Cartoon Saturday

Your inner strength

Life is not easy.  It is not meant to be easy.  When we expect our lives to not have challenges and obstacles we become very disappointed.  Challenges and obstacles are a NORMAL part of life so expect they will occur frequently.  They are there to make you a stronger person.  They are there to build you up.  Be open to all challenges and obstacles because they are good things and help you allow your own inner strength to shine!  

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

 We often hear that we should be partners not prosecutors and are accused of causing problems.  Remember we come to you with a lot of emotional baggage (some very bad) plus it is a natural instinct to be protective (of ourselves and child).  When I feel YOU are being a partner and truly understand my experience and my child, I am exceptionally cooperative because I finally can feel trust.
 

Stop taking it personal if I don’t trust you, I don’t know you and I have been burned year after year.  Once bitten, twice shy.

Cartoon Saturday

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

Just because I can't do some things doesn't mean I will not excel at others!  Give me a chance and watch me excel!!!  Believe in me and I will exceed your expectations! 

Cartoon Saturday

Who should you have as your best friend?

Since you are the only person that you will be connected with consistently for the rest of your life, make sure you are kind and caring to yourself.  You are your own best friend so making sure you are a good friend!

Understanding the Teenager Brain - what you need to know by Jill Bolte Taylor

Do you know how your brain works?  The more you understand YOUR brain and how it works the better your life will be and the more control you will feel!  Parents, teachers, and coaches also need to understand the brain, especially the teenage brain!  One of my hero's, Jill Bolte Taylor explains how the teenage brain works.  Don't worry it's only 16 min. long! 
If you are a parent, show this to your children!

Jill Bolte Taylor's Ted talk on the teenage brain

I LOVE MY AMYGDALA! 

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednseday

               

I may be quiet and introverted but I still have feelings.  I still want to be accepted and liked for who I am.  Yes, I am different than you but that doesn't make me strange- just different.

 

   

 

 

Life Challenges should not get you down

When a person encounters challenges in life we often believe that these experiences are negative.  In reality they are actually positive.  These experiences help teach us who we are, our likes & dislikes, and even motivate us to follow our dreams.  Challenges are life lessons that shape us into the unique people that we are and will eventually become.  So when you start to feel negative emotions when facing a challenge take a moment to remember that without these challenges you will never fully experience life!

Go out there and enjoy your life with eyes wide open!

Motivational Monday for Holocaust Remembrance Day with Alice Herz Sommer and Tony Robbins

Don't ever give up!  Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day and to celebrate watch this video to honor those who lived and those who were lost.

Alice Herz Sommer is a great inspiration to us all!  

Tony Robbins does a great job with this interview! 

Tony Robbins interview with Alice Herz Sommer

Cartoon Saturday

Khan Academy helps auditory and visual students learn

Something you should know:

Khan Academy is a great site that can help you learn just about anything and it’s free!  This is especially great if you are a visual/auditory learner.  There are lessons for the following subject areas: Math, Science & Economics, Computer Science, and Humanities.  You can also go to Khan Academy and practice for your SAT math or GMAT. 

So check out Khan Academy an excellent site to help you learn!  You can also get a Khan Academy app on your Ipad, Ipod, Iphone, or smart phone!    

Khan Academy

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

If I appear harsh, demanding, or even hostile it is not a personal attack against YOU (even if I give “you” statements-  “You need to,”  “You didn't do…”).    These are actually defense mechanisms.   

• Sublimation, the channeling of unacceptable emotions into more acceptable ones.  It makes me feel vulnerable and defenseless to express my feelings of fear, anxiety, and sorrow so instead I will appear stronger if I am firm, demanding, or angry.

• Displacement, redirecting feelings from one person toward another more convenient person.  I could really be feeling these ways toward someone from the past or the school, district, or educational system but I can’t express these feelings to those people and you are the closest person.

 I am the parent not the professional, so do not expect me to take care of your emotional needs.  I don’t always know how to word my questions and/or comments correctly.  Do not assume I am judging or criticizing you and become defensive.  I am not trying to work against you; I just don’t know how to phrase things to get my message across.  You are the professional so remember that my underlying emotions are fear, anxiety, and guilt. Please have empathy and put yourself in my shoes!    

Child Abuse Prevention: Verbal abuse

Being a parent is very challenging!  Children do not come with instruction booklets or how-to-guides.  When you are raising a child that has a disability such as ADHD, dyslexia, or Asperger’s it can be ever more challenging causing exhaustion, frustration, and feelings of being overwhelmed.  It is very easy for us to let these negative emotions escape at the wrong time and toward our children.   April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and a good time to reflect on your own parenting skills.  Are you a yeller?  Do you verbally attack when your expectations are not met (see March 13^th post for details on this Advice on expectations)  Do you use your tone and body language to intimidate and make sure others know you are upset and displeased with them?  Do you attack with your words to hurt or harm your children?  Do you try to shame them into behaving or degrade them when they do not follow your rules?  If you answer yes to any of these, you may need to read Pam Leo’s book “Connection Parenting: Parenting through Connection instead of Coercion, Through Love instead of Fear.”  Pam contends the most important thing a child needs is to have a strong emotional bond with at least one adult.  Parents need to understand that children will be more successful and compliant when they are emotionally healthy than when they are emotionally damaged.