As a competitive ice skater our daughter, Christy, could be quite hard on herself. We would say to her, “On your worst day, you skate circles around everyone else.” I don’t know if it made her feel any better, but it was true. She was (and still is) a stunning skater, even when she’s having a bad day. But what if, on your best day, you still fell far below your peers and your potential? Many parents share with me that their kids are so smart and try so hard, but in spite of all that effort, they fail tests…
Read MoreDid you know that… Laughter releases endorphins (happy chemicals) into the bloodstream. Laughter supports your immune system. The vibrations from laughter shake the stress out of our organs. Laughter changes our mental state and it’s just plain fun! Laughter is an instant vacation. ~ Milton Berle Wishing you love and laughter in the New Year! “Helping smart but struggling students dramatically improve or completely correct their learning and attention challenges by developing the underlying learning skills that are not supporting the learner well enough.” We serve children and adults with diagnosed or undiagnosed learning and attention…
Read MoreRecess is NOT just for school If you’re like me, you’re frantically trying to get presents wrapped and packages sent. Here’s a gift you can give yourself and your kids in this last week before Christmas, and going forward into the new year: a quick break to refresh and regroup. Learning to take a break improves health and productivity. Too much work and not enough time out can result in mental health problems, memory failure and even heart attack. The secret to managing stress is to build relaxation breaks into every day so that they become part of your lifestyle.…
Read MoreDid you know that when you use the facial muscles to create a SMILE it stimulates a feel good party in your brain? Smiling distracts momentarily and allows positive energy to recharge. “Feel good neurotransmitters” are released when you smile! Dopamine (attention modulator), endorphins (pain reliever), and Seratonin (mood lifter) join the party when you smile! This is really powerful! Teach this to your child so that he or she always has this special way to help themselves feel better. Tip for Chasing Away Homework Grumpies: Pre-select a YouTube video that you and your child think is really hysterical. Watch…
Read MoreYou would be surprised how many parents are tearing their hair out and saying the very same thing about their child or teen. How can the student possibly put so much effort into getting the homework done and then just not turn it in? Mind-boggling! But it happens all the time! Josh, a freshman, was having that exact problem in most of his classes. He was never late to class, but he was typically a little late tuning-in to the teacher – catching the beginning of the lecture but missing the call for homework. Here’s how he solved the problem,…
Read MoreMy daughter shared this Facebook video with me of a very cute and obviously brilliant 4-year-old giving a speech about the importance of reading! This little guy talks about how reading is an adventure that has enriched his vocabulary, long-term memory, thoughts, ideas, and problems solving skills! He encourages parents and teachers that reading aloud to kids every day and developing their literacy skills is one of the most important things they can do. Wow! Out of the mouth of a 4-year-old! And I think most parents would agree. But what if your child can’t read? You can still read…
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