This book focuses on how parents and other caregivers can have richer and more fruitful conversations with their children. Parents will be able to use the ideas in this book to improve conversations with their children in ways that help them (a) more effectively learn in school, (b) develop stronger and more lasting relationships in and out of school, and (c) increase their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Some children are more prepared for school than others. Much of this preparation comes from the types of conversations that children have and listen to at home. Many children need more practice in developing and using key conversation skills that are expected in school and life. They need more practice co-constructing ideas with other people, face to face, and they need more practice engaging in respectful collaboration and argumentation. This book helps parents to provide such practice.

This book focuses on how parents and other caregivers can have richer and more fruitful conversations with their children. Parents will be able to use the ideas in this book to improve conversations with their children in ways that help them (a) more effectively learn in school, (b) develop stronger and more lasting relationships in and out of school, and (c) increase their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Some children are more prepared for school than others. Much of this preparation comes from the types of conversations that children have and listen to at home. Many children need more practice in developing and using key conversation skills that are expected in school and life. They need more practice co-constructing ideas with other people, face to face, and they need more practice engaging in respectful collaboration and argumentation. This book helps parents to provide such practice.

This book illuminates the conversations that parents and children have about right and wrong, and how these conversations affect children's moral development.

Acknowledging and understanding spiritual formation is vital in contemporary education. This book explores the dynamic relationship between education and wellbeing. It examines the theory underpinning the practice of education in different societies where spirituality and care are believed to be at the heart of all educational experiences. The book recognizes that, regardless of the context or type of educational experience, education is a caring activity in which the development of the whole person - body, mind and spirit - is a central aim for teachers and educators in both formal and informal learning. The chapters in this handbook present and discuss topics that focus on spirituality as an integral part of human experience and, consequently, essential to educational programs which aim to address personal and communal identity, foster resilience, empathy and compassion, and promote meaning and connectedness.

With the insights she has gleaned from her close and subtle observation of parent-teacher conferences, renowned Harvard University professor Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot has written a wise, useful book about the ways in which parents and teachers can make the most of their essential conversation—the dialogue between the most vital people in a child’s life. “The essential conversation” is the crucial exchange that occurs between parents and teachers—a dialogue that takes place more than one hundred million times a year across our country and is both mirror of and metaphor for the larger cultural forces that define family-school relationships and shape the development of our children. Participating in this twice-yearly ritual, so friendly and benign in its apparent goals, parents and teachers are often wracked with anxiety. In a meeting marked by decorum and politeness, they frequently exhibit wariness and assume defensive postures. Even though the conversation appears to be focused on the student, adults may find themselves playing out their own childhood histories, insecurities, and fears. Through vivid portraits and parables, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot captures the dynamics of this complex, intense relationship from the perspective of both parents and teachers. She also identifies new principles and practices for improving family-school relationships. In a voice that combines the passion of a mother, the skepticism of a social scientist, and the keen understanding of one of our nation’s most admired educators, Lawrence-Lightfoot offers penetrating analysis and an urgent call to arms for all those who want to act in the best interests of their children. For parents and teachers who seek productive dialogues and collaborative alliances in support of the learning and growth of their children, this book will offer valuable insights, incisive lessons, and deft guidance on how to communicate more effectively. In The Essential Conversation, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot brings scholarship, warmth, and wisdom to an immensely important cultural subject—the way we raise our children.

The Origins and Organization of Adaptation and Maladaptation provides scholars, students, and practitioners with access to the newest work of top tier scientists in psychology. This volume addresses issues relevant to the impact of attachment on romantic relationships in later adulthood. In addition, it explores cutting-edge issues in the field, heralding critical up-and-coming areas of scholarship. Academic researchers in developmental psychology, as well as developmental psychopathology will look forward to this volume.

Have you ever wondered why communication with your children feels like a minefield? Why simple conversations turn into heated arguments? This book is a comprehensive guide that will take you by the hand to improve communication with your children at all stages of their lives. From babies to teenagers, you will discover how the art of active listening, empathy and mutual understanding can transform your relationship with them. The book addresses how effective communication is crucial to children's emotional, cognitive and social development. It's not just about talking, but about creating a safe environment where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. You will learn how to adapt your communication style to your children's developmental needs, how to use technology effectively, and how to overcome common barriers to smooth communication. In addition, the book offers practical strategies for setting clear and consistent boundaries, encouraging positive behavior and discipline, and how communication can influence children's self-esteem and problem-solving skills. It also addresses issues such as cultural influences and generational divergence that can affect the dynamics of parent-child communication. With real-life examples, research studies, and psychological theories, this book is more than a read; it's an investment in the most important relationship of your life. If you are looking to transform the way you communicate with your children and create a stronger, more meaningful bond, this book is the tool you need.