The New York Times summarizes the research showing how TV guru Phil McGraw and Supernanny Jo Frost have it all wrong: using “I Love You” to control behavior harms children. Alfie Kohn writes (excerpt): In practice, according to an impressive…
Collaborative Divorce: Investing in cooperation now brings less fights for parents later
The Traverse City Record-Eagle introduces the concept of the gentler divorce through Collaborative Divorce to our neighbors to the north. Vanessa McCray writes (excerpt): But feelings and the family’s future are not to be overlooked. Divorce is a “devastating and…
Getting the most out of your brain
Real Simple explains how to get your brain to operate more efficiently. Jonah Lehrer lists 10 ways to improve your thinking (excerpt): 1. Tap your emotions. 2. Don’t think under pressure. 3. Consider alternative points of view. 4. Challenge your…
The first to make the facts come alive: Gaining the advantage in bench trials
The ABA’s McElhaney on Litigation reminds us of how to persuade a judge. Jim McElhaney writes (excerpt): “You are talking directly to a fellow human being about the ‘gut stuff’ of life. What’s right and what’s wrong. Fair and unfair.…
Dowry offer for Chelsea Clinton: And Rumi thought the price of kissing was your life
CNN reports on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s promise to “convey this very kind offer.” Moni Basu writes (excerpt): What can 40 goats and 20 cows buy a Kenyan man? Chelsea Clinton’s love, if you ask Godwin Kipkemoi Chepkurgor. The…
Persuading without fake sincerity: The truth behind effective public speaking
Courtroom Performance’s new book, The Lawyer’s Winning Edge: Exceptional Courtroom Performance highlights four aspects of persuasion. Lisa L. DeCaro and Leonard Matheo write (excerpt): Remember these four important truths, and filter all advice through them: 1. Every speaker is different.…
When the kids come between you: save your marriage, help your children
CNN and Parenting.com gives us 11 tips on how to save your marriage from your kids Teri Cettina’s list includes (excerpt): Create warm welcomes Try 20-minute reconnects Set early bedtimes Share the load Encourage your kids’ independence Revive your past…
Grand Rapids Collaborative Child Specialists
Gentler Divorce’s list of collaborative child specialists in Grand Rapids who are trained and committed to collaborative divorce includes: Peter Everts Mary Lier Linda Ringleka Michael Ryan Leslie Visser
Grand Rapids Collaborative Divorce Mental Health Professionals and Divorce Coaches
Gentler Divorce’s list of collaborative mental health professionals and divorce coaches in Grand Rapids who are trained and committed to collaborative divorce includes: Craig A. DeWitt Peter Everts Denise Hames Mary Lier Linda Ringleka Michael Ryan Thomas Spahn Leslie Visser…
Grand Rapids Collaborative Divorce Lawyers
Gentler Divorce’s list of collaborative attorneys in grand rapids who are trained and committed to collaborative divorce includes: Deborah Bennett Berecz Melanie DeStigter Anthony Gauthier Susan Wilson Keener Courtney L. Quist Ric Roane David Sarnacki Randy Velzen
A really good story = persuasive closing argument
ABA Journal’s McElhaney on Litigationshows how to make your closing argument ring true. Jim McElhaney writes (excerpt): Cabbages and Insance Goats “Thirty years ago, the late Craig Spangenberg of Cleveland said, ‘The greatest weapon in the arsenal of persuasion is…
Marriage counseling: Therapists help those who help themselves?
The Detroit Free Press identifies the need for couples to take action, work with their marriage counselor and avoid four obstacles to a successful therapy relationship. Alex Kecskes writes (excerpt): 1. Couples don’t have a goal in mind. They’re stuck…
Just how temporary is the custody awarded to Michael Jackson’s mother?
The New York Times adds a little context to the looming custody issues following Michael Jackson’s death and the apparent change of heart by Debbie Rowe toward 12-year-old Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. and 11-year-old Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11. [An…
Create a happy, healthy marriage: 9 tips
CNN and Health Magazine show how making some effort leads to making your marriage last. Kate Stinchfield explains 9 ways to a happy, healthy marriage (excerpt): 1. Watch your waistline 2. Have a financial plan 3. Figure out your family…
Happy divorces: using collaborative divorce to avoid more trauma
Smart Money shows how making joint decisions can cost less and feel better. Aleksandra Todorova writes (excerpt): The goal of collaborative divorce is to avoid that. “In a collaborative divorce, the decisions have to be made by the couple,” Stoner…
The power of explanation: how to be a great communicator
Bloomberg shows how persuasion requires explanation and gives 3 tips for becoming a more effective communicator. John Baldoni writes (excerpt): Define what it is. The purpose of an explanation is to describe the issue, the initiative, or the problem. .…
Rush to judgment: how to lower the costs of divorce
Smart Money declares the top 5 divorce mistakes and highlights divorce mediation in the process. Stacey L. Bradford writes (excerpt): 4. Rushing to Court The fastest way to run up those hourly attorney fees is to go to court. While…
Finding the right balance: work and family
CNN & CareerBuilder offer tips for mixing family and career. Jason Ferrara writes (excerpt): 1. Communicate Don’t reserve your open dialogues only for your boss. Make sure you’re talking to your family about what’s happening at work . . .…
Back seat drivers: Moms who control dads’ time with the kids
The Wall Street Journal shows how “gatekeeper” mothers can help or hinder the involvement of fathers. Sue Shellenbarger writes (excerpt): Some ideas on avoiding the gatekeeping trap: Skills training. . . . In the hospital after childbirth, Mr. Edwards already…
Fatherhood: having the courage to raise a child
Parade Magazine shares some fatherly advice from our President. President Barack Obama writes (excerpt): . . . When we work hard, treat others with respect, spend within our means, and contribute to our communities, those are the lessons our children…