7 Traits of Highly Sensitive Parents, According to Experts
I remember the time I yelled the loudest at my daughter. She was only 4 years old. She was asking me sensitive questions about what happens to us after we die. She was also in the middle of using a public bathroom in a New York City park, touching every surface no matter how many […]
Ask Dr. Donna: Teasing, Bullying, and Friendship
✉️Dear Dr. Donna, My daughter is in kindergarten, and she has a “friend” in her class who teases her and others, always demands my daughter’s attention, and threatens to end their friendship if my daughter doesn’t play with her. My daughter is a bit shy and quiet… I think she likes […]
Developing Content, Successful Children Starts with Us – Not Them
What do we want most for our children? We want them to be content, successful in learning and in life, and become the best versions of themselves through the growth of character and moral development. To support our children in developing a positive sense of self, the ability to be caring, compassionate and empathetic with […]
Building Community Through Kindness and Connection All Month Long
Community is an invaluable resource that, just like any relationship, needs to be nurtured and takes time to build. When we put time and energy into building meaningful connections, sharing our strengths and kindness–and understanding our own feelings and those of others, the outcomes can have lasting positive effects for generations. We all have periods […]
Lack of Agency Creates Young Adults Underprepared for Life
A recent New York Times article1 began with emphasizing how important it is to give children the opportunity to take initiative, problem-solve and build resilience by pointing out how underprepared young adults are for succeeding in life given: “Many recent (high school) graduates aren’t able to set targets, take initiative, figure things out and deal with setbacks — because […]
How to Refresh Your Classroom for the New Year
It’s a new year — a fresh start, a clean slate, and a much-needed reset. Educators and children have returned to school to continue the second half of the school year, making it the perfect time to give classrooms the “new year treatment” and breathe new life into your classroom environments. Why a Classroom […]
The 24 Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds, According to a Mom of 2
The best toys for 4-month-olds — such as soft toy blocks, rattles and baby-safe mirrors — support major milestones like tummy time and rolling to their backs, experts say.
The Best Toys for 3-Month-Olds Include Rattles, Crinkly Fabrics and Soft Books
The best toys for 3-month-olds — such as a classic Oball, a batting toy and high-contrast books — give curious infants the opportunity to touch, manipulate and explore new objects that activate their senses, experts say.
Managing Our Emotions During the Holidays Can Tame our Inner Grinch
It’s holiday time – full of music, lights, food, family and friends! The holidays present a whole host of opportunities… and challenges. It’s a time full of opportunities to engage, connect, and share with family members and friends, or perhaps just to enjoy being with oneself, which can provide us with feelings of excitement, happiness, […]
Year in Review: Prioritizing Self-Reflection & Reflective Practice All Year Long
The end of the year marks a key opportunity for self-reflection. This is the perfect time to look back and acknowledge the victories, and challenges, we faced over the past year. Reflecting on what hasn’t been working for us and why, reflecting on what has been working for us and why, identifying areas in our lives where change is […]
Add Award-Winning Children’s Books to Your Holiday List
With Black Friday this week, many parents are searching for the perfect gifts for their children. Toys and books are a great way to celebrate this joyful season, and Housman Institute Founder, Dr. Donna Housman, recently had one of her six ECSELent Adventures children’s books featured in the New York Post’s “32 best Christmas gifts […]
32 best Christmas gifts and toys for 4-year-old boys and girls in 2024
Christmas is nearly here! The best gifts for 4-year-olds encourage a child’s curiosity and need for exploration while teaching them critical skills.
Dedicate This National Family Literacy Month to Emotional Intelligence
Every year as the leaves fall to the ground in the chilly November air, I’m reminded of how much storybooks meant to me throughout my own childhood. They were an outlet that helped me begin to understand, cope with, and manage my emotions, both big and small. Now, as a clinical psychologist with over 35 […]
FrogStreet Incorporates ECSELent Adventures Books into Curriculum Package to Support Children’s Mental Health
BOSTON, Mass.–Frog Street, an innovator in early childhood education curriculum solutions, is making available three of Dr. Donna Housman’s ECSELent Adventures children’s books that focus on social and emotional well-being to the providers that currently use Frog Street curriculum.
The Power of Children’s Books in Navigating Emotions: Shemmy’s Wild Ride
As an author with more than 35 years of experience as a psychologist in the field of child development and early childhood education, I know firsthand the impact stories can have on young minds. Through storytelling, we can often help children understand and face difficult emotions in a safe and engaging way. My latest […]
Tips and Tricks (or Treats!) for Supporting Children’s Halloween Feelings
Book recommendations & activities are included! Halloween is almost here, which means feelings like excitement, fear, and even disappointment are starting to bubble to the surface for children everywhere. Don’t let their trick-or-treat bags get weighed down by big feelings this year! Dedicate time to helping children explore their emotions so they feel prepared, safe, […]