Last week, I had one of those “series of unfortunate events” days. I won’t bore you with the details, but I was trying to run a few quick errands before going into work and one minor frustration after another added up until I was running 10 minutes late for a client. I really don’t like …Read More
What’s the Right Amount to Reward and Punish Kids?
Feb 18, 2012
To begin with, this is sort of a trick question. I’m not a big fan of punitive measures and other coercive means to get kids and teens to “behave.” Nor am I a fan of offering endless rewards to gets kids to do what we want. Moreover, instead of “punishment,” I prefer the term “consequences.” Punishment is …Read More
Stubborn Is As Stubborn Does
Feb 1, 2012
A few weeks ago, I was in a minor argument with a friend of mine. I, of course, was trying to get her to “see the light” by logically and systematically presenting evidence as to why she should take my advice. Despite what I thought were very convincing arguments, she remained unswayed and unconvinced. I …Read More
Is Now the Right Time?
Jan 31, 2012
As mentioned in a recent article in the USA Today, a major government study found that a majority of Americans with mental disorders did not seek professional help in the past year. According to the report, about 20% of American adults (45.9 million) reported a mental illness and only 39.2% of that group sought treatment. …Read More
Putting Your Own Oxygen Mask on First
Jan 18, 2012
It is sometimes hard to remember when you are a parent that it is also important to take care of yourself and your own needs. Dr. Brooks recently discussed research that suggests that parents’ ability to manage their own stress is one of the top three predictors of positive outcomes for children. So when you …Read More
Mindfulness Book Recs – East Meets West
Jan 15, 2012
Mindfulness is an approach to living that involves an open, active attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental fashion. In this way, we can observe our thoughts and feelings without becoming swept away by them. We can experience various thoughts and emotions, but they are not who we are. By being able to observe our thoughts …Read More
Turning a Liability into an Advantage
Dec 24, 2011
We all run into negative thought “loops” at times that are difficult to shake. Sometimes these negative thought loops can contribute to our suffering because the way we think affects the way we feel. For instance, incessantly thinking about a romantic relationship that went south can lead to strong feelings of sadness, anger, regret, and jealously (if …Read More
THE Answers to God, the Universe, and Everything
Nov 24, 2011
Please read my story at the end of this blog that ties into Chopra and Mlodinow’s new book War of the Worldviews: Science vs. Spirituality – it’s surreal and makes you go, “Hmmmm.” Is the universe conscious? What’s the connection between mind and brain? Does the brain dictate behavior? What is the nature of time? …Read More
A Sure Way to Reduce Suffering in Life
Nov 14, 2011
Although I can’t claim that I’m Buddhist, I’m really drawn to Buddhist psychology, and I’ve read a number of books by the Dalai Lama. I count him among a short list of very influential people in my life. In one of his books, perhaps it was The Art of Happiness, he presents a simple (but not necessarily …Read More
The Keys to Being a Good Parent
Nov 6, 2011
As parents, we all try to do our best to do a good job. But with thousands of books on the topic of parenting as well as countless articles in popular magazines and periodicals, sometimes it is difficult to know how to be a good parent. Should we be more strict? More lenient? Use time-outs? …Read More