Comments for ApaCenter

Comment on The Keys to Being a Good Parent by Louise McDermott

Louise McDermott — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:19:40 +0000

Dr. Epstein’s findings are generalizable to many relational situations including peers, co-workers, and extended families. The article make sense that the better once can take care of oneself, the more emotional “space” is available to care for children. Like the saying goes, “Put the oxygen mask on yourself before you place it on others.”

Comment on The Road to Expertise – Nature or Nurture? by Jon

Jon — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:00:08 +0000

And this just in: exercising the brain results in improved intelligence (perhaps):

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/10/20/141511314/iq-isnt-set-in-stone-suggests-study-that-finds-big-jumps-dips-in-teens

Comment on The Road to Expertise – Nature or Nurture? by Jon

Jon — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:31:09 +0000

Great blog post, Dr. Brooks! It reminded me of a wonderful quote from a Harry Potter book. Dumbledore says to Harry, “It’s not our abilities that make us who we are, Harry — it’s our choices.”

Comment on A Response to the “Tiger Mother” and a Thanks to Disney by Jennifer Kuenzel

Jennifer Kuenzel — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:51:14 +0000

This book was one of my book club books and everyone had an opinion (most negative). My personal one is that there are certian things that I agree with and a lot that I don’t. I do agree that we have raised our children to believe that everything should be fair in reality life is not fair and hard work does pay off.

Comment on A Response to the “Tiger Mother” and a Thanks to Disney by ADD-Boy

ADD-Boy — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:57:34 +0000

Well played, sir…!

Comment on The Importance of Play by Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua (Book Recommendation – sort of) | ApaCenter

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:38:52 +0000

[...] a mistaken assumption of hers is that play is not beneficial for kids. However, research shows that play offers kids many benefits including improved social and cognitive skills as well as a reduction of stress and anxiety. She [...]

Comment on Elite Preschool = Success in Life? Hmm… by Dr. Mike Brooks

Dr. Mike Brooks — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:50:34 +0000

Dear VRT,
Thanks for your comments about my blog post on “elite” preschools. I’m sorry if I came across as catering to the privileged (if I’m understanding you correctly). My intent was not to cater to the privileged at all. I meant to be doing the opposite – to let folks who can’t afford such elite preschools (which includes myself) know that they aren’t going to deprive their kids at a chance for success and happiness in life. When I heard the original NPR story, I was concerned by the intensity that some wealthy folks pursued such schools. So, my post was meant to be a wake up call. My eldest son goes to our neighborhood public school (which is not in a wealthy school district/area) with my middle son to follow him there next year in kindergarten. If anything, I meant to say that is fine if one can’t afford such “elite” preschools…there are many wonderful schools and teachers out there. I’m also not trying to say that these elite schools are a waste of money- just that, if we as parents ensure that we provide the necessities (e.g., love, security, guidance, balance, positive role-modeling), we don’t need to worry that our kids are going to end up with the short end of the stick in life.

Sincerely,
Dr. Brooks

Comment on Elite Preschool = Success in Life? Hmm… by VRT

VRT — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:31:20 +0000

I think that instructing the family who can pay $20k-30k for tuition that they’re not getting their monies’ worth is far outside the realm of preaching diminishing returns. These families get precisely what they pay for – a quality of education and entry (or maintenance) in a socio-economic circle beyond the reach of any public school student and his/her family in NYC. Could they get the same quality of education without the social currency bonus? Sure, but that social currency is part of what the extra thousands of dollars pays for – simply put, status.

I understand where you’re going – money isn’t everything, family and parental involvement are key to a well-adjusted, successful, happy child’s development…but is the plight of the obscenely wealthy or those aspiring to be so really that dire? Family and parental involvement is even more important for those children whose socio-economic status puts them at the mercy of public schools.

I understand that you’re speaking to a particular audience here, but not all APA clientele are 1 percent-ers and the world is mostly comprised of those who had no choice but to attend public schools that are frankly, not ‘good enough’ in any way, shape, or form. To completely ignore that segment of the community as you preach to the wealthy how to better raise their children is a bit appalling..

Comment on The Power of Gratitude by “Count Your Blessings, Not Your Faults” | ApaCenter

“Count Your Blessings, Not Your Faults” | ApaCenter — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 03:27:26 +0000

[...] of those positive emotions that are the key to happiness in life. Research suggests that keeping a gratitude journal is an easy and effective way to counter stress, depressive feelings, and increase happiness. When I [...]

Comment on The Science of Positive Emotions by “Count Your Blessings, Not Your Faults” | ApaCenter

“Count Your Blessings, Not Your Faults” | ApaCenter — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:09:34 +0000

[...] it would be to drop all that and focus on all the blessings we have! Gratitude is one of those positive emotions that are the key to happiness in life. Research suggests that keeping a gratitude journal is an [...]