Neighborhood Nod
Summer Reading: Cultivating Lifelong Readers
Many of us remember those hot, languid summer days spent reading the latest novel by our favorite author or immersing ourselves in a fascinating new obsession. Today, as we observe the students in our lives, we might feel lucky if their screen time dips below the...
The Gift of Growth: How to Start a Growth Journal for Your Child
Parenting can feel like time stands still in the moment, but looking back, the time between infancy and high school graduation feels like a flash. So many tiny moments of epiphany and growth that feel unforgettable at the time, somehow get lost in the noise of...
Encouraging Independence and Responsibility: Guiding Teens Through Life’s Milestones
We’ve all experienced "firsts"—milestones or significant events that mark a beginning or an introduction to something new. These experiences hold tremendous importance as they shape our understanding, skills, and perceptions, even laying the foundation for future...
The Power of Gratitude in Family Life
Gratitude comes easily at the birthday party. Parents have filled the day with presents, special food, cake, balloons, and special attention. Birthday gift lists have been shared with family and friends. As presents are handed out, squeals of joy and laughing smiles...
The Impact of Music and Arts on Emotional Well-being
"We read to know we are not alone." ~ C.S. Lewis. Reading may look like an isolating activity with one's eyes riveted on the page and reality fading behind the words painted in the reader's head, but reading is entirely communal. This is true for literature and...
The Art of Boredom: Rediscovering Creativity and Connection in a Digital World
Good and bad most often come mixed together. An unruly child may have incredible drive and an insatiable curiosity. The student who talks out of turn also knows how to sustain conversation and keep others entertained. A good teacher trains students to harness the...
The Power of Storytelling in Family Bonding
In our daily lives, stories are everywhere. They pop up on our phones, TVs, and in our conversations, filling our days with endless tales and adventures. But here's the thing: even though we're constantly surrounded by these stories, most of them don't stick around....
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 they can set out to...
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. Some years are thrilling rides to relive together,...
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...