Even if they don’t show it, even if they act like they don’t care, on some level our children believe everything we say about them. Why not leverage our children’s trust in what we say to empower them to become their best selves? Read more ›
In our everyday lives, we place labels on many things, such as food, clothing, even people. We label people based on various social and biological features (age, gender, ethnicity, religion, race, occupation, appearance, etc.). While some labels are useful in categorizing information we process, such as “friendly or harmful,” other labels are not. Read more ›
It’s tempting – and easy – to give children labels. At a very young age, they can seem very simple and predictable for us. Here are the reasons why it’s not a good parenting practice. Read more ›
When provided with the foundation of a safe environment, trusted mentors and opportunities to engage, all young people can be empowered to develop the skills they need to become self-advocates and elevate their voices. Read more ›
Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night to be at their best, but few get anywhere near that amount. That’s often due to factors outside their control, like school hours and homework levels.
Many schools have been taking notice — and making changes to promote teen sleep. Read more ›
Many twice exceptional (2e) children feel different, like they just don’t fit in, and can be more susceptible to mental health challenges.
In this Voices of Compassion podcast episode, we talk with Christine Pearston, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, who suggests we start by looking at the whole child — strengths, interests and challenges alike.
You’re at the end of your junior year of high school with a list of colleges that interest you. You’ve also faced some mental health challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t help. And maybe you wonder if your preferred colleges will meet your mental health needs. Read more ›
Children are curious and often have questions when they encounter people that are different from them, whether it be race, age, ability, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation or appearance, just to name a few. But while their questions can be embarrassing at times, it’s important to answer those questions and talk about their curiosity.
Here are five ways you can start these difficult conversations and teach kids to accept others and celebrate their differences. Read more ›
Contrary to the common belief that young children “don’t see race,” a mountain of research evidence confirms that racial awareness starts early. We know that within a few months of birth, babies prefer own-race faces, and that by roughly age 3 kids start to form judgments about others based on racial differences. And by kindergarten, kids perceive that different racial groups have different social status. Read more ›
Here’s the beautiful thing about kids—most are born with a natural sense of justice and fairness. Unless they are taught to be hurtful and cruel, most children know that it is wrong to attack others either physically or with words.
As a parent or caregiver, it is important for you to nurture this natural love of people. Here are some things to keep in mind as you talk to your child about the value of differences. Read more ›
