You’ve likely noticed that some children seem to be more resilient than others, overcoming difficult childhoods and dysfunctional relationships. As we highlighted in the post here on Tuesday, a new study labels these kids dandelions since they are able to thrive in less than inviting environs. Here are 6 tips to help your kids become more resilient, whatever type of flower they represent: Encourage them to make connections. Relationships can be a major source of support when times are tough and provide a safe home-base all the time. Family bonds … Continue reading
Kids as Orchids or Dandelions
We know the statistics: about 20% of American children today grow up in deprived circumstances – poverty, social isolation, chaotic home life, surrounded by drugs, alcohol, or gangs. Unfortunately many of them repeat this dysfunctional process as they begin to have behavioral problems themselves. What we don’t understand is how some of the children are able to overcome their poor environment and develop into resilient kids and young adults. A recent study has considered why some babies seem to be able to tolerate the lack of a nurturing environment better … Continue reading
Celebrating the 4th of July
How are you celebrating the 4th of July this year? Whether you’re with friends or family, at home or out, enjoy relaxing and being together. Hoist the flag, express your gratitude for living in this great country of ours and grab a hot dog on a bun – which by the way was invented at the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis, my hometown. Then find a good spot for watching the fireworks this evening! The Statue of Liberty, a gift to America from France in 1886, reopened to the … Continue reading
Training for a Half-Marathon
You see them everywhere, don’t you? People exercising with their smart phones in hand, ear-buds plugged in, enjoying their own music, conversation, recorded book or other mp3 download. And there are good reasons to use them as an aid to exercising – they make the time go faster and the workout seem easier and less stressful. One study reported in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that music provides a ‘distraction effect’ for walkers and joggers, reducing the fatigue and stress of exercise so that the workout … Continue reading
