When kids are young, our culture tends to think of children as receivers of gifts. But kids also get enormous benefits from giving gifts, and holidays are a wonderful time to practice generosity and giving.

For many parents, school vacations feel like a time to "get through." But it is possible to truly appreciate the long stretches of time with your children, in the moment as they're happening.

No one will say traveling with young kids is easy. Toddlers thrive on routine, and both vacations and travel stray from these familiar rhythms. However, connection can help!

Chores often fall off the bottom of modern kids' to-do lists, but they are actually hugely beneficial for kids and families.

The most important factor in determining health and happiness over the lifespan is relationships. And what is the one essential quality that binds and holds relationships together? It is empathy.

The most important factor in determining health and happiness over the lifespan is relationships. And what is the one essential quality that binds and holds relationships together? It is empathy.

Empathy – the quality that binds and holds relationships together - is "caught, not taught." It's never too early to start!

Kids feel better, learn more, and are more cooperative when they feel both secure that you are there to help, and that they have some say in their own lives. Finding the right balance of parental authority and child autonomy is an ongoing practice of attunement and communication.

Your child isn't going to click with every teacher, coach, or administrator. But they can learn important social skills about how to navigate a system and deal with authority figures.

All relationships experience ebbs and flows in connections, and at times, emotionally distressing conflicts or ruptures. Practice relationship repair with your kiddo, to keep your connection in great shape.

Figuring out how to relate to peers and find a comfortable place in a social group is one of the most important jobs of the school years.

Figuring out how to relate to peers and find a comfortable place in a social group takes center stage during the adolescent years.