“How does the term 'mindset skills' relate to 'growth mindset', the term commonly used in schools?   This is one of the questions that educator, reading tutor and online tutoring expert, Joanne Kaminski, explored with life coaching for kids expert, Renaye Thornborrow. The two met to discuss how to help educators, teachers and...

  Eight-year-old Cory was struggling with perfectionism. Each time he made a mistake, he verbally beat himself up and called himself names.(1) Over time, Cory had become so worried about making a mistake that he stopped trying new things or performing his best at school, sports, and even while playing at home. His inner critic was rising and...

  Kids love to make gifts during the holidays. And a great gift that is inexpensive, fun to make, and will be treasured by the recipient for years to come are gratitude jars. Here's what you need to make our gratitude jar craft for kids: Beautiful jar or box that can be decorated Items to decorate the jar or box Beautiful paper that can be...

Whether your kids tend to earn A’s, B’s, C’s, or F’s, kids often define “who they are” based on the grades they receive. “I’m an A-student” “I’m not very smart” “I’m an average student” Unfortunately, when kids label themselves based on grades, it can have a negative impact on their self-esteem – even for “A-students”.  If they bring home an A...

There's nothing like best friends - they can make you feel great because they see the best in you.  Wouldn’t it be great if your BFF (best friend forever) was always with you!  Well that can happen…when you become your own BFF!Now this might sound a little silly but please hear me out. Teaching your kids to become their own BFF can be one of the...

Grades, “IQ” tests, and other standardized tests have caused major debates among parents and the education community because many believe they don’t measure the “whole child”. Although these tests might predict how a child will perform in school, they don’t predict which children will become powerful leaders, accomplished composers, unique...

  If you're like most parents right now, you're probably spending a lot more time with children at home during the global pandemic. While this can certainly be stressful as you balance work, online school, and household responsibilities, there are still easy ways to connect with your kids that will make this time count -- and even make some...

  Zarah’s*  parents noticed that their six-year-old daughter seemed to lack confidence. She would often give up on things and get distressed easily. She also struggled with stress before exams, which caused a lot of anxiety.   They wanted her to have the courage to try new things and to persist after failing something—skills they knew would help...