Protests over the murder of George Floyd and the senseless deaths of so many African Americans question our integrity and remind us that the struggle for racial equity is never-ending. I was a college student during the protests of the 1960’s. Photos like this one pushed me out of my […]
Integrity
Research shows that young people who develop inner strengths and attributes during childhood and adolescence are more likely to flourish in school, careers, and adult life. That’s because success goes far beyond external achievements. It is driven by our core abilities to form positive relationships, collaborate, lead, and contribute to […]
Compass-Inspired
It’s a new year. Or maybe it’s just time to reflect on how your parenting practices affect your adolescent’s growth and development. Whatever the reason, a few parenting resolutions may bring surprising results for your whole family. Recent research studies show why the teenage years may be challenging for parents […]
Empathy
When you become a parent, you often have this idealized notion of how it is going to go. You will fall in love with your baby and your baby will fall in love with you. You will figure out how to help them grow. It will all work out. After […]
Compass-Inspired
What skills do future leaders need? The answer may surprise you. Research suggests that great leadership is not about a bulleted list of teachable skills, but about the quality of the person. Why is this important to parents, teachers, and others who imagine the future leadership potential of today’s young […]
Compass-Inspired
Communities make a positive difference for children and families when they connect around common values, form meaningful relationships with each other, and provide resources that help kids flourish in life. We know this to be true, not just from research, but because we know deep in our bones that the […]
Compass-Inspired
Family meetings are opportunities for parents and children to discuss important issues, strengthen communication, reinforce values, and nurture positive relationships. Often, parents and kids are reluctant to adopt family meetings because they don’t understand their purpose and structure. Some parents fear it will lessen their authority. Conversely, children may view […]
Compass-Inspired
How is self-esteem related to unconditional love? How do parents show approval for kids as human beings even as they must often show disapproval for children’s behavior? In the article, Does Self-Esteem Function as an Emotional Immune System?, Guy Winch, PhD, asserts that a variety of studies have begun to […]
Resilience
School bullying has become a serious public health issue for children of all ages. In a new book by Dr. Michele Borba, recognized educational psychologist and school bullying expert, insight and advice are readily at hand. Weeks prior to the Columbine High School shootings in 1999, Borba made a presentation […]
Integrity
We live in an age where integrity often takes a back seat to power and material success — where “the end justifies the means” is a mantra for too many adults who influence children. Nowhere has this mantra played out more publicly than in U.S. politics, where deceit, dishonesty, and […]
Integrity
Parental relationships can be messy and confusing for kids, even in the best of circumstances. Children learn about intimate relationships from their parents. So it’s not too surprising that negative patterns can be repeated from one generation to the next. What should parents know about their own intimate relationships that […]
Sociability
What is collective impact? And how can it make a difference for children and teens? Collective impact is a relatively new term and strategy for helping communities effect positive social change. For example, most communities offer a variety of support to young people through after-school programs, services, internships, etc. But […]
Compass-Inspired
