Do Something Scary Every Day
I remember as a kid attending my first Halloween slumber party. We stayed up most of the night, trying to outdo each other with stories that sent shivers down our spines — tales of some brave soul venturing into the moonless night to face the dragon or to seek lost treasure in a haunted house….
Read ArticleHow to Help Girls Dissect Media and Advertisement Messaging
How to Help Girls Dissect Media and Advertisement Messaging Check out this great resource from Kids in the House on media literacy and helping girls to be critical thinkers, featuring our CEO and Founder, Dr. Melissa Johnson: Alternative link: https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/video/embed/5698 For more information on elementary education visit KidsInTheHouse.com
WATCH VIDEOSharing Food: Nourishment & Connection
Sometimes it feels like an absolute miracle when we actually sit down with our families to share food. Yep, eating. All at one time. In the same room. Without the TV. But it’s really, really good for us and our children. There are lots of studies that support what we know intuitively. One national study…
Read ArticleUsing Our Imaginations for Good! Guided Imagery & Other Experiential Tools for Relaxation and Stress Reduction
There is an old saying that “whatever you give your attention to grows.” Think about how that plays out–in your garden or your work, with your children, or with your worries and fears. In times of stress, guided imagery offers one strategy for shifting our attention to positive resources. Guided imagery helps us to enter…
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Leaders Go First: Taking the Lead in the World of Friendship
An important wish for most children and teens is good friendships. Belonging, being part of a trustworthy group, having fun. Yet, their conversations frequently turn to friendship challenges. “There’s this really mean kid at school!” “Someone was gossiping today at lunch–about me! Yikes!” “I really blew it. Didn’t invite one of my good friends to…
Read ArticleAfter the election: Conversations with our children
In the aftermath of the divisive 2016 election, many parents are asking, “How do we talk to our children?” Many parents acknowledge that they are experiencing big feelings, lots of questions, and a desire to identify action steps for healing and moving forward. They’ve also shared that their children are having many of these same…
Read Article5 Senses Mindfulness Activity at the Roaring River Falls, Kings Canyon
I just got back from an amazing 4 days in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, celebrating my birthday! As I stood in the mist of Roaring River Falls, I engaged in a 5 senses mindfulness activity that I’d like to share with you. As you watch this video, notice what your eyes observe. What do you…
WATCH VIDEOTravel Tips
Our team was recently speaking about ways to help children and young teens gain a sense of mastery for travel. Whenever we have a chance to encourage a sense of mastery and resilience, it is a good thing. Here is a TRAVEL TIP LIST for kids preparing to travel. One of the things that I…
Read Article5 Tips for Getting Ready for High School
The 8th graders we know are both excited and nervous about the big transition to high school. New opportunities can be thrilling. The unfamiliar and additional stresses can be daunting. What a time! Here are four tips to help teens ease the important transition to high school. Cope Ahead—There are lots of ways to cope…
Read ArticleSTRETCH OUT, SLOW DOWN, CONNECT! Doing Yoga Together!
—Melissa Johnson, PhD Psychologist, CEO of the Institute for Girls’ Development What do you and your kids do to de-stress in our hustle bustle hurry up world? Moving our bodies, stretching, challenging our physical selves are all great ways to release our everyday tensions. Yoga is one movement modality that is gaining popularity with kids…
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