homeschooling

Remember when you were a child? What got you excited? What did you worry about? Was it the first day of school, an exam, or Christmas? Events and expectations can be exciting or frightening depending on how you perceive them. In essence, how we decide to think and feel determines our emotional state. So is there a way we can productively manage our thoughts?

Note: For those of you who missed it, this is an article I wrote for the Winter supplement of "Kids Connection" in the Kelowna Daily Courier.

Fortunately, managing our thinking is a skill that... read more

What kinds of thoughts go through a child’s mind when they are dealing with extreme pressure and anxiety? Why are some children more resilient than others? How can we help a child become mentally stronger?

Note: For those of you who missed it, this is an article I wrote for the Fall supplement of "Kids Connection" in the Kelowna Daily Courier.

Success in life has a lot to do with how we react to the challenges that are presented to us. Whether it’s dealing with a bully, an illness, or simply trying to make the school’s basketball team,... read more

Childhood anxiety is undoubtedly on the rise, but it is unsettling to note that recent statistics have indicated that 5%-20% of children suffer from this condition (NDNR, 2008). But what exactly is anxiety? Medically speaking, anxiety is an internal mental state of concern, apprehension, and uneasiness. Young children may experience anxiety regarding a number of experiences, including toilet training, the first day of school, moving, or meeting a friend for the first time. A major contributor to childhood anxiety, however, is when the child’s life lacks structure, boundaries and is unscheduled (NDNR, 2008). Homeschooling offers an option. It allows... read more

I just received a great review from Rockabye Butterfly! Check it out at:

http://www.rockabyebutterfly.com/2013/10/the-magic-of-think.html

The Magic of Think curriculum includes a Mentor's Guide, an Activity/Audio Book with songs, stories, games, lessons and activities based on social and emotional learning, and a 10 song music CD. These items can be purchased together or separately.

As parents, stress is often considered to be a part of life. With bills to be paid, a home life, social life, and a career, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. However, sometimes we forget that even though childhood seems carefree, there are many events that can place stress on a child. Pediatrician Michelle L. Bailey says that the first step in determining whether or not your child is stressed is by asking them directly. This will help you find what sparks the stress in the first place. For example:

·      What does the word “stress” mean... read more