How to raise siblings who love each other, according to a psychologist
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Fighting between brothers and sisters is normal. And even though it may drive you and the rest of the family crazy, in reality it’s not always a bad thing. Squabbles can sharpen negotiation skills, build resilience, and even prepare kids for real-world Read More...
Back-to-school shopping without the meltdown: How to keep trends and budgets in check
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For parents of tweens and teens, August often brings the same showdown: a wish list brimming with the latest must-have styles and a budget that’s not budging. That Stanley cup your kid swears will change their life? The wide-leg jeans that cost more than Read More...
Using the Paralympics to encourage conversations about limb differences with kids
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Children are naturally curious about the world around them, especially the people that cross their paths. When kids observe someone whose body looks different from theirs, such as a person with a limb difference, they are more prone to ask questions—often Read More...
Don't know how to talk about consent with your kids? Here's what a sex therapist has to say
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Talking about consent with kids might be daunting, or at the very least, super awkward. But, it doesn't have to be. The key is to start early and encourage regular communication about the topic. We know that when it comes to these kinds of topics, it's Read More...
Pro parenting tips to spark your children's life-long love for the great outdoors
In today's digital world, the pull of screens can be difficult to overcome, particularly for kids. However, the dangers of spending too much time indoors are serious. Carlene Fider, Ph.D., a core faculty member at Pacific Oaks College, emphasizes the importance of outdoor exploration for children's Read More...
How to stop texting (distracting!) your kids while they're at school
In today's digital world, cell phones have become an essential part of our lives, allowing us to communicate instantly. However, among the conveniences is a hidden disadvantage: the incessant assault of parental texts that invade the school day. Joe Clement, a dedicated high school teacher from Read More...
Hiking with little ones? It can be done!
As the spring finds its way to the Western Hemisphere, many parents are looking for ways to connect with their children outdoors. Frankly we’ve all spent too much time inside through the course of the pandemic and the value of Vitamin D cannot be underestimated. At The Optimist Daily we are fans Read More...
How mindful listening can help you handle your child more compassionately
Often enough, when your child is acting problematically and having emotional outbursts, the issue is that they don’t feel understood. Even if you do understand them, the problem can lie in the manner in which you listen to them. Are you making it clear through verbal and non-verbal communication Read More...