Archive
Empathy VS Sympathy: The Importance of an Endangered Virtue
Often people who lack empathy had troubled histories, indicating the significance of children learning this crucial skill at a young age. As research on empathy is and why it’s important, so does an inquiry on how to teach it.
by Veronika Tait
I Can’t Do That! Unpacking Learned Helplessness with Attribution Theory
Everyone has areas of their life where they think, I can’t do this. Talk back to that voice and with optimism. Gain control, use positive self-talk, and seek help.
by Veronika Tait
The Just-World Phenomenon: 5 Things that Transformed me From Victim-Blaming to Empathizing
The Just-World Phenomenon is the idea that those who are on top of the social latter, those with money, power, and influence, believe the world is just. Those in the middle think the world is somewhat just, and those at the bottom believe the world is unjust.
by Veronika Tait
Who Am I? Why Positive Representation of Women in the Media is Crucial
There has definitely been a change of tides in the discussion of body image and representation of women in the media as of late. The increased focus on feminism, the quest for equality in the races and gender have given rise to large tribes of people
by Rachel MacPherson
What to do When Feeling Anxious for No Reason: Confessions of a Chronic Worrier
As thoughtful as the attempts are from others to suggest things like, *just stop worrying or don’t worry, be happy*, they offer little help in ridding imagined fears. Research has consistently found chronic worry and anxiety interfere with memory and cognitive performance
by Veronika Tait
22 Inspiring Quotes on Empathy from Emotion Researchers
The more I learn about emotions, the more empathy becomes front and center. It is vitally important in human relationships. This article brings together the most profound things we know about empathy.
by Veronika Tait
Where is Toxic Femininity? Exploring the Counterpart to Toxic Masculinity
Toxic Masculinity is a phrase increasingly used in media and gender literature with google searches spiking, especially since the recent release of Gillette’s controversial commercial. Why are there so few references to an equivalent Toxic Femininity?
by Veronika Tait
What is Toxic Masculinity? Lessons from Shepherd Bliss and Other Gender Researchers
With the recent release of Gillette’s controversial commercial, media has been buzzing about toxic masculinity. This term was first coined in the 1980s by
by Veronika Tait
How to Show Love to Your Husband
Here you are again. Trying to decide the best way to show love to your husband. What will it be this year? A card? A fancy dinner? What can you give that will convey the meaning of your love and friendship?
by Veronika Tait
Goal Setting for Students: 5 Ways to Know You’re Doing it Right
For the busy teacher, goal-setting is everything. Not only does it help with the day-to-day craze of work and a million other things to do, but it can also be a great tool for our students to help them accomplish more. The types of goals we set matters.
by Veronika Tait
My $2,500 Mistake: Understanding Prospect Theory and Loss Aversion
Imagine you got a letter from your bank indicating that they made an error to undercharge you, and now you have to pay a bill for $1,000. How do you feel? What could you have done with the money? How long will this feeling of loss linger?
by Veronika Tait
Benefits of Television: Teaching Empathy and Self-Efficacy with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Toddler screen-time is something every parent worries about. Am I letting him watch too much? Is he watching the wrong things? These are important questions to be asking
by Veronika Tait
What Causes Control Issues? Parenting Insights from Baumrind and Erikson
Parenting is akin to Goldilocks and the three little bears. At first, Goldilocks tries the porridge that is too cold. This is the parent who is strict
by Veronika Tait
The Difference Between Shame and Guilt: A Guide for Parents’ Expectations
Recently my two-year-old dashed up to me, wrapped her short little arms around my neck and said, “Mom, you’re my best friend.”
by Veronika Tait
How to Stop Your Toddler From Hitting: A Social Learning Perspective
There was a classic psychology study done in the 1960s by Albert Bandura called the Bobo doll experiment to better understand observational learning. Boys and girls...
by Veronika Tait
Authoritative Parenting Examples Through John Gottman’s Emotion Coaching
When using an authoritative approach to parenting as described in here, it’s important for parents to keep in mind their long-term goals.
by Veronika Tait
Does Gun Control Reduce Crime? Exploring Gun Control Statistics
We are constantly bombarded with conflicting messages, hearing different interpretations of what it means to have common sense. To some, it seems obvious that the easier it is to obtain a gun, the more gun deaths there will be.
by Veronika Tait
Punishment in Psychology: Negative Effects of Punishment
I’ve heard many parents say children need to get hit to understand that hitting hurts. This will encourage them to avoid hitting others in the future, right? Well, not according to behavioral scientists.
by Veronika Tait
Schedules of Reinforcement in Parenting
Psychologists have found several ways in which we learn. One way studied by B.F. Skinner is through operant conditioning. Each day
by Veronika Tait
The Difference between Punishment and Discipline
Just recently I read a post from Mother.ly about The One Thing to Always Say When Disciplining Your Child. (*Spoiler alert,*
by Veronika Tait
5 Lessons from Mr. Rogers the World Needs Now More Than Ever: A Review of Won’t You Be My Neighbor
I admit, as a child, I thought Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood was boring, especially the neighborhood of make-believe. I preferred Barney and Friends or Arthur. However, the older I get, the more I understand
by Veronika Tait
How to build Self-Confidence in a Child: Lessons from the Entitlement Generation
Does this sound familiar? Cue talk of this entitled generation who doesn't know how to handle losing. One top definition for snowflake from
by Veronika Tait
What is Wisdom? Examples from Morrie Shwartz and More
One of my favorite topics to discuss with my students is wisdom. What is it? How do you get it? Does everybody get it?
by Veronika Tait
Four Things You Should Never Say to Your Child
Imagine you stagger into work, exhausted, since you were up all night worrying about a project you poured over for weeks. When you give your all presenting it to your team, they look disappointed and annoyed.
by Veronika Tait
Rehabilitation vs Punishment debate: Exploring Tough Love and the Halden Prison Model
While discussing with my university students if prisoners convicted of violent crimes should be treated humanely, I was surprised by the turn of the conversation. One student said something...
by Veronika Tait
How to Help Someone Who is Grieving: Connecting Through Loss
I learned of an old neighbor who had experienced the loss of her newborn son hours after birth. I didn't know this sweet mother well, but the thought of attending this infant's funeral kept coming to my mind.
by Veronika Tait
Three Useful Tips to Teach Your Toddler to Share
These techniques to teach toddlers to share are not always easy in practice, but they are a part of the overall pattern I try to create.
by Veronika Tait