Blake Pennington
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Becoming More Active as a Family
Physical activity is important for children and adults of all ages. Being active as a family can benefit everyone. Adults need 2½ hours a week of physical activity, and children need 60 minutes a day. Follow these tips to add more activity to your family’s busy schedule. Set specific activity times. Determine time slots throughout the … Read More