Blog for Better Living

Preparing for Parenthood: Myths vs. Reality

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | May 25, 2021

Parents-to-be often hear that becoming a parent is “the most wonderful and rewarding experience.” While possibly true, parenthood can also present challenges unlike any you may have experienced previously. If we put parenthood on a pedestal, we may find ourselves subscribing to unrealistic expectations that are impossible to fulfill. Dispelling myths that exist around parenthood […]

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Anxiety, Children, Family, Mindfulness, Parenting

Got Scaredy Cat Kids?

By: Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D. | January 24, 2020

When our kids feel anxious or scared, any parent would want to jump in and save them from emotional discomfort. In our busy lives, we tend to jump in too soon or brush concerns aside with a quick “there’s nothing to worry about.” Whether you tend to jump in as a swooper or dismiss as […]

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Anxiety, Children, Parenting

The ‘Nature’ Effect

By: Other | September 21, 2018

Written by Anke Reineke, Ph.D. Is it not natural for humans to spend time in nature? Is it not a vital component of our well-being? I’ve been enjoying the outdoors my whole life. During my childhood, being outdoors was the only place I wanted to be. I spent many hours every day on playgrounds or […]

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Anxiety, Children, Parenting, Personal Improvement, Stress

Back to School, Back to Routine: The Cost of Tech Addiction

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | August 31, 2018

The final weeks of summer are upon us. The sun is out, final vacations are being savored. We have the time and space to interact with the people around us. Weekend adventures and warm evenings prompt us to step outside to engage with the natural world. We noticeably “feel” better, healthier, and are consciously aware […]

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Children, Family, Parenting, Relationships, Teens

~ Present and Pleasant ~

By: Other | May 18, 2018

Written by Jennifer Wendt, Ph.D. Do you find yourself multitasking to get through the day? Is your to-do list longer than you will ever accomplish? Do you frequent your phone to pick up messages, check your calendar, or read something interesting? If you answer yes to any of these, I’ll bet your family and friends […]

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Children, Family, Personal Improvement, Relationships

How to be a “Whole-Brain” Parent as Your Child’s Brain Develops

By: Other | May 11, 2018

Written by Anke Reineke, Ph.D. What’s going on when your child throws a tantrum in the middle of a store? Why sometimes does your preschooler refuse to eat breakfast or get dressed? No logical reason seems to exist when these things happen. As a parent, your diligent efforts to calm your child may be met […]

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Children, Parenting

How to Talk with Children about Tragedy

By: Other | March 16, 2018

Written by Jennifer Wendt, Ph.D. Do you wonder how to talk about tragic events with your children? With media seemingly broadcasting such events 24 hours a day, we are exposed to much more information than ever before. We are less able to protect our children from the news of tragedies, allowing our children exposure to […]

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Children, Parenting

Talking to Your Child About Violence

By: Other | March 9, 2018

Written by Anke Reineke, Ph.D. In the past weeks we have seen and heard a lot about violence in school. Such violence has an impact beyond the place where it happened. Violence in our world today is all around our kids, in the media, in our communities, and even in our schools. Our kids are […]

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Anxiety, Children, Depression, Parenting, Stress, Teens

Talking Hot Topics with Kids

By: Other | February 2, 2018

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. “If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you`ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it”. – […]

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Children, Family, Parenting, Teens