When I realized that I’d forgotten my mom’s birthday, the self-judgments hit me hard. “I’m a horrible daughter. And an airhead. How could I be so selfish? My mom would never be so thoughtless. I must be one of those self-absorbed millennials the news is always complaining about.” Ever had self-abasing thoughts? It’s true that...Read More
I have earned a C- on a test I was sure I’d aced. I feel my shoulders slump and my energy plummet. I hide the test and start chatting with my friends, trying to put my sadness and shame from my mind. Have you ever tried to shove away an unwanted feeling? Who hasn’t! No...Read More
After an unbelievably tough day, I slump through the door. I should get to work on my assignments or chores, or at least eat a healthy dinner, but I feel way too defeated to do any of that. I just want to relax! I grab a bag of chips, flop on the sofa, and lose...Read More
I wake up, an underslept mess because I was tossing and turning all night, pestered by regrets and worries. The morning starts in a confused fog of bad feelings and muddy thinking. I’m sullen towards everyone I see, and I’m angry at myself. I want to get things done! I want to get along with...Read More
It’s my birthday. My friends serenade me as my mom brings out the birthday cake, the candles glowing. I’m about to blow them out and make a wish when the negativity hits. My birthday will be over soon, and then it’s back to chores and assignments. What if I don’t get what I wish for?...Read More
Sitting with my interview file on my lap, I try hard to pay attention to my interviewer. I know it’ll be important to respond that what she’s saying, but my thoughts keep wandering. Do I look okay? Can she hear the waver in my voice? Will she smell that “everything” bagel I ate for breakfast?...Read More
Have you seen how cool our social media is these days? In February every post was about how to Lead with Love. In March we are bringing you a little dose of inspiration, humor or both each day as Spring edges nearer. In April? Follow us to find out! Facebook Positive Edge Parent FB Group...Read More
Hello, Parent of a High School Senior! This post is for you! Especially if your child has a history of school challenges, we can translate your child’s struggle into strengths and opportunities that are just what a college or university is looking for. During the first year of the COVID pandemic, uncertainty ruled the college...Read More
Taking care or needing care? Lots of us are feeling burned out about now. I highly recommend my friend and colleague Karen Warner Schueler’s new book on caregiving, The Sudden Caregiver. Karen has turned her own caregiving experience into a roadmap that helps caregivers thrive, not merely survive, no matter what else is going on....Read More
Researchers have found that people use four key styles of responding to the good news of another person. Do you know yours? Imagine that your child has just told you they’ve been picked to be the soloist in the online choir. That’s epic! Think about how you could respond to them: “That’s great.” (It’s polite but...Read More
