Actions may speak louder than words, but we best not underestimate as a nation how the phrases we use shape the language of children we are collectively raising.  I guess it is a hazard of my profession, but I regularly see and hear the world through the eyes and ears of youth and wonder how exposure shaped their development.  With regard to verbal behaviors, it isn’t always foul language...

I did a great deal of yard work yesterday and was reminded of an important behavior strategy. It’s one I don’t talk about nearly enough, given its effectiveness. Of course, with most people’s busy schedule it’s also hard to come by. The strategy to which I am referring is physical activity.   When we engage in physical activity oxygen is sent to the brain, blood flow increases, and “feel...

I believe I have weather whiplash. For the majority of the week our city was shut down due to about six inches of snow, off-and-on electricity, busted water pipes, and a 9 degree low. Fast forward to today and the high is 72. Welcome to San Antonio, Texas. Though we are used to swings in the temperature, this is extreme even for us. The interesting observation I’m noting is that people don’t...

Given the theme of the day I thought it would be good to remind parents (and teachers) that your kids love you – even when their words and behaviors don’t show it.  “My child slams doors, calls me evil and yells – but then at other times approaches me from behind, gives me an unprompted hug and tells me he loves me.  It’s like I have a crazy temperamental cat.  That’s not normal....

Welcome to February. With the novelty of 2021 having already worn off and still over a month to go before Spring Break, homes and schools can feel like emotional pressure cookers. Unfortunately, the combination of high stress and low tolerance levels becomes a breeding ground for conflict. Keep in mind that when overly stressed we shift into survival mode and react to situations more than...

Alone time – we all need some degree of it. Even me, a card-carrying extrovert, gets a bit overwhelmed if I’m always interacting with others. When I have time to just exist, without input or involvement from others, I usually slow down, look inward and invariably self-reflect. I am also put in a position to be more independent in my choice making – which means I have no one to blame but...

Earlier this week I found myself humming the theme song of a sitcom from my childhood.  Once I realized I was doing so, all became clear.  Remember “Gimme a Break!”?   I believe I was unconsciously serenading 2021, but to no avail.  It seems the new year placed another challenge on the St. Romain’s doorstep.  Literally. Welcome to the family, Fiona.  If you read my post from last week you know...

I love it when blog themes drop out of the sky at some point during the week. Quite often this happens for me on Sundays. Small Godly life lessons become clear just before I sit down to write, and today was no exception. So, we have a new little kitten. She appeared on my oldest son’s doorstep just before Christmas, and since he and his wife are already at their pet limit, my second born drove...

“Was he bad today?” Though I’m certain the question was asked out of genuine concern, I was disheartened when parents would pick up their children after school and ask me this question. When I hear the word “bad” being used in this context, I cringe. Words matter, and many of our word choices polarize into all-or-nothing categories that are damaging.   Good, bad, smart, dumb,...

Ever feel as though you are being pulled in seven directions? Or asked to do so many things at once that you don’t feel as though you are doing any of them well? If you are a teacher, you can relate. Great. Hold that thought. You may have noticed how student behavioral concerns often manifest in clusters, with deficits blending together. A child struggles to follow directions, get attention...