Sass and Sippy Cups

Praise and Compliments: Appreciating the Whole Child Everyone loves a good compliment.   Even if you’re one of those I-don’t-give-a-shit-what-anyone-thinks type of people, it feels good to hear that someone appreciates you.   But think about this: Do you like being complimented only on one aspect of yourself (looks, smarts, work ethic, etc.)?  Of course not. We are more than just our physical appearance, intelligence, or talents. The same goes for kids.   Kids love being praised for what they do, but adults often only verbally recognize a few positive attributes.   As a child, I was the stereotypical nerd.   I always got good grades and was an early reader. I was a scrawny, awkward little thing with old lady glasses that took up half my face. I very rarely received praise for anything other than my intelligence. So as I got older and school became more challenging, I started to question my self-image.   As if being a preteen and...

Bird in a Tree Change is difficult for us as humans.   We hate it.   We resist it.   We avoid it like the plague. Most change sucks, and I call bullshit on anyone who tries to tell you otherwise.   Now, not ALL change is bad.   When we CHOOSE to make a change to better ourselves or our situation, we feel great!   But many times unforeseen events (a bad breakup, being laid off, loss of a loved one, financial struggles, etc.) can force our hands. These circumstances can lead to negative thoughts and insecurities. Insecurities plague EVERYONE, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, or physical appearance.   Whether it be at work or in their personal life, everyone has their moments when they feel like absolute crap about themselves. Everyone has a little voice in their head that repeats something they once heard from a former boss, coworker, friend, ex, or classmate that made them question themselves.   That voice say...