Posts by Erin Graham
The Power of Grit
Why is GRIT important? Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and researcher who studies grit, defines it as passion and perseverance for long-term and meaningful goals. Grit is your stick-to-itness. It is your ability to persist when things get tough because that thing matters to you. It’s about finding something you are passionate about and staying with…
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Learning From Failure
(6/14/22) Let’s face it, no one likes to fail. It can be embarrassing and frustrating and, at times, it can lead to major setbacks. And, as parents, isn’t it our responsibility to protect our children? The answer to this question is a complex yes and no. The reality is failure is an inevitable part of…
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Talking To Teens About Mental Health
(March 29, 2022) We need to talk to teens about mental health because teens need to know they can take charge of their own mental health. According to the national institute of mental health (NIMH) in 2020, 31.9% of adolescents experience some type of anxiety disorder with 8.3% of them being severe. NIMH also reported…
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Problem Solving Skills for Kids
(August 16, 2021) Problem Solving is an Important Skill According to biglifejournal.com, when faced with a challenge, kids with problem solving skills manage their emotions, think creatively and persist until they find a solution. Kids who are able to solve problems on their own tend to be happier, more confident and more independent. All things…
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In Person Learning After Covid-19
(July 14, 2021) In just about one month, most local schools will be kicking off the start of the 2021/2022 school year. With lower positivity rates and a significant portion of the population being vaccinated, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is encouraging all schools to return to in-person learning if at all possible. …
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Dear Class of 2020 Parents
(June 15, 2021) Dear Class of 2020 Parents, As we recognize and celebrate the class of 2021, we are also continuously reminded of all the activities the class of 2020 either didn’t get or looked remarkably different than anticipated. There were canceled field trips, proms, senior awards, graduations and activities. And while those activities may…
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Savoring: A New Mindfulness Method
Research has shown there are many benefits to mindfulness. It can decrease stress and improve overall mood and increase creativity and focus. It improves your overall health and, specifically, your immune system. Mindfulness can also slow aging and memory loss. Honestly, the benefits of mindfulness almost seem too good to be true. We should all…
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Positive Self Talk
“Of all the people on the planet, you talk to yourself more than anyone. Make sure you are saying the right things.” – Harvey Smith According to growkidsminds.com, we talk to ourselves more than all other conversations combined. Self-talk makes up 80% of all of our communication! Self-talk is your internal dialog. It can be…
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When Anxiety Comes Out Sideways
Anxiety isn’t always easy to recognize. Oftentimes, when dealing with kids, teens and even some adults, anxiety doesn’t present itself as them saying “I feel worried” but, instead, as behaviors. These behaviors may include yelling, hitting, crying, kicking, and shoving. They may refuse to do what they have been asked, attempt to control the situation,…
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Emotional Co-Regulation
Co-regulation is something you can do to help your child. Children who are struggling to regulate their emotions often are easily frustrated, overreact, tantrum, hit, yell, throw things and generally feel out of control. As parents, we want nothing more than to help them but it can feel overwhelming. Emotional regulation is simply the…
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