We’ve all heard the saying: “Have an attitude of gratitude!” But really, can gratefulness toward others cause any real beneficial impact for ourselves or those around us? Amy Morin, psychotherapist and author shares the following advantages to living a thankful lifestyle in her blog post from Psychology Today titled “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude”: Gratitude opens the door to more…
Despite what we’ve experienced in our world this year, there is still so much for which to be grateful! Eyesight, to read this post. Hearing, to enjoy laughter around us. Taste, to savor delicious treats of this season. So, with the many blessings that saturate us each day, why do many of us criticize rather than express gratitude…
Working with kids during the teen years is difficult for even the most patient and understanding parents. It’s simply a challenging time of development for this age group which makes communication vital but tough in most cases. So, what’s a parent to do when their teenager is going through an especially problematic phase? Set boundaries Communicating…
If you’re hoping for growth in more than vocabulary and math this school year in your kids, here are five areas where small shifts will create big differences. Car rides Conversations may normally happen face-to-face, but if you really want to get the words flowing, drive your kids somewhere and you’ll be amazed at what you learn. Either…
Who would’ve imagined a few years ago that working remotely would be the new norm for so many people? In fact, a Gallup poll shows 72 percent of white-collar workers are continuing to work from home as COVID-19 cases plummet around the U.S. Working remotely definitely has its benefits! Yoga pants, t-shirts, and shorts are the…
Ever think about improving health beyond the gym? As we all know, diet plans come and go. Some work while others provide quick fixes that are soon forgotten. You may have heard the saying: “It won’t stick until it becomes a lifestyle.” So it is with eating and exercise. But what about other aspects of your…
Raising children is a joyful experience for most parents. Holding a new “little bundle of joy” in their earliest days of life can be indescribable. It’s an experience most parents enjoy with overflowing love in their hearts. On the flip side, becoming a stepparent is sometimes a very different experience. In most cases, you don’t get…
As parents, we spend years training our children to be fully functioning adults by the time they’re ready to fly away from the comforts of their childhood home—aka “the nest.” At least, we think we should be guiding them toward this big event. But is this parent-to-child training time something of days gone by? Is it…
When is the best time to talk with kids about sexuality? The earlier, the better! For general growth changes, it’s great to “grow” these conversations along with your child’s physical growth. Meaning—start talking with them in their preschool years about simple matters related to their bodies. Talk about the uniqueness of their body compared to that of…
Lorraine Looney, LMSW, shares practical insights for how to encourage a friend or family member struggling with addiction.