Up to the age of 10 or so most children are very concrete thinkers – they have not developed the ability to see gray areas or to think abstractly. An example might be that it is difficult for them to understand the difference of when to keep a secret or to tell others what they …
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In the world that we live in today – all adults are facing the questions Why do people discriminate against others? How do I stand up against injustice? How do I help or stand up for myself when I am being disrespected? If I see someone else being humiliated, what should I do? These are …
Where does confidence come from? Especially self-confidence? When I asked a group of students this question we received many different answers, but the one that concerned me the most was – “when others complement us”. The long term effect of too much praise is not confidence, it can end up in dependance. This does not …
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When I observe anyone who is expressing anger with a behavior that is damaging to themselves or to others I personally feel their pain. There are many causes for the way we feel and express anger but they can be generally summed up with emotions or events: Embarrassment – not achieving a personal goal Loss …
In 1959 two social psychologists John French and Bertram Raven identified 5 ways that individuals may gain or exercise the power of ‘leaders’. These 5 ways were identified as; Legitimate, Reward, Expert, Referent, Coercive. If we understand these, first it helps us understand why one person can influence another, see where your own power as …
The Balanced Life Skills Way is “Compassion, Awareness & Respect”. Our focus this month is on the concept and action of Charity. How does Charity demonstrate each of these “Ways”? Charity & Compassion – Charity is about giving to those in need without expecting anything in return. When we see a situation that is difficult, …
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