Intelligence is not a fixed, unchangeable quality. It can grow with effort. Consequently, praise for being smart can undermine a child’s motivation and performance. Instead, praise should focus on the … more
Parent Toolkit
Building a better pig
Schools place too much emphasis on speed and not enough on mastery. In subjects such as math, a child should not move to the next topic before the previous (underlying) concept has been mastered. To … more
The Truth Behind the Tortoise and Hare Incident
A focus on winning and losing, comparing children with each other, or grading students’ work is a prescription for children becoming frustrated, humiliated, and ultimately choosing … more
The Five Why’s Approach
Before responding to a problem or reacting to a child's behavior, take the time to ask a series of five 'why' questions. The basis for the problem and a possible solution will be understood at a more … more
One shoe fits all?
Limits are needed to protect a child from harm and to promote autonomy. A primary theme of healthy parent child relationships is the transfer of control from the parent to the child. We want our … more
Featured Post
You’re So Smart
Intelligence is not a fixed, unchangeable quality. It can grow with effort. Consequently, praise for being smart can undermine a child’s motivation and performance. Instead, praise should focus on the effort a child has made, such as facing and overcoming challenges. Intelligence can grow with effort You’re so smart,” gushes Heather’s mother upon seeing her […]
About The Author
Ashley H. Beitel, Ph.D. Dr. Beitel earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois. In his private practice he provides psychotherapy for adults and adolescents, psychological assessments, and clinical consultation to courts, schools and agencies. As an adjunct professor, he provides clinical supervision for graduate student therapists. … more