A few years ago when I created an alphabetical list of positive character traits that I wanted to foster in my son, the first idea for U that popped into my head was understanding. Understanding, accepting, and prejudice-free. I recently heard the phrase “embrace race” and it conjures up for me all of those qualities….
Emotional Wellness
How to Help Kids Peacefully Resolve Conflicts
Today’s post is contributed by a fellow elementary school teacher, mom and blogger, Jill McPherson. She shares with us a process she uses regularly to help her students resolve conflicts in a peaceful way that builds emotional and social intelligence. Whether you’ve got two or twenty kids under your charge, if you’ve struggled with helping…
How to Use Tonglen to Tame Parenting Anger
I’m hoping the word “Tonglen” caught your attention! And no I did not make it up – it is a real word and not just click-bait. It’s also a tool that I think that every parent should add to their toolbox. But what is it? In a nutshell “Tonglen” is the ancient Buddhist practise of…
It’s Time for Mindful Self-Nurturing
The other day I saw a sign outside a local laundromat that caught my eye. Its catchy slogan announced in large block letters, “IT’S TIME TO CLEAN YOUR WINTER COATS!” Maybe it was something about the urgency of the words, or maybe it was more the message of cleaning and self-care that got my attention,…
How to Become a Zen Parent
If you’re anything like me, you may never stop worrying about your kids. No matter what age they are. You may never stop getting irritated or frustrated, or even angry with them when they make choices you don’t like. You may never get used to the fast pace of having kids in your life while…