How to Cultivate Emotionally Safe Spaces In recent years, conversations about emotionally safe spaces have increased in workplaces, schools, counselling settings, and communities. Yet emotional safety is more complex than simply declaring a room, meeting, or organization to be “safe.” Every person enters a room or space with unique experiences, memories, wounds, beliefs, and hopes. […]
Why children lie is complicated! Our culture is filled with exaggeration, half-truths, and outright fiction. Oh! And conspiracy theories. Movies, television, advertising, and even our leaders tend to twist reality. So, it’s no surprise that children sometimes follow these influential role models. But how can parents respond in a way that supports honesty rather than […]
Parenting Teens: Love, Faith, and Letting Go: When Faith, Family, and Boundaries Collide Let’s call her, Jane. Jane came into my office looking tired, frustrated and worried. “It’s about my kids,” she said. Tanya, her teenage daughter, was strong-willed and often critical. Her son, Noah, seemed to be losing confidence. He even said he might […]
It’s a true delight to spend time with Brandi Heather, author of Return to Play: Rebuilding Resilience, Risk and Reconnection. I’ve been privileged to do just that and feel grateful to call her a friend. Brandi is an award-winning Disability and Inclusion Educator and Therapeutic Play Specialist. With a background in kinesiology and sport studies, […]
How many seniors does it take to change a light bulb? None—because seniors don’t want to change anything!” While this old joke brings a chuckle, it also reveals a common truth—change is difficult. The fear of downsizing can affect the older person and those who support them. But the reality is, older people have been […]
“Lacking a sense of psychological safety, people shut down, often without realizing it. They are less likely to seek or accept feedback and also less likely to experiment, to discuss errors, and to speak up about potential or actual problems.” Christine Porath, professor, at Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina and author of Mastering […]
At some point, we’ve all tried to control our relationships, especially with loved ones. Yet, the idea that we can control another human being’s thoughts, emotions, and choices is not only unrealistic but also can create relationship misunderstanding and friction. True personal power, freedom, and connection come from letting go of the illusion of control. […]
By Guest Expert Ashley Sonnenberg of Mommy and Me Fitness The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind of tasks, events, and obligations. Between the cooking, decorating, gift-wrapping, and family traditions, it’s easy to put yourself last on the list. But here’s the truth: you can prioritize yourself without dropping the ball on everything else. […]
Whether you call it The Holidays, like my Jewish friends Ken and Natashia, or Christmas, or something else, this time of year is undeniably special. There’s the hustle and bustle of the season, the thoughtful exchange of gifts, and dining tables laden with festive food. What better time to gather with friends or family to […]
This blog explores how overindulging children often results in adults who walk and talk with a sense of privilege. Growing up on a farm, the idea of my parents indulging us never crossed my and my siblings’ minds. This concept likely never crosses the minds of those who engage in egomaniac, self-admiring, diva, princess, or […]
Book Summary of Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them In the last several years, clients have increasingly expressed sadness and grief about experiences of family cut offs or estrangement. Dr. Karl Pillemer, author of Fault Lines refers to this dynamic as fractures. Here is a summary of his book, including the research, […]
Disagreements abound in relationships from politics to parenting. In Parent Effectiveness Training, Thomas Gordon states “Parents don’t have to put up a “United Front.” Let me offer some perspective and possible options.