School of Thought

Parenting

Parenting Through Post-It Notes

Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman LICSW on September 10, 2015

When did it become acceptable to parent through post-it notes? Worthwhile communication almost always requires a conversation. It is phrased respectfully, and it’s helpful and kind. It tells the listener how I feel and what I want-to-happen, or, what I don’t-want-to-have-happen. It explains “why.”

When did it become acceptable to parent through post-it notes? Worthwhile communication almost always requires a conversation. It is phrased respectfully, and it’s helpful and kind. It tells the listener how I feel and what I want-to-happen, or, what I don’t-want-to-have-happen. It explains “why.”

Wisdom

How New Research in Psychology is Changing American Homework

Rebecca Jackson on August 18, 2015

New research is inspiring parents to take a look at the conventional wisdom behind giving children unlimited amounts of time to complete homework assignments. In an interview with Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman, she discusses her research and advice for both parents and educators about increasing homework loads in primary school.

New research is inspiring parents to take a look at the conventional wisdom behind giving children unlimited amounts of time to complete homework assignments. In an interview with Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman, she discusses her research and advice for both parents and educators about increasing homework loads in primary school.

Education

Research Backs Schools' Decision to Ditch Outdated Homework

Rebecca Jackson on March 24, 2015

Parents are not given any instruction on how to administer homework. It's assumed that they understand how—presumably based on their own experiences in school. That's ridiculous. Homework has changed dramatically over the past two decades! This article sifts through the current research to show why some homework methods are outdated.

Parents are not given any instruction on how to administer homework. It's assumed that they understand how—presumably based on their own experiences in school. That's ridiculous. Homework has changed dramatically over the past two decades! This article sifts through the current research to show why some homework methods are outdated.

Parenting

How Much Academic Homework Is Too Much?

Rebecca Jackson on March 19, 2015

The first rule about homework is: There currently are no rules about homework. That’s why the system is so frustrating. It’s incumbent on parents to decide what is age appropriate for their child and then to keep that habit consistent. Slowly build on it each year.

The first rule about homework is: There currently are no rules about homework. That’s why the system is so frustrating. It’s incumbent on parents to decide what is age appropriate for their child and then to keep that habit consistent. Slowly build on it each year.

Anxiety

How to Tell if a Child Has Test Anxiety

Rebecca Jackson on March 8, 2015

A staggering 16-20% of students have high test anxiety, making this the most frequent academic impairment in our schools today. Author Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman works with both athletes and students who suffer from test and performance anxiety; here she offers tangible solutions to help students succeed.

A staggering 16-20% of students have high test anxiety, making this the most frequent academic impairment in our schools today. Author Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman works with both athletes and students who suffer from test and performance anxiety; here she offers tangible solutions to help students succeed.

Although the benefits can be substantial for students, careful planning and instruction on the part of the teacher are essential for group projects. It’s empowering for students to be given choices and freedom when it comes to learning; but it’s hard for kids to accept responsibility when things don’t work out.

Stress

Study Finds Habits in Children Take Root By Age 9

Rebecca Jackson on February 26, 2015

The research is eye-opening for many parents who hope their children will eventually take on more responsibility. The evidence is clear: it's not happening without intervention.

The research is eye-opening for many parents who hope their children will eventually take on more responsibility. The evidence is clear: it's not happening without intervention.

Media

How Changes in Media Use Can Transform Mental Health

Rebecca Jackson on February 24, 2015

Morning grouchiness is not an uncommon complaint from parents—especially parents of teenagers. But what happens when your child's mood doesn't improve throughout the day—when your child seems to be terminally bad-tempered? This case study examines the effect of media multitasking on a teenage boy's mental health.

Morning grouchiness is not an uncommon complaint from parents—especially parents of teenagers. But what happens when your child's mood doesn't improve throughout the day—when your child seems to be terminally bad-tempered? This case study examines the effect of media multitasking on a teenage boy's mental health.

Embarrassment

It's OK to Use the Word 'Hate'

Rebecca Jackson on February 20, 2015

Several years ago, I was dropping my daughter off at preschool when her teacher asked, "What did you do last night?" My daughter replied cheerfully, "We had vagina pizza!"
I replayed the words in my mind, trying desperately to figure out exactly how the heck she came up with it. As a small mustache of sweat beads began to form on my upper lip, I screamed...

Several years ago, I was dropping my daughter off at preschool when her teacher asked, "What did you do last night?" My daughter replied cheerfully, "We had vagina pizza!"
I replayed the words in my mind, trying desperately to figure out exactly how the heck she came up with it. As a small mustache of sweat beads began to form on my upper lip, I screamed...

Media

Results of Massive Educational Research Study Released

Rebecca Jackson on February 17, 2015

"When it comes to controlling my child's media use, I know I fall short and I feel guilty about that," said Kim, a mother from San Antonio, Texas, who, along with hundreds of other parents, assisted researchers last year by taking the study during its beta testing and offering feedback.

"When it comes to controlling my child's media use, I know I fall short and I feel guilty about that," said Kim, a mother from San Antonio, Texas, who, along with hundreds of other parents, assisted researchers last year by taking the study during its beta testing and offering feedback.

Education

A Personal Perspective on Football Superstitions

Rebecca Jackson on January 31, 2015

Certainly I don’t want my daughter to believe in psychologically unfounded superstitious behavior. I understand that in this immense world, children have very few things that that feel control over.

Certainly I don’t want my daughter to believe in psychologically unfounded superstitious behavior. I understand that in this immense world, children have very few things that that feel control over.

Attention

Help Your Child Concentrate and Focus in 2015

Rebecca Jackson on January 7, 2015

Were you one of the many parents who ended 2014 feeling a little concerned about their child’s attention span? You’re not alone. These parents were looking to make a change in 2015, but didn't know where to start.
“Concentrated focus” is really the best place to start. Use this checklist to help you get started.

Were you one of the many parents who ended 2014 feeling a little concerned about their child’s attention span? You’re not alone. These parents were looking to make a change in 2015, but didn't know where to start.
“Concentrated focus” is really the best place to start. Use this checklist to help you get started.

Career

Ringing in Good Behavior

Rebecca Jackson on December 18, 2014

Why do we choose to donate money to charity at some stores, but not at others? Why do some parental bribes work to illicit good behavior, while others fail miserably? A revealing look at the psychology behind those seemingly random decisions and events.

Why do we choose to donate money to charity at some stores, but not at others? Why do some parental bribes work to illicit good behavior, while others fail miserably? A revealing look at the psychology behind those seemingly random decisions and events.

Friends

The Toughest Decisions in Life are Gray

Rebecca Jackson on December 9, 2014

Important decisions aren't black and white. In fact, they are surprisingly gray. For kids, the decision between bad and bad is infinitely more complex. Children aren't traditionally taught how to make “gray” decisions.

Important decisions aren't black and white. In fact, they are surprisingly gray. For kids, the decision between bad and bad is infinitely more complex. Children aren't traditionally taught how to make “gray” decisions.

Fear

Kids in Ferguson Need Superheroes Too

Rebecca Jackson on November 25, 2014

Today in Ferguson, Missouri we see a town that has been devastated by fear and anger. Schools have closed – which makes it unrealistic to expect kids to focus on educational goals. There is no outlet for children and families to discuss their feelings – their fears – or just blow off some pent up steam.

Today in Ferguson, Missouri we see a town that has been devastated by fear and anger. Schools have closed – which makes it unrealistic to expect kids to focus on educational goals. There is no outlet for children and families to discuss their feelings – their fears – or just blow off some pent up steam.

Grit

Age Appropriate Chores for Children

Rebecca Jackson on November 13, 2014

Learning habits take firm root in children by 3rd grade, so it’s helpful for parents to know what chores are age appropriate.

Learning habits take firm root in children by 3rd grade, so it’s helpful for parents to know what chores are age appropriate.

Alcoholism

The New Way TV Advertises Alcohol to Kids

Rebecca Jackson on October 24, 2014

The very next line which follows the “Stoli Rasberry” is 38 seconds into the clip. A cute looking, pink cheeked girl wearing a headband says in a playful, juvenile sounding voice, “Well, I always like a shot of vodka and a Shirley Temple.” Of course you do, sweetheart. Let me guess, you request it in your Sippy cup?

The very next line which follows the “Stoli Rasberry” is 38 seconds into the clip. A cute looking, pink cheeked girl wearing a headband says in a playful, juvenile sounding voice, “Well, I always like a shot of vodka and a Shirley Temple.” Of course you do, sweetheart. Let me guess, you request it in your Sippy cup?

Education

Top Four Hot Educational Books

Rebecca Jackson on October 19, 2014

There are four new and compelling titles that are certain to inspire educators and parents alike!

There are four new and compelling titles that are certain to inspire educators and parents alike!

Sport and Competition

Is Too Much Homework Unhealthy?

Rebecca Jackson on October 10, 2014

This is the question at the heart of the homework debate. A grassroots movement led by parents is backed by science. It’s not developmentally appropriate to ask a third grader to sit for 120 minutes and complete an academic assignment. It’s also not psychologically healthy to have a fourth grader in tears every night over homework.

This is the question at the heart of the homework debate. A grassroots movement led by parents is backed by science. It’s not developmentally appropriate to ask a third grader to sit for 120 minutes and complete an academic assignment. It’s also not psychologically healthy to have a fourth grader in tears every night over homework.

Media

All Media Is Not Twitter!

Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman LICSW on September 28, 2014

How can adults' media ignorance hurt a creative Eagle Scout candidate? Caring grown-ups will want to understand the new tech parlance--and why all media is not created equal. Since media use and kids are inextricably intertwined, we can use their fascination to build their skills, academically and socially: What one great teacher did.

How can adults' media ignorance hurt a creative Eagle Scout candidate? Caring grown-ups will want to understand the new tech parlance--and why all media is not created equal. Since media use and kids are inextricably intertwined, we can use their fascination to build their skills, academically and socially: What one great teacher did.