifies his unkind comments about the ogre by saying, “It’s not as if it has feelings.” This line emphasizes that what makes us truly human is our ability to experience feelings, as well as being able to empathize with another’s feelings.

Neuroscience has shown that the brain is a “social organ,” wired for connection. As social beings, we exist in relationship to others whether in the home, school, workplace or community.

Parents seem to always have so much on their plates: working, shopping, homeschooling and supporting homework, cooking, maintaining the home, staying connected with family, and other aspects of life. It can become stressful and a challenge to find time just for ourselves – to de-stress, relax and refresh.

Did you know that from birth to age five, a child’s brain develops more than at any other time in life? A baby is born with 100 billion neurons just waiting to connect! Neurons are nerve cells, the building blocks of brain development, and neuronal connections are made through everyday experiences.