by smaclaughlin | Nov 16, 2019 | emotional intelligence, parenting, perspective, resiliency
It’s the third week of school and my son has already had his first cold. Why can’t they stay healthy? I don’t have any specific ideas for the runny nose and cough. We all know that good nutrition, exercise, and sleep (and maybe extra hand-washing) are the likeliest...
by smaclaughlin | Aug 15, 2016 | books, brain science, developmental expectations, parenting, problem-solving, resiliency
You know that ridiculous dating book called The Rules that was supposed to help women catch their “Mr. Right?” Silly, I know, but a lot of people appreciated the straightforwardness of the approach and how clear the, er, RULES were. Well, Erica Reischer,...
by smaclaughlin | Jun 8, 2016 | books, developmental expectations, resiliency, review, taking risks
This will be an ongoing series of book reviews. I’m lucky to have been on the receiving end of several exciting new parenting books. You may have already read my review of Heather Shumaker’s first book, It’s OK Not to Share or seen the Q&A with...
by smaclaughlin | Mar 2, 2016 | brain science, emotional intelligence, mindful parenting, modeling, PEAK Parenting, resiliency
Making the leap to a New Parenting Paradigm is a shift in your mindset. You can do it! You can: Understand kid’s brains (and behavior) better. Stay mindful of your own emotional state. Set the “tone and temperature” in your home. Stop the fruitless...
by smaclaughlin | Jun 7, 2015 | emotional intelligence, my life, resiliency
Grief has been up. Honestly, it’s been up for a while. I can barely remember when it was fresh, new, and unfamiliar. When I was a child and our elderly neighbor passed away, it was mostly just confusing. We wouldn’t be going to visit and sit at her small kitchen table...
by smaclaughlin | Jan 31, 2015 | hope for the future, other people's children, problem-solving, resiliency, self-esteem, social work
My full time job used to be recruiting, licensing, and training foster parents in Southern Maine. It was hard work. Many families (parents and children) are struggling. I would love to see a focus on prevention. I’d prefer the cycles of violence, addiction, and...