Verified by Psychology Today

Going Beyond Intelligence

How to raise happily productive kids

Parenting
Why Kids Need Lazy Summer Days

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on July 23, 2024

A Personal Perspective: How many kids are having an old-fashioned summer, where they get to make their own fun?

A Personal Perspective: How many kids are having an old-fashioned summer, where they get to make their own fun?

ADHD
ADHD in Early Adolescence: Challenges and Opportunities

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on July 17, 2024

As a child with ADHD enters the teen years, they need help with coping strategies if they're going to make wise decisions. Here are some ideas for encouraging them to thrive.

As a child with ADHD enters the teen years, they need help with coping strategies if they're going to make wise decisions. Here are some ideas for encouraging them to thrive.

Divorce
Children and Divorce: The 3 Big Questions

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on January 19, 2024

Many parents worry that splitting up will hurt their kids. That can be true initially, but if parents handle it with love and maturity, kids can become stronger and more resilient.

Many parents worry that splitting up will hurt their kids. That can be true initially, but if parents handle it with love and maturity, kids can become stronger and more resilient.

Parenting
One Child Gifted, Another One Not

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on November 22, 2023

If one of your kids is labeled as "gifted" and another isn't, help them both realize that each person has a unique set of strengths, only some of which are measured by tests.

If one of your kids is labeled as "gifted" and another isn't, help them both realize that each person has a unique set of strengths, only some of which are measured by tests.

Growth Mindset
Growth Mindset Parenting

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on November 14, 2023

A growth mindset brings positivity, happiness, and success in every area. Here are six ways you can help your child move from "I can't do it" to "I can't do it yet."

A growth mindset brings positivity, happiness, and success in every area. Here are six ways you can help your child move from "I can't do it" to "I can't do it yet."

Parenting
Atrocities: What Can Young Children Handle?

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on October 16, 2023

Children under 10 can be triggered by the horrendous details of violence in the Middle East. Here are 10 suggestions for supporting your young child through this troubling time.

Children under 10 can be triggered by the horrendous details of violence in the Middle East. Here are 10 suggestions for supporting your young child through this troubling time.

Education
Second-Language Immersion Is Not Always the Best Choice

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on September 20, 2023

Learning another language can enrich your child’s life and expand their opportunities. However, early language immersion programs may not be the best choice for your child.

Learning another language can enrich your child’s life and expand their opportunities. However, early language immersion programs may not be the best choice for your child.

Bullying
What if Your Kid Is the Toxic Friend or Bully?

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on September 8, 2023

Some children and teens need help learning to manage the complexities and challenges of social demands. Ten suggestions for parents to help kids move past bullying behavior.

Some children and teens need help learning to manage the complexities and challenges of social demands. Ten suggestions for parents to help kids move past bullying behavior.

Parenting
Your Child Needs at Least One Good Friend

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on September 6, 2023

Friends are important for children's and teens' development, but not all friends are good. What you can do if you suspect your child has toxic friendships.

Friends are important for children's and teens' development, but not all friends are good. What you can do if you suspect your child has toxic friendships.

Boredom
What to Do When Your Child or Teen Says “I’m Bored!”

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on July 18, 2023

Some parents think they're responsible for "curing" their kids' boredom. No! Here are some non-technology ideas to help kids use boredom to discover their strengths and interests.

Some parents think they're responsible for "curing" their kids' boredom. No! Here are some non-technology ideas to help kids use boredom to discover their strengths and interests.

Boredom
When Your Child or Teen Says “I’m Bored!”

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on July 17, 2023

Boredom can be a catalyst for your child or teenager's self-awareness, imagination, resilience, and creativity. On the other hand, chronic boredom can be a sign of problems.

Boredom can be a catalyst for your child or teenager's self-awareness, imagination, resilience, and creativity. On the other hand, chronic boredom can be a sign of problems.

Media
Teens, Screens, and Mental Health

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on April 30, 2023

Toxic social media can damage teens' mental health, but parents can reduce its toxic effects by teaching mindful usage and supporting a healthy life balance.

Toxic social media can damage teens' mental health, but parents can reduce its toxic effects by teaching mindful usage and supporting a healthy life balance.

Environment
All Kids Need Time in Nature and the Planet Needs That Too

Dona Matthews Ph.D. on April 23, 2023

If you care about kids' mental and physical health, your community's well-being, and planetary survival, you'll do what you can to ensure equitable access to nature education.

If you care about kids' mental and physical health, your community's well-being, and planetary survival, you'll do what you can to ensure equitable access to nature education.