NexusEQ Conference – Emotion, Neuroscience, Learning, Leadership
Described as the 'Emotional Intelligence Fair', NexusEQ is a conference that aims to connect the science and practice of emotional intelligence. Read full article
My Son Doesn't Want Surprise Gifts This Christmas
This year, there will be no surprises at Christmas time for my six year old son. No, he hasn’t been a ‘naughty boy’ and therefore undeserving of Santa’s generosity. The reason my son will have no surprises is that he will choose all of his presents and be with us when we buy them, in November. They will then be wrapped and put under the Christmas tree. Read full article
Dummies or Pacifiers May Affect Emotional Development
Recently published research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides another reason for parents to hesitate to use dummies too often with their babies..."Since a baby is not yet verbal - and so much is regulated by facial expression - at least you want parents to be aware that using something like a pacifier limits their baby's ability to understand and explore emotions." says psychology Professor, Paula Niedenthal. Read full article
Teacher Resource for Young Children Learning Emotional Intelligence
The Bear Cards ® are designed to be an easy and fun way of building emotional intelligence in children. An effective and entertaining teacher and resource, also for parenting, the eye catching set of 48 cards depicts Bear experiencing a wide range of emotions, and invites conversations about feelings that children sometimes don’t have the language or opportunity to discuss. Could a set of cards with a bear on them really build emotional intelligence, you ask? Read full article
Best Start
Best Start by Lynn Jenkins, clinical psychologist, is for parents who want to understand their baby's or toddler's emotional needs. This book explains the importance of the quality of your baby's early experiences and interactions and how these influence how your child develops. Read full article
Empathy and Yawning - Lessons from Chimpanzees
Like you, there are certain topics I often wonder about - one of them is why yawning is contagious. I remember reading a theory somewhere suggesting that yawning allows more oxygen into our lungs and the contagious response is because our brain automatically assumes that if someone else is yawing, there's a shortage of oxygen and we need to respond accordingly! Could that be true? It was the best explanation I'd read ... until today. Read full article
Podcast The Influencing Parent with Robin Grille Part 2
Recording of webinar with Robin Grille on 29 October 2010 - The Influencing Parent - part 1. Robin Grille talks about a different approach to getting children to behave well, and not just 'do as they are told'. He talks about why punishment of children does not work but natural consequences do.In this podcast Robin Grille also discusses the value of intrinsic rewards and the transient effect of systems such as start charts. Questions and comments from audience and Yvette Vignando, publisher of happychild. Read full article
Podcast The Influencing Parent with Robin Grille Part 1
Recording of webinar with Robin Grille on 22 October 2010 - The Influencing Parent - part 1. Robin Grille talks about the power of empathy, the foundation of good behaviour and creating an emotionally safe environment for children. Questions and comments from audience and Yvette Vignando, publisher of happychild. Read full article
Emotional Intelligence and Academic Success with Professor Jon Cohen
A content-rich podcast on the connections between emotional intelligence in children and academic success. Children with stronger social and emotional skills do better academically and socially. Professor Cohen defines "social and emotional learning" and shares the important research on character education and emotional intelligence education. This recording is a "must listen" for every parent and teacher. Read full article
Playground Speak - It's Out of Line Sometimes
We have three boys and like many other kids, I suspect, they have had a tendency to refer to things they don't like as "gay" or even "retarded". This is playground speak and some people might advise me to just let it go. But I detest this kind of language coming from kids or anyone...language is a tool much stronger than the proverbial "sticks and stones" and I feel strongly that children need to learn about its impact and develop some empathy for people... Read full article
