Posts by cjohnson
Nutrition and Mental Health: Eating for a Healthier Mind
Student life is full of unpredictable events and circumstances. Some are challenging, and others delightful; many of both varieties are beyond our control. Students may experience unexpected criticism and plans that fall through or surprising compliments and happy hangouts with…Read More
The Role of Mindfulness in Enhancing Academic Performance
Have you ever tossed a stone into a still pond? The stillness is rumpled. The tranquility is broken. Human awareness is like this, too; it doesn’t take much to shatter our attention. Whether it is a car horn, phone notification,…Read More
The Power of Play: How Play Helps Kids Heal and Grow
“Play is what makes kids, kids. It’s what they do,” says human play researcher and psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Alison Gopnik. Yet each decade, society has continued to edge play out of the regular rhythm of life…Read More
Goal Setting With Your Kids: A Guide for Parents
As parents, we play a crucial role in teaching our children essential life skills, and goal setting is among the most important. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process of teaching your child valuable goal-setting strategies so…Read More
Rewind and Reflect: 5 Family-Friendly Reflection Activities for the New Year
In the flurry of plans and dreams to make this new year the “best year yet,” an important opportunity may be missed: the chance to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on the moments that made last year meaningful.…Read More
Making Room for Empathy: Using Pro-Active Affective Questions and Statements to Support Trauma-Impacted Children
Two first-graders sit listening to a math lesson. One of the boys, Miles, is rapidly wiggling his legs, causing the boys’ desks to bump repeatedly against each other. When Jake, the boy next to him, nudges Miles to stop, Miles flares…Read More
Everyday Mindful Practices to Strengthen Family Connections
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, school activities, and professional obligations—families often find themselves in a perpetual state of motion this time of year. It’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of life and lose…Read More
Nurturing Children’s Happiness: The Impact of Supportive Relationships
The World Economic Forum published a summary of a 2020 UNICEF study that ranked children’s well-being by country based on mental well-being, physical health, and academic and social skills. Some surprises emerged from the results. European countries performed best overall,…Read More
Let’s Get Moving! Physical Activity’s Role in Building Strong Mental Health
In a world of ever-present distractions, it’s easy to overlook the creeping signs of anxiety, depression, or frustration. Often the go-to remedies involve self-soothing distractions like substance or alcohol use, digital escapism, and comfort foods—but what if the key to…Read More
Navigating the School Year: A Teacher’s Guide to Mental Wellness
Use Caution: High-Speed School Year In Progress
We blinked and it’s November. With the school year racing along and the holiday season quickly approaching, you might find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of activities and responsibilities. Remember it’s important…Read More
Leveraging the Power of “Friendtoring” in Education
Dr. Erika James challenged entering freshmen of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with these words this fall, including an unusual academic goal: intentionally find and become “friendtors:” friends who bring out the highest and best in each…Read More
From Awareness to Action: How to Thrive Amidst Life’s Transitions
This recent viral video captures the moment a little girl suddenly realizes and unpacks her awareness of an unexpected but natural change: the falling of autumn leaves. The gentle exchange between this child and her father highlights three crucial elements…Read More