When Compliments Backfire: How to Give the Right Compliments to Kids

“You are so good at that!” you announce to the child, firmly believing that this warm praise is going to boost the child’s self-esteem and increase performance. But in study after study, and book after book, the widely accepted consensus is that complimenting your kids can cause lifelong problems and actually decrease performance, especially if you are dishing out the wrong type of compliments.

Kumar Sathy

Your Job is More Important Than You Think!

April 25th marks this year’s Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. In its current form, both girls and boys are invited to learn more about a parent’s workplace in order to become educated about career choices and the value of work outside the home. However, there is far more value to it than just this!

Dr. Susan Bartell

Oklahoma Lawyers for Children: Bringing Hope to the Courtroom

Tsinena Bruno-Thompson, president and CEO of Oklahoma Lawyers for Children (OLFC) says that there is a common misconception when it comes to the protection of children in Oklahoma’s legal system—and this misconception is at the very heart of why her organization exists.

Brooke Barnett

15 Tips for a Happy Family

This month, we asked our experts: What do you think is the key to a happy family?

Are You Superstitious?

In many ways superstitions, and the behaviors that accompany them, are harmless—simply giving us a sense of control over circumstances that, in reality, we may not really have much control at all. That being said, when taken to extremes, reinforcing a belief in superstitions might actually confuse your child, or scare her.

Dr. Susan Bartell

A Teachable Moment—Resolutions Revisted

In truth, being a good parent is really hard work. More often than not, we don’t give ourselves enough credit for all we do to become better parents. Instead, we feel guilty about not having achieved our parenting goals.

Dr. Susan Bartell

Creating a Harmonious Holiday: Tips & Advice for Interfaith Families

What happens when the two sides of the family don’t share the same backgrounds, traditions or religious beliefs? Finding ways to celebrate the holidays from different perspectives is a difficult endeavor even for the tightest knit families—but with the right approach, families can find ways to celebrate all aspects of their faiths and communities harmoniously.

Brooke Barnett

10 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? That’s what the song says, but often it’s just too easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are 10 tips (including a few products) to help keep your holidays frazzle-free, whether you’re celebrating at home or on the go.

Gratitude Games—Fun Ways to Reawaken Appreciation in Kids

Make gratitude games an annual habit every Thanksgiving season. Here are five ways to motivate your kids to dig deep and rediscover an inner well of thankfulness without feeling put out.

Stop Struggling with the Juggling!

In an ideal world, you’ve got a satisfying career with plenty of time and energy to play with your baby, help with homework, relax with your husband, get to the gym and catch up with your friends. The reality? You’re exhausted from toiling harder and longer just to keep up with your job, and it’s taking a toll. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Sandra Gordon