Over the years, I have noticed the increased worry, anxiousness, and what-if patterns among my loved ones when it comes to awaiting information from their healthcare provider. The reality is the degree of worrying we apply in our lives has never and will never impact the outcome—either for the better or worse.   

Recommended Books about Foster Care and Adoption featuring books, workbooks, and resources for younger children and older children.

My family isn't good at talking about hard things. Anytime something sensitive comes up there is tension and they just gloss over it pretending everything is fine. I have something important to talk to them about, but I don't know how to bring it up. How do I start the conversation?

“Humans first, work second,” is often how I move into check-ins. In work meetings I facilitate, I ask the question: “How are you feeling?” at the start of the meeting. A common response is: "I don’t know how I’m feeling. Can I see the wheel?” because they know I’m expecting more of an answer than “well,” “fine,” or “good.” This is where the feelings wheel comes into play. 

I have been having problems with my toddler.  He cries a lot and seems to be inconsolable. He is 2 and a half years old and is still not talking and he struggles to walk. He doesn’t engage very well when we play. When I take him to the doctor, she tells me to just give it time and doesn’t offer any other advice. Is this normal?

With so many things competing for our attention these days, it is more important than ever to be intentional about nurturing your child’s wellbeing. Wellbeing consists of healthy physical, mental, cognitive, and social-emotional health and there are many ways to support it. 

Everyone is excited about summer except me! There always seems to be something going on and I don’t want to miss out, but frankly I don’t feel like doing anything. I just want to stay home and watch tv. Is summer blues a thing?

As we try to navigate the events of the past year, it is no wonder we are all experiencing added stress in our lives. Managing stress takes work, but if done regularly, you will feel like the stress coming in your life is more manageable. The goal is not to eliminate stress, but to deal with it more effectively through small shifts in your thinking, actions, and behaviors.

As parents of a 10-year-old we are very anxious about the shootings that keep taking place in schools. We are glad it’s Summer because we don’t want our son at school because we are afraid of what could happen. How do we handle this anxiety and fear? How do we gear up for Fall and feel good about him going back to school?

Use this sheet as a self-check to track your day-to-day well-being habits.