The Power of Imagination

Mindfulness

Mindfulness in Motion: Inner Strength Through Imagery

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on September 30, 2014

What better way to help a child find Strength than to start within? Like six-year-old Chloe who described how she ran from the playground and hid in the bushes. She hated herself for having no friends. Other girls had formed a close group in soccer practice, while Chloe’s forte was swimming. Chloe felt excluded and rejected. She felt weak and didn't know what to do.

What better way to help a child find Strength than to start within? Like six-year-old Chloe who described how she ran from the playground and hid in the bushes. She hated herself for having no friends. Other girls had formed a close group in soccer practice, while Chloe’s forte was swimming. Chloe felt excluded and rejected. She felt weak and didn't know what to do.

Relationships

Opening the Heart of a Child

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on December 4, 2012

With the holidays approaching, expectations of peace, love, giving, receiving, and forgiving abound. My mind and heart naturally wander to thoughts of compassion and self-compassion and where these very critical values stand in our consciousness. Especially at this time of year when many feel they are supposed to be joyful yet are not.

With the holidays approaching, expectations of peace, love, giving, receiving, and forgiving abound. My mind and heart naturally wander to thoughts of compassion and self-compassion and where these very critical values stand in our consciousness. Especially at this time of year when many feel they are supposed to be joyful yet are not.

Imagination

22 Olympic Medals: 9 Back-to-School Lessons We All Could Use

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on September 1, 2012

Recently there was a fabulous video touting the accolades of imagery and mental visualization. Not surprisingly, the feature was with Michael Phelps. The lessons from the Olympics live on - and the skills of visualization and the power of imagination can be adapted to many areas of life.

Recently there was a fabulous video touting the accolades of imagery and mental visualization. Not surprisingly, the feature was with Michael Phelps. The lessons from the Olympics live on - and the skills of visualization and the power of imagination can be adapted to many areas of life.

Imagination

TEDxStudioCityED: Blending Self-Regulation, Technology, and Education

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on June 15, 2012

The challenges of growing up in today’s rapidly changing technological society are enormous. Children need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined.

The challenges of growing up in today’s rapidly changing technological society are enormous. Children need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined.

Gratitude

Start Simple: A View of the New Year

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on January 4, 2012

I love New Year's. "Regular" New Year's, Chinese New Year's, Jewish New Year's, Indian New Year's, whatever New Year tradition there is, count me in. Any reason to start fresh and be given a second chance.

I love New Year's. "Regular" New Year's, Chinese New Year's, Jewish New Year's, Indian New Year's, whatever New Year tradition there is, count me in. Any reason to start fresh and be given a second chance.

With the holidays upon us, there's likely going to be a lot of family gatherings - meals included. It brings up the question of how essential these rituals are to you - not just holiday time, but all the time.

Halloween is supposed to be a fun time for kids of all ages. And for most it is. Dress up, hang out with friends or family, and collect candy. What could be bad? Plenty, if you ask 11-year-old Louise.

As school starts, so does stress. Not only for kids, but for the parents that watch over them. It’s easy to let our worry turn into irritation and nagging and yelling. Yet there is also an antidote: coming from an open heart.

Stress

7 Soothing Remedies for Kids’ Headaches

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on June 13, 2011

Ten-year-old Ethan described his headaches as either "pounding cannonballs" on the top of his head or "humungous pliers" gripping his temples. He created a character for them: a muscular hard-hat construction worker holding an enormous drill in each hand, opening up the top of his head and drilling directly into his brain. The intense pain made Ethan weep.

Ten-year-old Ethan described his headaches as either "pounding cannonballs" on the top of his head or "humungous pliers" gripping his temples. He created a character for them: a muscular hard-hat construction worker holding an enormous drill in each hand, opening up the top of his head and drilling directly into his brain. The intense pain made Ethan weep.

Imagination

5 Tips to Turn the Tide: Parents and Kids Living Together Lovingly

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on May 18, 2011

Eleven-year-old Grace had always been a challenge, but the last two years everything had become a struggle with her parents. Grace wanted more freedom; Mom needed to keep a watchful eye. Grace thought Dad was overbearing; Dad found Grace inconsiderate. Explosions erupted constantly and no one knew how to turn the tide.

Eleven-year-old Grace had always been a challenge, but the last two years everything had become a struggle with her parents. Grace wanted more freedom; Mom needed to keep a watchful eye. Grace thought Dad was overbearing; Dad found Grace inconsiderate. Explosions erupted constantly and no one knew how to turn the tide.

Family Dynamics

Peace Begins At Home: 6 Tips for Siblings

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on April 26, 2011

One tense teen asked, “Haven’t we evolved and learned war is not an answer?” In his mind, it’s hard to fight someone who doesn’t want to fight you back, so if everyone would decide not to fight, war could end.

One tense teen asked, “Haven’t we evolved and learned war is not an answer?” In his mind, it’s hard to fight someone who doesn’t want to fight you back, so if everyone would decide not to fight, war could end.

Friends

6 Ways to Help Your Child Develop Better Friendships

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on March 20, 2011

I'm getting a lot of flack about friends lately. Kids are complaining that they don't have any. Parents are concerned that their children don't have enough, or have too many disagreements with the ones they do have. Everyone is asking for help.

I'm getting a lot of flack about friends lately. Kids are complaining that they don't have any. Parents are concerned that their children don't have enough, or have too many disagreements with the ones they do have. Everyone is asking for help.

Happiness

Valentine's Day... Everyone Deserves to Be Happy

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on February 14, 2011

What better way to help a child find happiness than to start within... being her own best friend. When your child has a best friend inside, she can be happy no matter what storms of life are outside. 

What better way to help a child find happiness than to start within... being her own best friend. When your child has a best friend inside, she can be happy no matter what storms of life are outside. 

Anxiety

How to Handle an Over-the-Top Temper?

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on February 8, 2011

It's winter, it's cold, the weather drives us indoors and can also drive us a bit batty. So it's not surprising that it's a time that kids can easily lose their tempers. How to manage an over-the-top temper in wintertime... and any time? 

It's winter, it's cold, the weather drives us indoors and can also drive us a bit batty. So it's not surprising that it's a time that kids can easily lose their tempers. How to manage an over-the-top temper in wintertime... and any time? 

Child Development

Quick Tips for Sleep

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on November 1, 2010

"You say that sleep issues are a major concern for kids today. How can parents use imagination to help their children fall asleep quickly and easily?" 

"You say that sleep issues are a major concern for kids today. How can parents use imagination to help their children fall asleep quickly and easily?" 

Child Development

The Healing Power of Family Play

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on August 19, 2010

Many years ago I happened upon a magical island in the Mediterranean where families from all parts of Europe took their holidays. The beaches have the warmest, clearest aqua waters, there are fascinating prehistoric “taula” ruins, a bit like Stonehenge, sprinkled about, and the old towns take me back to a charming other time.  

Many years ago I happened upon a magical island in the Mediterranean where families from all parts of Europe took their holidays. The beaches have the warmest, clearest aqua waters, there are fascinating prehistoric “taula” ruins, a bit like Stonehenge, sprinkled about, and the old towns take me back to a charming other time.  

Wisdom

Summertime - Can We All Just Get Along?

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on June 23, 2010

It’s summertime and the kids are out of school. No more stress – no more homework, no more tests, no more pressure. Kids and families should have a super summer. Yes? Well, not exactly. The pressures of the academic year are over, and initially there’s a big relief and often everyone is happy and carefree. But with lots more time on kids’ hands, even with camp and other sports activities, there’s lots more time to spend with family, and that can mean lots more chances to annoy one’s younger brother or sister, get on each others nerves, push buttons, and generally drive each other crazy.  However, summertime can also be a time to heal from the year’s stresses, rejuvenate and relax, and develop closer family bonds.

It’s summertime and the kids are out of school. No more stress – no more homework, no more tests, no more pressure. Kids and families should have a super summer. Yes? Well, not exactly. The pressures of the academic year are over, and initially there’s a big relief and often everyone is happy and carefree. But with lots more time on kids’ hands, even with camp and other sports activities, there’s lots more time to spend with family, and that can mean lots more chances to annoy one’s younger brother or sister, get on each others nerves, push buttons, and generally drive each other crazy.  However, summertime can also be a time to heal from the year’s stresses, rejuvenate and relax, and develop closer family bonds.

Child Development

Bonding With Kids on Mother's Day

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on May 2, 2010

May has just begun and Mother's Day is already next weekend!  What a great  opportunity to "check in" with the kids in your life – whether you work with them or have them – and enjoy some creative play together. There's an immediate advantage to spending quality time with your child. It helps you understand "where he or she is at" and gives you a chance to have fun together – a very important aspect of child development. Here are 4 creative activities to do with kids this Mother's Day.

May has just begun and Mother's Day is already next weekend!  What a great  opportunity to "check in" with the kids in your life – whether you work with them or have them – and enjoy some creative play together. There's an immediate advantage to spending quality time with your child. It helps you understand "where he or she is at" and gives you a chance to have fun together – a very important aspect of child development. Here are 4 creative activities to do with kids this Mother's Day.

Child Development

Spring: Time for a Healing (Garden) for Our Kids

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on March 21, 2010

Spring is a time of new beginnings: flowers blooming and seeds blossoming into lush plants that we've nurtured and cultivated earlier. Spring can also be a time of renewal for our children - to open their hearts, to share their hopes, and to expand their dreams. We can guide our children toward their right path by helping them connect with their own inner seeds - of peace - of joy - of love. We can teach them how to heal hurts of their personal dark winter - in the present, and from the past. And, we can support our children in developing their potential.

Spring is a time of new beginnings: flowers blooming and seeds blossoming into lush plants that we've nurtured and cultivated earlier. Spring can also be a time of renewal for our children - to open their hearts, to share their hopes, and to expand their dreams. We can guide our children toward their right path by helping them connect with their own inner seeds - of peace - of joy - of love. We can teach them how to heal hurts of their personal dark winter - in the present, and from the past. And, we can support our children in developing their potential.

Sport and Competition

Help Kids Visualize Victory Like Olympic Athletes: 9 Tools to Achieve Sports Success

Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. on March 1, 2010

How would you like to help your child feel as successful as an Olympic athlete? Your child’s love of a sport can motivate him to learn the same positive visualization techniques that Olympic athletes have used for decades. If you want to support your child to reach for the gold yet celebrate the bonze—or if your once happy child that used to love skating or basketball has been replaced by one who no longer wants to participate—here are 9 imagination tools that can help.

How would you like to help your child feel as successful as an Olympic athlete? Your child’s love of a sport can motivate him to learn the same positive visualization techniques that Olympic athletes have used for decades. If you want to support your child to reach for the gold yet celebrate the bonze—or if your once happy child that used to love skating or basketball has been replaced by one who no longer wants to participate—here are 9 imagination tools that can help.