Blake Pennington

Blake Pennington
Group of people celebrating Christmas

Managing Grief During the Holidays

The holidays are known as a time for joy and togetherness. However, for people who have lost a loved one, this time of year can bring pain and sorrow. This year, COVID-19 has not only left many grieving the loss of loved ones but living through lost jobs, financial freedom, and interactions. While most do … Read More

Ways to Respect Differences at Work

Ways to Respect Differences at Work

Listen before you speak. When you’re communicating with someone, seek first to understand, then to be understood. Listen to what the other person has to say before responding with your thoughts. To ensure that you’re listening well, summarize your understanding of what the other person has said and ask if you’ve got it correct. Don’t … Read More

Be a Friendship Coach for Your Child

Be a Friendship Coach for Your Child

Children aren’t born knowing how to cooperate, share and communicate. These are learned skills, and parents play a big role in helping children learn them. Many of the skills of good friendship must also be learned. When children struggle with them, parents can help by playing a coaching role. Different children have different needs for … Read More

Improving & Enhancing Morale

Improving & Enhancing Morale

One of the goals of any leader is the ability to improve morale. But how do you do that in difficult times? How do you make members of the team feel appreciated and optimistic about the future when raises are minimal or nonexistent and budgets are tight? COVID-19 has also contributed to increases in anxiety, … Read More

Employee are happy at work, she was reminded of her time to relax at the beach in the summer

Keeping Track At Work When Vacation Is On Your Mind

Perhaps if you could pitch a beach umbrella in the middle of the office, it would help you feel better about spending the summer behind your desk. Everyone, it seems, is on vacation. Everyone except you. Here are tips on remaining sunny when it seems as if everyone else is at the beach: Start building … Read More

Rebuilding Social Connections Post-Pandemic

Rebuilding Social Connections Post-Pandemic

The experience of emerging from isolation after a pandemic is new for all of us. Over the last year, many people have become accustomed to the habits of isolation. Depending on where you live and how far along vaccinations are progressing, society may be in various stages of reopening for good. Here are some considerations … Read More

Mother homeschooling teenage boys from home on dinner table in small city apartment self-isolating from Covid-19. Mother and boys are latin american. Horizontal waist up indoors shot with copy space.

Improving Your Child’s Online Safety

For decades now, the internet has become a part of our daily lives. Having children grow up in a connected world is both exciting and challenging. Teaching kids safe online habits is crucial for today’s parents. Additionally, parents need to be able to effectively monitor their children’s activity and limit access to potentially dangerous parts … Read More

Serene mature woman meditating with her eyes closed while practicing yoga on the floor of her living room at home

Taking Time for Yourself

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and there is no better time to think about your mental wellbeing. With all the responsibilities our private, social and work lives bring, it’s often hard to justify spending time solely on ourselves. Carving out time doesn’t have to be challenging, as just a small amount of time for … Read More

Controlling Anxious Thoughts in Difficult Times

Controlling Anxious Thoughts in Difficult Times

During this difficult time, it’s no surprise that the number of employees accessing their employee assistance program is on the rise. Employees have turned to these resources, reporting feelings of fear and anxiety. During the last year, the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and civil unrest was a common concern for many. Even as we start … Read More