Coping means to invest own conscious effort, to solve personal and interpersonal problems, in order to try to master, minimize or tolerate stress and conflict. The psychological coping mechanisms are commonly termed coping strategies or coping skills.
Snowflakes, soft and fluffy, were floating down, atop the 8 inches of snow on the ground. I watched my dog delightedly running circles in the yard as if to say, “Yey! Fresh snow! Look at me!” I called my 12 year-old son to the window. “I wonder why all dogs, big or small, short coats […]
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Snow day! Here in the Midwest, we are experiencing a record-breaking amount of school cancellations due to weather. It is fun to have an occasional random day to stay home and relax. However, weekly snow days – sometimes more than one per week – can make it difficult for children to be ready to learn […]
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Body image concerns are a part of today’s culture. Many of us have struggled with not liking what we see in the mirror at times. A recent survey showed that 90% of college age women and 80% college age men report having a poor body image. Below are some suggestions which may aid with keeping a stronger […]
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There are ways to make the most of the winter months! Making time inside enjoyable for you and your loved ones. Let’s get Creative!
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The holidays are coming…. When you hear that phrase, does it strike fear and panic? Does it remind you of family stress? Or does it bring up warm memories of time with your family, eating pie or other goodies in front of a warm fire? If you are like most people, you probably have mixed […]
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…As each of you prepares for your family holidays, maybe you are also considering what to expect this year. Even though you may have had sadness or loss, political changes or political consistency, marriages or divorces, there are often unifying factors. There are often things that can bring you closer as a family to talk about over snacks, dinner, or desert. Moreover, there may even be things that you can talk about that are not uncomfortable….
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Emotional regulation seems like a complicated process. But in fact, it is something that we all use every day. Consider these examples where self-regulation may be helpful: Situation 1: You are driving home from work, and a car cuts you off in traffic, proceeding to drive very slowly in the lane in front of you. You are frustrated […]
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What is gratitude? Gratitude is simply being thankful and ready to show appreciation for and to return kindness to others. Parents want children to appreciate gratitude. However, it can be difficult to teach these skills. Why is gratitude important? Gratitude promotes positive mental health for both children and adults. According to a study conducted by Robert A. […]
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……We all want to believe that we are good people, and that we contribute well to our communities. Acts of kindness and giving, even small gestures, validate these lovely parts of ourselves. What better way to feel like a kind and loving person than through small little actions that put more good out into the world……..
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Read this article to learn more about how to use mindfulness through nature. Mindfulness in Action I turned the corner at the Iowa Arts Festival, and saw picture after picture of nature: raw, beautiful, and unique. “Oh, look at how cool these are,” I said to my son. “What’s so cool?” asked a voice behind […]
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Self-compassion is an important part of parenting children and adolescents. A few years ago, the Washington Post published an article called “Teaching Children Self-Compassion by Modeling it Ourselves” by Mandy Lange. The article addresses the idea that children learn how to respond to their difficulties, stressors, and mistakes through their own experiences, and through what […]
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Music is powerful Music has existed from the earliest of times to the streaming services of today. Many of us can think of a song connected to something important in our lives. It could a vacation, a fun day with friends, or graduation. When we hear that song again, it often brings back memories of people, events, and […]
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