“Mom, did you know that if I play Super Mario Brothers, my brain is going to get bigger?” So begins my son’s argument about why he should get to play Wii. Noting the skepticism on my face, he pulls out his Scholastic News and points to a German study that shows that playing the video […]
Three Social Benefits of Video Games Read More »
I used to have a co-worker who had the uncanny ability to light up a room the minute she entered. There was a positive energy in her personality that attracted people to her like hungry birds to a winter feeder. Some people just seem to have an innate ability to connect with others, feeding their
4 Secrets of a Skilled Networker Read More »
Loneliness and isolation are growing problems in this country, affecting both emotional and physical health. Who is at risk and what can you do? Who is at risk? Newcomers. Life as the newbie is lonely as you try to figure out the norms, rules and the politics of an unfamiliar environment. Deepening connections with people
The Impact of Isolation…and What You Can Do Read More »
Obviously, finding positive ways to communicate and connect goes a long way toward building a stronger family. Nevertheless, we often take our family relationships for granted and don’t always show each other the respect we deserve or actively seek out ways to build connection with each other. Here are three of my articles that hit
Connecting over Common Conflicts Read More »
Small talk gets a bad rap as painful and a waste of time. For many of us it is the anticipation of having to engage in small talk that causes nervousness and avoidance or a past experience left a bad aftertaste. Must we talk small? Small talk can actually help us form connections in way
Small Talk Shenanigans that Kill Conversation Read More »
Have you ever thought it funny how traveling has a way of uniting complete strangers? Despite the so-called Mommy Wars waging across the nation, motherhood can have a unifying effect, too. Heidi Smith Luedtke, personality psychologist, writer and author of Detachment Parenting: 33 Ways to Keep Your Cool When Kids Melt Down, explores this phenomenon. Heidi is
[Guest Post] Flying the Friendly Skies Read More »
I’m guest blogging over at Lara Krupicka’s blog today. I posted about the value of a little self-gratitude for your spirit. As we head into one of the busiest times of the year, I’d love to hear how you reward your efforts and avoid burn-out. Won’t you head over and visit? And remember, for
Celebrate the Wins Read More »
*This is the first week of the Mom to Mom Gratitude Gala & Giveaway! Lara Krupicka is the author of Family Bucket Lists: Bring More Fun, Camaraderie and Adventure Into Every Day Life. by Lara Krupicka A half smile, a tilted head and a crinkling of recognition around the eyes, followed by a cry of
[Guest Post] Bonded By Ambitions Read More »
Try going outside your comfort zone to help you break out of the same ol’ routine. “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life – and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.” ~ Georgia O’Keefe This past weekend a few friends and I unleashed our
Painting Outside the Lines Read More »
Congratulations! You’ve found a moms’ group that you would like to be part of and you’re officially a dues-paid, card-carrying member. If you are like many people, the hardest part of joining a new group is moving from the newbie phase to seasoned member. This is the step that stops many of us in our
You’ve Joined. Now What? Read More »