RAISING GRATEFUL KIDS You’ve probably heard of children who never say “Thank you” for anything, but are quick to throw “You don’t love me” tantrums when their parents won’t or can’t respond instantly to demands. That makes for a household no one wants to live in. If you’d rather raise children who appreciate what they have, read on. Count Your Own Blessings If you grumble about … [Read more...] about RAISING GRATEFUL KIDS

CULTIVATING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE IN THE CLASSROOM It’s hard for a teacher not to take it personally when students complain they hate school. There are times you want to scream at them that they don’t know how lucky they are to be getting an education, and that they’re a pack of ungrateful brats. Of course, that wouldn’t make them like school, or you, any better. There are better ways to … [Read more...] about CULTIVATING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE IN THE CLASSROOM

THE ART OF MINIMIZING SIBLING RIVALRY “Sibling rivalry” is cliché enough to be almost a joke—but few parents are inclined to laugh when it’s their two (or more) children squabbling over who got one more teaspoon of ice cream. Even if you didn’t, and don’t, care that much for your own siblings, it’s hard not to take it personally when your offspring don’t automatically love each other as … [Read more...] about THE ART OF MINIMIZING SIBLING RIVALRY

HOW TO CREATE A NONCOMPETITIVE CLASSROOM The trouble with old-school “go to the head of the class” mentality is it puts all the emphasis on being smarter than everyone else. Friendly competition is one thing; but while an overemphasis on “beating the other guy” may motivate students to try harder, it also: Creates a disorganized pack of lone wolves driven by fear that giving anyone else a … [Read more...] about HOW TO CREATE A NONCOMPETITIVE CLASSROOM

HELPING YOUR CHILDREN COPE WITH TRANSITION Young children love routine: it gives them a feeling of security. From breakfast to bedtime, knowing what they can expect to be doing, and when, reassures them that the world functions in predictable ways and they won’t constantly be surprised by unexpected demands. Sometimes, though, the unexpected is inevitable: You’re moving to another state. Mom … [Read more...] about HELPING YOUR CHILDREN COPE WITH TRANSITION