These Books and Podcasts Will Boost Empathy
We can’t just hand kids a book or download a podcast titled, “Get Empathy.” Nope. But well crafted stories do allow kids to get lost in characters whose lives both mirror and diverge from their own.
Parenting Blog
Why Exploring Nature With Children is Good for Their Brains
The scene wasn’t exactly the picturesque nature shot you’d find on a postcard. I was a mile into a muddy portage with a wood-canvas canoe balanced on my barely 16-year-old shoulders. Just as I felt like I couldn’t take another step, the breeze that had been keeping the mosquitoes at bay suddenly disappeared—leaving my ears… Read More →
Teenagers and Sleep in the Digital Age
New research helps us better understand the links between cell phones, sleep, and anxiety.
Anger Management is a Big Part of Parenting, So How Do We Do It?
From Calm to Chaos The sun rises, your alarm rings, you roll out of bed and find your way to your first mug of coffee (Not a coffee person? Imagine tea instead). The birds are singing. The world feels full of possibility. You take a deep breath, committed to starting your parenting day with smooth… Read More →
Teen Mental Health
14 Ways to Support Your Child
I received a phone call this past winter from a parent who had attended one of my workshops a few weeks before. “Dr. Walsh, I definitely feel like I know a lot more about what is going on inside my daughter’s brain after your workshop. But I have to say that it feels like my… Read More →
When Are Video Games Good for Kids?
“Yeeessss! There’s going to be another Fortnite Day!” I heard a child exclaim in the hallway of my kids’ school last month. Confused, I turned to a teacher for an explanation. He responded “I think they mean snow day…” The kids were eagerly anticipating yet another giant storm (yes, we live in Minnesota and yes,… Read More →
Here’s Why You Should Thank Your School Librarian
The fire crackles and flickers onto the surrounding birch trees. Hanging lanterns transform the tents in front of me into glowing nests. Two signs point towards the nearest outhouses and children’s voices ring out through the air. As I describe this scene, you are likely picturing an adventure deep in the wilderness. But this past… Read More →
Teenage Relationships
The Talk 70% of Teens Wish Adults Would Have with Them
Perhaps in your house, your teen is eager to talk to you about all the things. Perhaps your teen turns to you bright eyed and engaged with a simple and clear request “Mom, I cannot wait to talk to you about ______!” (insert emotionally vulnerable topic here). But for those of you who are lobbing… Read More →
Do You Recognize the Warning Signs of Video Game Addiction?
“I feel like he is addicted to video games!” This worry is becoming more and more common among parents. For most, it just means that their child loves technology and has a difficult time unplugging. For some, it means that their child is choosing technology over most everything else and is struggling to cope. What’s… Read More →
Diverse Books for Kids – Nine Essential Questions
No matter your child’s racial or cultural identity, you can take a look at your bookshelf, tablet, or library loans to see where you can diversify your child’s story world and start important conversations about commonalities and differences.