Category Archives: Praise

A Dynamic Mind; Not a Growth Mindset

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Rick

The antidote for a “fixed mindset” is not a “growth mindset,” but a mind on a mission. One morning ten years ago a kindergarten teacher named John walked into his class wearing a pink shirt. There had been an outbreak of students … Continue reading →

Posted in Achievement, Brain Development, Challenge, Character, Children, Diversity, Genius, Learning community, parenting, Praise, school culture, School Reform, Self-Actualization, Social Anxiety, Success, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Myth of Self Acceptance

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Rick

Collaborate. Create. Contribute, and stop chasing after self acceptance. Please follow and like us:

Posted in Challenge, Collaborate. Create. Contribute., Conflict and Issues, Creativity, Emotional Intelligence, Genius, Happiness, parenting, Praise, Self-Actualization | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Empathy, Education and a True Growth Mindset

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Rick

Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. Instead of offering empathy, we often have a strong urge to give advice and to explain our own position of feeling. Empathy, however, calls upon us to empty our mind … Continue reading →

Posted in Achievement, Challenge, Children, Education, Empathy, Genius, Montessori Education, parenting, Praise, school culture, School Reform, Self-determination, Self-esteem, Teaching | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Address Behavior Problems with Accurate Feedback (and don’t stop)

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Rick

Several days ago my three-year-old grandson launched into an ebullient riff that went something like: “I am grateful for this soup. I am grateful for the goats. I am grateful for Papa being here. I am grateful for planting the … Continue reading →

Posted in Authority, Brain Development, bribery, Challenge, Character, Children, decision-making, Education, Fun, Genius, Imperfection, Mistakes, parenting, Praise, Self-Actualization, Self-determination, Self-esteem, Social Responsibility, Teaching, terrible two's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Do Children Start Out Good or Bad? Our Answer Matters.

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Rick

“Ricky, you are not yourself, today,” my mother used to say when I was, well, shall we say, socially irresponsible. I was a difficult child. My mother even said so in the last few days we were together before she … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Anxiety, Authority, Brain Development, bullying, Character, Children, Conflict and Issues, decision-making, Discipline, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Forgiveness, Genius, Imperfection, Integrity, Leadership, Learning community, Mistakes, parenting, Praise, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, School Reform, Self-Actualization, Self-determination, Self-esteem, Social Responsibility, Teaching, terrible two's, Thoughtfulness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments