October 2012 | Heidi Smith Luedtke

Monthly Archives: October 2012

How to Handle Scary Suspenses

By Heidi Smith Luedtke on October 29, 2012
Categories: Emotion, Self-Care, Stress and Coping

Much of the northeastern United States is stuck in a tense state of suspense today, as we wait for Hurricane Sandy blow in. This kind of suspense can be hard to manage — you want to be well-prepared but you can’t plan for every possible peril. I’m sitting in my office right now wishing I… [read more]

No Mom is an Island

By Heidi Smith Luedtke on October 26, 2012
Categories: Friendship, Parenting, People Skills, Relationships, Self-Care, Stress and Coping, Uncategorized

It’s a bit of a paradox: Moms of young children seldom get any alone time. And yet — for many women — this stage of life feels lonely. Moms who stay home with young kids miss out on the friendships they had in the workplace. There’s no one around to commiserate when the kids are… [read more]

Why Grown-Ups Should Act Silly More Often

By Heidi Smith Luedtke on October 23, 2012
Categories: Emotion, Happiness 101, Parenting, Stress and Coping

One of the gifts young children give their parents is an endless supply of silly behavior. My daughter wears underwear on her head. And not just her own. My son shakes his booty when he dances, and acts like a backseat DJ when a thumping song comes on the radio, moving one hand like he’s… [read more]

Why We Should Tell Kids Learning is Difficult

By Heidi Smith Luedtke on October 19, 2012
Categories: Beliefs, Education, Motivation, Psychology Research, Self-confidence

Every parent wants to boost their child’s sense of optimism and self-confidence. But statements like “You’re so smart!” or “These problems are easy” might inadvertently undermine kids’ academic achievement. That’s because these phrases send the message that ability is fixed (you either have it or you don’t) and success should be effortless. A recent study… [read more]

Disappointed? Feel Your Way Forward

By Heidi Smith Luedtke on October 17, 2012
Categories: Detachment, Emotion, Happiness 101, mindfulness, Motivation, self-awareness

I like to focus on the positive whenever possible: Smiling activates good thoughts and feelings and sends welcoming signals to people around us. But constantly telling yourself to suck it up and act happy isn’t healthy. You (and I) have every right to feel let down, hurt, frustrated and angry sometimes. And it’s important that… [read more]

Three Good Things (3GT)

By Heidi Smith Luedtke on October 10, 2012
Categories: 3GT, Books, Emotion

Gratitude is a sure-fire way to increase good feelings and break out of the blahs. In fact, research shows the consistent practice of grateful habits boosts mood long-term. (Bob Emmons shares these findings in Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier) Frankly, gratitude one of the least-expensive most-valuable gifts you can… [read more]

Want Better Relationships? Stow Your Cell Phone

By Heidi Smith Luedtke on October 8, 2012
Categories: People Skills, Psychology Research, Relationships

I’m always astounded by the number of people who spend their time looking at their mobile phones instead of their social companions. It’s not uncommon to see a family of four seated in a restaurant, staring at four different electronic devices. So much for quality time! A new study published in the Journal of Social… [read more]

Break Out of the Reminder Rut

By Heidi Smith Luedtke on October 4, 2012
Categories: Uncategorized

In my last post, I offered tips for helping your child tune in to what you’re saying. But I know that as parents, we often say “My kids don’t listen” when what we mean is “My kids don’t do what I asked them to do.” Repeating the same requests can be really frustrating for everyone.… [read more]

Do You Hear Me Now?

By Heidi Smith Luedtke on October 1, 2012
Categories: Parenting, People Skills, Relationships

If I had a dollar for every time I wondered (or asked) why my kids don’t listen, I could have a $30,000 shoe collection like the woman featured in this TODAY show story on shopping addiction. Getting kids to tune in can be challenging, especially in our highly distracting digital age. Half the times I… [read more]