New Year, New Conflict. Let’s Resolve It!
Everyone experiences conflicts. It’s a natural part of growing up and life. From the early years learning to share toys, to working with partners on a school project, when people come together, conflicts will arise. Over time, everybody experiences their fair share of conflicts, most of which can be easily resolved through perspective taking and compromise. However, some conflicts, and some people, may require more direct, explicitly taught conflict resolution instruction.
When conflicts arise, emotions typically run high. During these times, the brain is not thinking logically or rationally, therefore waiting to problem-solve is recommended. Once calm, the brain can make better decisions, allowing one to see the situation more clearly. This is when utilizing learned coping strategies will be effective. It is important that prior to conflicts, teens have a variety of coping skills to pull from.
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The Social Fake: Why Pretending to Be Interested Matters
In a world where connection is everything, mastering the art of navigating social interactions is essential. One surprising yet powerful tool in the social skills toolbox is “The Social Fake.” While it might sound deceptive, the Social Fake is actually a way to show respect, empathy, and understanding in our daily interactions. It is a skill that helps build and maintain relationships—even when the topic of conversation does not spark personal interest.
Let’s explore what the Social Fake is, why it is important, and how you can help your child or loved one develop this essential social skill.
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Mastering the Mind: Understanding Stress vs. Anxiety and How to Take Control
Stress vs. anxiety: two words we often use interchangeably, yet they represent very different experiences. Stress is that uneasy feeling we get when faced with a tough deadline or a big event—a sense of pressure that drives us to act. Anxiety, however, is different. It's not just about facing a challenge in the present but about an anticipation of what could happen in the future. Think of it this way: Jonny has a math test, and he's feeling stressed. That stress pushes him to prepare and study, and while he's uncomfortable, the pressure motivates him. Meanwhile, Debrah is also unprepared for the same test, but instead of feeling motivated, she's paralyzed by anxiety—fearing failure, fearing judgment from her teacher, and avoiding the situation altogether.
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Procrastination is something we've all faced at one point or another. Whether it's putting off homework or a project, delaying a personal goal, or even avoiding chores, the habit of delaying important tasks can be both frustrating and debilitating. But fear not!
Overcoming procrastination is possible. and with the right strategies, you can reclaim your time and boost your productivity. As an executive function coach, I'm here to help you navigate this challenge using some practical strategies-and yes, we'll touch on the Procrastination Equation along the way!
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It's Your Choice!
I was diagnosed with dyslexia at five years old, and admittedly, it brought about a lot of shame and hopelessness. Over time, I was able to find a way forward as many empathetic people gave me guidance and support.
That said, once I got through high school, I naïvely assumed that because I had graduated, I would be able to press restart and not need support because I had overcome all obstacles.
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An Interview with Caryl Frankenberger: A Journey of Transforming Learning Differences
At the heart of Frankenberger Associates Learning Solutions Center (FA) lies a deep commitment to understanding and supporting individuals who learn differently. Founded by Caryl Frankenberger, a seasoned psychoeducational diagnostician, FA has grown from a small practice to a comprehensive learning solutions center that offers tailored support for students facing various academic and social challenges.
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Listening to Understand and Add Value: A Challenging Task
Have you ever found yourself so focused on your next response in a conversation that you fail to show the other person they are heard and valued? This common mistake can make others feel misunderstood and undervalued. To truly understand someone, we must listen to grasp their perspective and the background they bring to the conversation. Listening merely to respond can lead to ignoring the speaker’s viewpoint and quickly inserting our own thoughts without a deeper understanding.
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Harnessing the Power of Positive Thinking
In a world filled with challenges, uncertainties, and negativity, the power of positive thinking stands out through the hope and resilience that it can generate. It's not merely a cliché or a fleeting trend; rather, it's a mindset that has the potential to transform lives, unlock opportunities, and enhance overall well-being.
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