Watching children grow and develop is as rewarding as it is fascinating. Children are like little sponges, soaking up information and discovering all they can learn about their environment. Within a family, parents, siblings, and grandparents all play a significant role and greatly impact a child’s emotional development. However, they are not the only influence on children at home. Growing up with a pet can positively impact early childhood development and help establish healthy emotional regulation and mental health in children.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

All of us seek inner peace and to make sense of our world. However, we grow up in a family culture that sometimes teaches us certain things about ourselves and the world that may inhibit a sense of peace. In our developmental years, we receive messages that cause us to believe certain feelings are unacceptable and unwelcome. Sometimes they are even shamed or punished.

So how do we free ourselves from fear and shame to become our best self?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Motivation pushes us to reach our goals and achieve accomplishments in life. Some individuals lack drive and ambition, while others seem unstoppable. When people are unmotivated, they often struggle to experience fulfillment and purpose. Knowing your intrinsic versus extrinsic motivators is essential. While we want to find a work-life balance in life and avoid burnout, finding ways to pursue what is important to us and discover ways to motivate ourselves is crucial.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Growing up, children tend to emulate the behaviors and practices of those around them, especially their parents. That’s why you pick up certain mannerisms your mom has, how your father talks, or how your siblings do specific things.

Your youth is also the best time to learn and develop emotional intelligence that you carry with you into adulthood. Hopefully, your parents taught you these critical skills, but sometimes they can lack knowledge or skill in certain areas such as setting healthy boundaries or regular self-care. So by the time you’ve grown up, you may realize key tools are missing [...]

If you're struggling to control your anger, you're not alone. It's one of the most common emotions that people struggle with. Its intensity makes it a challenging emotion, especially if you let it build. However, there is an emotional intelligence (EQ) skill that can transform the way you relate to your anger, thereby also facilitating more relational and inner peace.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Do you ever feel like your mind is a bully? Does that little voice inside your head constantly put you down, telling you that you’re not good enough, or planting doubt and worry? 

Negative self-talk (a.k.a., "The Inner Critic") is very common and can be extremely discouraging. If you are a victim of harsh inner criticism, it’s time to bridle your self-talk and learn EQ skills to create inner peace!

Estimated reading: 7 minutes

“Gotta pick up the kids from school.” “Gotta get this report done by tomorrow.” “Gotta shop for dinner.” “Gotta pay the bills!” “Gotta get to the gym and lose this extra weight.” Gotta, gotta, gotta.

A lack of work-life balance and the need to get somewhere are themes I hear frequently. We are seekers. And personal transformation is high on the list for many. Yet, we are often unaware that we are reaching for something, even if it's self-growth. While ignoring what is happening right now within ourselves and around us, the present moment evades us.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

You’d probably agree that anger issues are prevalent in today’s world. We don’t have to look far to see another systemic and social tragedy of uncontrolled anger in the news or on social media. But anger also affects our personal lives: arguing spouses, reactive parents, upset and stressed out bosses and co-workers. Perhaps, you’re feeling more angry than usual yourself.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

From my perspective, there’s nothing more precious than the child-parent relationship. Yet, recently, I’ve seen a disturbing trend of disrespect and uncaring behavior disrupting this vital, foundational relationship.

The overwhelming response to my article, “How to Deal with a Disrespectful Grown Child,” opened a window into just how deep the wounds and disconnection are in our present culture. I’ve received scores of emails, numerous requests for parent coaching, and phone calls with pleas for help. And more recently, I’m receiving comments and emails from children burdened by emotionally [...]

Nowadays, children have easy access to screens and technology that can dominate their daily lives. But as convenient as it is to put your child in front of an Xbox, computer game, or TV, have you ever wondered how screens affect early child development?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes