I saved a life. I am in no way referencing mental health, here. I gave my boyfriend the Heimlich maneuver and SAVED HIS LIFE. And you know what struck me? No one clapped. No one (other than our table of friends) said or did anything. The waitress even walked away while it was all happening. […]
We all build walls. Some more than others, but I think it’s human nature to want separation from what scares us, and historically, has hurt us. Walls are a defense tactic. Keep the enemy out. We’ve attempted this strategy throughout history. Cities commonly built walls around their territory. The Great Wall of China. The Berlin […]
Re-dos Did your mother have a phrase she used when you were a kid that has become engrained in you? The phrase that comes to my mind literally makes my skin crawl. “I don’t know who you think you’re talking to…”. I just shivered. While maybe I wouldn’t go with the same phrasing, I do […]
This weekend I went tubing with some friends. We were floating the river, which was pretty low and there were a few rapids to go down. Nothing too crazy, I mean, we were in innertubes, but exciting enough that you needed to pay attention to the water. I was in the 2nd worst tube on […]
Relationships can be so challenging. Obviously—I know. But the reality of that has been hitting close to home recently. One of my very best friends and I have had a really difficult season of friendship. I know so often we talk about romantic relationships and parent/child relationships, but for many of us, our friends become […]
Let’s get ready to rumble!!!!! Play is powerful! It’s good for babies, tots, teens, and adults. We all need play in our lives! And there are many different types of play: structured play, therapeutic play, FREE play, and rough and tumble play! It’s all important. Some play, like coloring or making jewelry, teaches fine motor […]
Being a parent goes beyond all preconceived expectations. And it is far more than just “parenting”. It is a relationship. When we are able to look at this as a two sided relationship, it takes off a little pressure. About a year ago, I went to a training on attachment in play therapy – I […]
To all the tired and weary ones, Sometimes life can become so overwhelming, you just go numb. Those sunny, warm spring days with the windows down, music on, and the mountains in sight don’t do anything for you anymore. You sit—blank faced. Not happy, not sad, not mad. Numb. It’s not depression because it’s not […]
30%. That’s it. That’s the rate for accurately attuned mother’s and infants with a secure attachment style. There’s a really important concept in attachment theory—it’s called attunement. It’s when a mother sees distress in her baby and knows if it’s an angry cry, a hungry cry, or a “pay attention to me, I’m lonely” cry. […]
The Golden Ratio. And we’re not talking about peanut butter and jelly. We’re talking about positive to negative interactions. Every interaction – Every statement – Every tone – makes an enormous impact on your child. 6:1. 6 positive interactions to every 1 negative interaction. It seems like a lot. And after practice and awareness, you […]