My favorite resources to learn and grow

Most parents constantly strive to be the best parents they can. But how can we educate ourselves to learn and grow? There is so much information out there, especially online and it can be truly overwhelming.

Some are genius, some totally useless and the vast majority time consuming and mediocre.

Trying to find valuable parenting information can feel like looking up at the stars at night. You will see so many stars it is almost impossible to find the one that is right for you. Let me show you my personal “Super Stars” list and check out if they shine bright for you and your kids.

Everyday Parenting

Everyday Parenting - The ABCs of Child Rearing: Informative, easy, fun and super effective (at least on my kids). This free online parenting class is offered by Yale University on Coursera. The instructor is Alan E. Kazdin, Sterling Professor of Psychology and Child Psychiatry and he teaches about the magical ABC formula for behavior-change (in all kids from toddlers to adolescents). It is super positive and the most effective technique I know. I love it! Enjoy the combination of animated videos, readings and little quizzes to learn about the magical ABC formula for behavior-change. The whole course is about 14 hours, but you can also just pick the topics that interest you and watch the videos you like.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, International Speaker and NY Times bestselling book author. See her on stage and you crack up. This amazing woman spreads a unique message of conscious parenting and mindful living. If you ever get the chance to attend a Conscious Parenting Event with Dr. Shefali, do NOT miss it. It is so fun! No comedian can keep up with her. She talks about the most important challenges in our lives in a very light, funny and cheerful way. One ‘AHA’ moment follows the other and she really touches the audience with her wisdom. Even Oprah has endorsed her work as revolutionary and life changing. I read some of her books and liked them, too. The message is the same, but not as entertaining as the experience with her, of course. There are also a lot of great videos of her online and she is active on social media. She has a Video and Audio Portfolio on her homepage. Her books: It’s a Mom. What you should know about the early years of Motherhood, 2006; The Conscious Parent, 2010; Out of Control, 2013; The Awakened Family, 2016.

Mindsets for Parents

Mindsets for Parents - Strategies to Encourage Growth Mindsets in Kids by Mary Cay Ricci and Margaret Lee. This book is a real Mindset Transformer and can take your Growth Mindset to the next level. The approach is based on the Mindset Concept of Carol Dweck, but focused on parents and children. The book is interactive, gives you ideas and mindset experiences to try at home and also contains a workbook that helps you apply the new techniques. Learning about Mindsets was a life-changer for my children and me. It truly opened up a new perspective, helped me with my personal growth and reframed the way I teach and learn with my kids. I am less stressed about my childrens’ academic achievement and I have more trust in the learning process. It is amazing to see and feel how my new perspective shifted the way my children approached challenges. Viewing difficulties as an opportunity for growth was a game- changer for our whole family.