Real Simple suggests how to go about changing someone’s mind. Amy Spencer writes (excerpt): The essential rule when trying to convert someone is: Don’t — at least, not at first. “Just listen,” says Dennis Ross [author of “The Missing Peace”]…
Top 5 admissions: Are you trying to kill your children?
CNN’s Kelly Wallace shows how many otherwise good parents admit to choices that put their kids at risk of serious injury and death.
Spilling your guts and other concerns when preparing for divorce
Kim Komando adds 5 things to your To Do List when a divorce is coming, as well as an opening warning to think twice before posting to social media. In the column, Komando has tips regarding passwords, social media profiles,…
Favors make the world go around: “Social wheels” and relationships
Psychology Today included an item from Susan Krauss Whitbourne’s blog, entitled “How to Ask For a Favor.” She offered 7 specific situations commonly involving opportunities for favors, and she identified 4 core principles. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D., explains each of…
Forget your perfect offering: The cumulative effect of imperfect parenting
On Being includes a post by Parker J. Palmer that, while not intended to focus on Father’s Day, applies to parenting: Have the courage to make small contributions knowing that there is a cumulative power in your imperfections. Palmer writes…
She says, you too can rise
Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014), heart, soul and voice of “And Still I Rise.”
Best wedding vows: perfect marriage by following science?
Psychology Today offers us scientific wedding vows. Samantha Joel’s list includes (excerpt): 1. “I promise to respect, admire, and appreciate you for who you are, as well as for the person you wish to become.” 2. “I promise to support…
Essentials, priorities and lifestyle choices: How to set up a quick budget
LearnVest offers a simple budgeting rule to apply instantly to your household. Your take-home pay is allocated among three categories: essentials [50%], priorities [20%], and lifestyle choices [30%]. Laura Shin writes (excerpt): The 50/20/30 Rule can be easy because instead…
A Journey: From nursing to foster caring to parenting to individual adoptions to family
Senior Judge Bernard A. Friedman issued his decision after trial in DEBOER v SNYDER, Civil Action No. 12-CV-10285 (E.D. Mich. 2014). He determined that the Michigan Marriage Amendment, a 2004 voter-approved amendment to the Michigan Constitution prohibiting same-sex marriage, is…
What would you do with a $20 bill?
CBS highlights superhero Myles Eckert, age 8.
Relationship building: Tips for difficult conversations
Today’s Love and Logic Insiders Club e-Newsletter featured tips that apply to make difficult conversations in life. The specific context was teacher-conferences, but it noted the interpersonal applications as well. Charles Fay excerpted some of his father Jim Fay’s advice…
Secrets to finding happiness in your life and relationships
The TED Radio Hour features insights into happiness research and simpler ways of life. The “Simply Happy” episode includes: Pharrell and his “Happy” song. Matt Killingsworth on staying in the moment. Carl Honoré on slowing down to enjoy life. Graham…
Valentine’s and Violence
Jim Wallis poses some interesting thoughts about celebrating February 14th. He writes (excerpt): Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, our annual reminder to celebrate the love we share in our lives. While many may be struggling through aisles of candy hearts and…
Why am I not happy? Or am happy? Or not sure? Graphic research findings
Trent Gilliss at On Being shares a Webpage FX infographic on “The Science of Happiness.” Gilliss writes (excerpt): The infographic above may not capture the details of the science, but it jogs a host of questions and insights. A few…
Considering Cosby: comedy with commentary
CNN-HLNtv offers us a take on Bill Cosby’s “10 greatest lessons.” Colette Bennett’s slideshow commentary includes these life lessons (excerpt): 1. Age is in your mind: “Old is always 15 years from now.” 2. Fear is all that’s stopping you:…
Sincerity and follow-through: How to apologize
Steven Stosny, Ph.D. helps us understand how to “[master] the art and science of apology” and shows the wonders of reconciliation–for your relationship, your core self, and your overall well-being. Steven Stosny writes (excerpt): Apology must: 1. Come from your…
Dealing with unreasonable people
Psychology Today offers up “7 Ways to Defuse a Difficult Encounter.” Susan Biali writes (excerpt): Minimize time with problem people. . . . Keep it logical. Communications should be fact-based with minimal details. . . . Focus on them in…
For your consideration: Resolutions for divorced parents who love their children
The Huffington Post highlights Kate Scharff’s New Year’s Resolutions for Divorced Parents in a “Dear Kids, Because we both love you” format. There are 26 statements to which parents may aspire. Kate Scharff writes (excerpt): . . . This year,…
Kids gone wild: help for overwhelmed parents
CNN Parents addresses struggling with a child’s behavioral problems and highlights the fact that there is help out there. Kelly Wallace includes references to advice like (excerpt): –“help them hear about why (sneaking on a plane) wasn’t safe, why it…
How long does it take to process my emotional divorce?
Psychology Today reminds us that divorce recovery is not a one-size-fits-all. It’s a process that you journey through. And you come out on the other side when you do. The time it takes depends on a number of factors. Susan…