By: Dr Justin CoulsonChristmas is the season that “should” fill us with joy. We are supposed to be relaxing. We are supposed to be spending time with those we love. We are supposed to be indulging just a little bit more than normal in some of the finer things of life.For some of us,...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonThink about the most recent positive experience you had with one of your children; one where you felt truly connected. Perhaps it was an instant of joy as she made a new discovery.Maybe it was a flash of laughter as his joke landed perfectly on your funny bone. Or it could...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonIt is generally well accepted that females experience greater levels of depression and anxiety than males. This is true, not only during adulthood, but also during adolescence.While there is a range of suggestions as to why – including the idea that ‘men are tough...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonPicture this scenario: You’re opening up to a friend about the overwhelming challenges you face as you juggle your children and your multitudinous other responsibilities. You outline the weight of the burdens you carry. The kids, the job, the financial stress, the...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonADHD is one of the most provocative diagnoses that exists in the world of child and adolescent psychology. Tell someone that your child has ADHD and armchair experts will tell you exactly what the issue is: There was no such thing as ADHD when I was a child. Sure, let’s...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonThere’s a phrase I hear a lot. It’s usually some variation on the following: “There’s no one right way to parent.”In the past I’ve politely nodded my head in agreement while experiencing an uncomfortable inner tension. I’m agreeing...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonIt’s provocative, and I know some people won’t like what I’m about to say, but I’m going to say it: …Mindfulness doesn’t work for everyone.Ok. I’ve put it out there. Mindfulness is the past decade’s biggest fad in Positive...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonA short while ago my new book about teenage girls, Miss-Connection, was released. The book appeared on some bestseller lists around the country. Since then, I’ve been asked, repeatedly, for the “secrets” to raising happy, responsible, strong teenage girls.To...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonHere’s a quick quiz for you.Think about the children you raise, the students you teach, or the employees you oversee. If you want them to be motivated and have the BEST attitude towards whatever you’re asking them to do, what matters most?Take a look at the...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonI don’t like to deal with absolutes… always, never, everything, nothing. After all, I’m a research scientist. For people like me, I prefer statements like “it depends”. I try to avoid being too certain.When I’m dealing with people,...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonPause and think, for just a moment, of the most excellent person you have ever met…What made them so “excellent”?Is it possible to create an inventory of their attributes; the characteristics of excellence they embody?Aristotle said…“We are what...
By: Dr Justin Coulson“I need a volunteer!” is always a statement that guarantees most people will suddenly stare at their shoes or the ceiling. But when I add the statement “And they need to be the fittest and healthiest human specimen in the room”, most people feel...
