Resilience And Self-Esteem Are The Essential Ingredients Needed For Happiness Says Best Selling Author, Award Winning Film Maker Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a best-selling author, award-winning Selfie Filmmaker, Positive Psychologist and podcaster. In all her books and films, Dr Holstein presents positive psychology as entertainment and a means to happiness.

We hear a lot about resilience and self-esteem these days. We all are born with some degree of these attributes. However as we face adversaries in life most of us need to enhance our capacities for resilience and self-esteem.

Helping us acquire and utilize more of these two extremely valuable traits is what Dr. Holstein's work is all about. Helping us have more self-esteem and resilience, resulting in more successful decision making and utilization of our unique talents and potential is her life mission and vision.

Whether she is writing and directing award-winning selfie films, publishing bestselling books, creating podcasts or stage plays, the driving force behind everything she does is to help people, particularly young people, become more resilient and build a strong sense of self-worth.

Dr. Holstein's selfie films, created to encourage resilience and build self-esteem, often focusing on coming of age issues, stand apart from other films in the genre for many reasons, but the primary reason is that she allows the young actress to make many decisions - from wardrobe to interpretation of parts of the script to filming many scenes with her smartphone. The result is the creation of films which people of all ages, from children to teens, to parents and grandparents can enjoy and use to discuss issues which people of all ages can relate to and enjoy and more forward to discuss better ways and approaches to dealing with difficult coming of age issues and decisions.

Her approach has resulted in films that have placed or been awarded over 100 times.

"Hundreds, if not thousands of people will be affected by a school shooting," Dr. Holstein stated. "Survivors, teachers, administration, the local communities. But it does not stop there. All school age children will be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, some so severe it will be akin to soldiers waiting to engage in a battle. That level of anxiety is not normal. For some, just attending classes may be overwhelming. There is a national emergency for youth mental health. Between 2016 and 2020, the number of children ages 3 to 17 who were diagnosed with anxiety grew by 29% and those with depression by 27%. We must all take action to deal with this, and we must be prepared to do this long term."

Dr. Holstein hopes to bring parents, teachers, librarians, grandparents and media together to accomplish one goal: Change in the lives of young people who suffer from anxiety and a growing sense of hopelessness and despair.

Dr. Holstein wraps Positive Psychology concepts in forms of media that young people find engaging, relatable and inspiring. These include:

Three Bestselling, award-winning books (perfect for school libraries)

The Selfie Project

Award-winning films and selfie films

Podcasts

Dedicated websites

Stage plays

A library of articles

Ted-style talks

"I am making my latest film 'Lock Down' available to parents and educators," Dr. Holstein stated. "We have no time to waste in dealing with the safety of our kids, physically and emotionally. I hope 'Lock Down' will help generate the type of compassionate concern and connection that moves us as a society to thoughtful and timely solutions."

In addition, Dr. Holstein was one of five people chosen this year for the Wall of Honor at Norwalk High, her alma mater in Norwalk Connecticut, by the Norwalk High School Alumni Association.

"Let us never forget how hard it has been for women to have access to ways to develop their full potential. I know this first hand as without two encouraging parents, both in education for their life work, I probably would have ended up in a little house with a white picket fence, perhaps doing some volunteer work. Instead, I am now receiving an award on the Norwalk High School Alumni Association Wall of Honor as a person who has done outstanding work in my field over a number of years. Wow, I'm honored and also still determined to help people around the world come into their own professionally and personally by understanding their 'Enchanted Self' and what it means to let that part of themselves develop. Perhaps you would like to know more about finding your Enchanted Self and how that can help you move forward in life? Please listen or read my speech I delivered at the Wall of Honor 26th Awards Program."

As a school psychologist and in her private practice, Dr. Holstein has worked with many children and parents, helping them to develop life skills in decision-making, recognition of their own talents, feel more courageous, and helping both kids and parents develop more successful inter-generational skills. Her last book, ‘Conflict and a Bit of Magic’, helps kids build self-esteem though reading the journal of a girl, identifying with the girl, and understanding they have more courage and resiliency than they thought they had. The book is based on the experiences of the already famous “girl” from 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween' and 'Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen', and achieved bestseller status in the multi-generational families category.

Dr. Holstein's cutting-edge presentations, most recently based on the Covid-19 pandemic issues, can be found on both YouTube, Vimeo and on the Roku channel and Amazon Fire TV, titled as 'The Enchanted Self Presents'.

Dr. Holstein recently created The Selfie Showcase, a new project emerging from The Selfie Project, that allows young people to voice their opinions on subjects that matter to young people, including the pandemic. She is now accepting submissions from the public for the "Selfie Showcase" and is actively seeking change-makers and mental health professionals to appear on her video podcasts.

The Selfie Showcase allows kids, teens, and young adults ages 13 to 18 to candidly express their concerns, worries, observations and possible solutions by creating selfie videos or films around important subjects using a smartphone. Dr. Holstein's mission is to help rectify, in several ways, some issues young people face by giving them a chance to engage with others in meaningful ways about the anxiety and stress they must grapple with constantly.

Selected participants may appear on the Selfie Project Channel, available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3uaOTcYF70z5CpBh11VoUQ. They will also appear in the Selfie Showcase on SelfieFilmmakers.com. They may be invited to be on Holstein's podcast or perhaps be a part of her next film. Full details, rules for submission and helpful hints can be accessed at the Selfie Filmmakers site at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com/instructions.

Holstein's unique Selfie Films have taken many awards and have been shown in many film festivals and competitions. A full list, now over 100, can be found at http://www.Enchantedself.com.

Holstein's podcast series is actively seeking change-makers and visionaries to appear on her podcasts. Dr. Holstein hopes to feature members of traditional media, mental health professionals and educators who can make a real difference in the lives of young people. Many of the podcasts feature young people - to give them a voice regarding their concerns and their solutions. Guests, if accepted, can arrange to appear by contacting Dr. Holstein directly.

Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at barbara.holstein@gmail.com. ‘Seven Ways To Help Your Family Recover From The Pandemic’ is available at Amazon. More information about the Selfie Showcase is available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com. Selfie videos and selfie films can be uploaded at the site. Potential podcast guests can contact Dr. Holstein by email. More information is available at her primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com.

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting. Her Roku channel is: The Enchanted Self Presents.

She has been a contributor to Your Tango, Heart and Soul, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Honey Good, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, Women’s World, The Wall Street Journal, Psychcentral.com, Time online, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
http://www.enchantedself.com

Leia Mais…

Anxiety Caused By School Shootings Is Not Limited To Victims, And We Must Take Action Now Says Best Selling Author, Award Winning Film Maker Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a best-selling author, award-winning Selfie Filmmaker, Positive Psychologist and podcaster who helps us overcome anxiety and alienation through multiple media channels. She was recently chosen as one of five people for the Norwalk High Wall of Honor.

According to NPR, this year 27 school shootings happened in the US as of this date (June 7,2022). The after effects of these shootings will last for decades for some, lifetimes for others. Political views and opinions about gun control aside, this leaves us with a huge number of young people who will have to deal with this for the rest of their lives.

"Hundreds, if not thousands of people will be affected by a school shooting," Dr. Holstein stated. "Survivors, teachers, administration, the local communities. But it does not stop there. All school age children will be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, some so severe it will be akin to soldiers waiting to engage in a battle. That level of anxiety is not normal. For some, just attending classes may be overwhelming. There is a national emergency for youth mental health. Between 2016 and 2020, the number of children ages 3 to 17 who were diagnosed with anxiety grew by 29% and those with depression by 27%. We must all take action to deal with this, and we must be prepared to do this long term."

Dr. Holstein hopes to bring parents, teachers, librarians, grandparents and media together to accomplish one goal: Change in the lives of young people who suffer from anxiety and a growing sense of hopelessness and despair.

Dr. Holstein wraps Positive Psychology concepts in forms of media that young people find engaging, relatable and inspiring. These include:

Three Bestselling, award-winning books (perfect for school libraries)

The Selfie Project

Award-winning films and selfie films

Podcasts

Dedicated websites

Stage plays

A library of articles

Ted-style talks

"I am making my latest film 'Lock Down' available to parents and educators," Dr. Holstein stated. "We have no time to waste in dealing with the safety of our kids, physically and emotionally. I hope 'Lock Down' will help generate the type of compassionate concern and connection that moves us as a society to thoughtful and timely solutions."

In addition, Dr. Holstein was one of five people chosen this year for the Wall of Honor at Norwalk High, her alma mater in Norwalk Connecticut, by the Norwalk High School Alumni Association.

"Let us never forget how hard it has been for women to have access to ways to develop their full potential. I know this first hand as without two encouraging parents, both in education for their life work, I probably would have ended up in a little house with a white picket fence, perhaps doing some volunteer work. Instead, I am now receiving an award on the Norwalk High School Alumni Association Wall of Honor as a person who has done outstanding work in my field over a number of years. Wow, I'm honored and also still determined to help people around the world come into their own professionally and personally by understanding their 'Enchanted Self' and what it means to let that part of themselves develop. Perhaps you would like to know more about finding your Enchanted Self and how that can help you move forward in life? Please listen or read my speech I delivered at the Wall of Honor 26th Awards Program."

As a school psychologist and in her private practice, Dr. Holstein has worked with many children and parents, helping them to develop life skills in decision-making, recognition of their own talents, feel more courageous, and helping both kids and parents develop more successful inter-generational skills. Her last book, ‘Conflict and a Bit of Magic’, helps kids build self-esteem though reading the journal of a girl, identifying with the girl, and understanding they have more courage and resiliency than they thought they had. The book is based on the experiences of the already famous “girl” from 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween' and 'Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen', and achieved bestseller status in the multi-generational families category.

Dr. Holstein's cutting-edge presentations, most recently based on the Covid-19 pandemic issues, can be found on both YouTube, Vimeo and on the Roku channel and Amazon Fire TV, titled as 'The Enchanted Self Presents'.

Dr. Holstein recently created The Selfie Showcase, a new project emerging from The Selfie Project, that allows young people to voice their opinions on subjects that matter to young people, including the pandemic. She is now accepting submissions from the public for the "Selfie Showcase" and is actively seeking change-makers and mental health professionals to appear on her video podcasts.

The Selfie Showcase allows kids, teens, and young adults ages 13 to 18 to candidly express their concerns, worries, observations and possible solutions by creating selfie videos or films around important subjects using a smartphone. Dr. Holstein's mission is to help rectify, in several ways, some issues young people face by giving them a chance to engage with others in meaningful ways about the anxiety and stress they must grapple with constantly.

Selected participants may appear on the Selfie Project Channel, available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3uaOTcYF70z5CpBh11VoUQ. They will also appear in the Selfie Showcase on SelfieFilmmakers.com. They may be invited to be on Holstein's podcast or perhaps be a part of her next film. Full details, rules for submission and helpful hints can be accessed at the Selfie Filmmakers site at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com/instructions.

Holstein's unique Selfie Films have taken many awards and have been shown in many film festivals and competitions. A full list, now over 100, can be found at Enchantedself.com.

Holstein's podcast series is actively seeking change-makers and visionaries to appear on her podcasts. Dr. Holstein hopes to feature members of traditional media, mental health professionals and educators who can make a real difference in the lives of young people. Many of the podcasts feature young people - to give them a voice regarding their concerns and their solutions. Guests, if accepted, can arrange to appear by contacting Dr. Holstein directly.

Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at barbara.holstein@gmail.com. ‘Seven Ways To Help Your Family Recover From The Pandemic’ is available at Amazon. More information about the Selfie Showcase is available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com. Selfie videos and selfie films can be uploaded at the site. Potential podcast guests can contact Dr. Holstein by email. More information is available at her primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com.

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting. Her Roku channel is: The Enchanted Self Presents.

She has been a contributor to Your Tango, Heart and Soul, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Honey Good, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, Women’s World, The Wall Street Journal, Psychcentral.com, Time online, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
http://www.enchantedself.com

Leia Mais…

National Emergency For Youth Mental Health Requires Action Now From Parents, Grandparents, Educators And Others Says Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Bestselling Author Of '7 Ways To Help Your Family Recover From The Pandemic'

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a best selling author, award-winning Selfie Filmmaker, Zoom Drama Creator, Positive Psychologist and podcaster who helps us overcome anxiety and alienation through multiple media channels

According to an article on the ABC News site titled, 'New study shows rise in kids diagnosed with mental health conditions: What parents should know', our young people are in the midst of a serious mental health crisis. As stated in the article, "Between 2016 and 2020, the number of children ages 3 to 17 who were diagnosed with anxiety grew by 29% and those with depression by 27%, according to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) study published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics, a medical journal.

"From 2019 to 2020, researchers found a 21% increase in children with behavior or conduct problems, according to the study."

And that's not all. "I'm deeply concerned as a parent and as a doctor that the obstacles this generation of young people face are unprecedented and uniquely hard to navigate and the impact that's having on their mental health is devastating," U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in testimony before senators in February.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last year that emergency department visits for suicide attempts among teen girls were up more than 50% at the beginning of the pandemic compared to the same period in 2019."

Bestselling author and film maker Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a licensed psychologist in private practice in New Jersey and Massachusetts, with her husband Dr. Russell Holstein, also a psychologist. She specializes in positive psychology as well as other issues associated with girls and women. In her bestselling book, '7 Ways To Help Your Family Recover From The Pandemic', she offers some valuable information regarding how we can take action now:

"On one hand, we could see the pandemic as a catastrophic tragedy, because of the loss of connection with nearly all the things that make up the common teenage experience. On the other hand, there is an opportunity to transform that dreadful experience into something constructive.

"Humor, as old as humankind, is an amazing adjunct to lifting one’s spirits, enduring painful times and realizing how many times humor can lessen the pain around a lost opportunity or a delay that you must endure. Encourage your children to practice humor, collect funny jokes that can be shared, and see the possible pot of gold that will emerge later when something special can happen.

"Sometimes we forget how much kids suffer during hard times. Just because they're young and strong physically, can stay up half the night and laugh hysterically, does not mean that they are immune to the suffering going on around them and around the world because of the coronavirus. In fact, kids are very susceptible to all sorts of emotional upheavals because they're not fully developed emotionally. That takes many, many years. They have reactions that include anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, frustration, disappointment, unhappiness, tears, gloomy feelings and thoughts, and even worse.

"Sadly, the news is now bringing up at least one suicide by a pre-teen youngster. So, it is extremely important for everybody to not only protect the mental health of adults but also of children, tweens, teens and young adults.

Some suggestions:

1. Be your own investigator. Is your child despondent and hanging in his or her room too much? Is he very sour or critical, or do you hear him crying or getting irritated? Is she not eating enough or binging? Listen and watch. Observe any changes that could reflect anxiety or depression or other problems.

2. You are your child’s guardian and protector. Don't be afraid to take charge. Sit down and share with him, perhaps some examples of worries or anxiety or sleeplessness that you may be experiencing. Encourage him to share with you what he is feeling and what is happening in his life. Reassure that we will get to solutions and good news.

3. If your daughter is disappointed because she's not going to a prom, perhaps you and she can still order some clothing online that absolutely delights her. Or maybe she can get all dressed up and the family can have a fancy dinner in her honor.

4.If your child is experiencing a lot of anxiety or other symptoms, it may be time to call his physician. Do not ignore serious symptoms.

5. If you see more serious things going on, make sure you talk to a professional who can direct you with advice and connections. Your child is precious!

6.Try to bring fun and harmony into your family life. This may mean watching funny shows together, laughing as cats and dogs run around in crazy ways on YouTube, or watching comedies. It can also mean feeling free to tell and share family stories that end with humor or a happy ending. Think about reaching out to grandparents to share Zoom meals together, invite cousins that may want to join once a week in a shared dinner, and all sorts of ideas that you pull out of your own hat of creativity. Your desire to make this a growth experience that has some pleasant, enjoyable moments and some serious moments of learning will help your kids adapt and be resilient forever.

Much more is available in '7 Ways To Help Your Family Recover From The Pandemic', available at Amazon.

As a school psychologist and in her private practice, Dr. Holstein has worked with many children and parents, helping them to develop life skills in decision-making, recognition of their own talents, feel more courageous, and helping both kids and parents develop more successful inter-generational skills. Her last book, ‘Conflict and a Bit of Magic’, helps kids build self-esteem though reading the journal of a girl, identifying with the girl, and understanding they have more courage and resiliency than they thought they had. The book is based on the experiences of the already famous “girl” from 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween' and 'Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen', and achieved bestseller status in the multi-generational families category.

Dr. Holstein's cutting-edge presentations, most recently based on the Covid-19 pandemic issues, can be found on both YouTube, Vimeo and on the Roku channel and Amazon Fire TV, titled as 'The Enchanted Self Presents'.

Dr. Holstein recently created The Selfie Showcase, a new project emerging from The Selfie Project, that allows young people to voice their opinions on subjects that matter to young people, including the pandemic. She is now accepting submissions from the public for the "Selfie Showcase" and is actively seeking change-makers and mental health professionals to appear on her video podcasts.

The Selfie Showcase allows kids, teens, and young adults ages 13 to 18 to candidly express their concerns, worries, observations and possible solutions by creating selfie videos or films around important subjects using a smartphone. Dr. Holstein's mission is to help rectify, in several ways, some issues young people face by giving them a chance to engage with others in meaningful ways about the anxiety and stress they must grapple with constantly.

Selected participants may appear on the Selfie Project Channel, available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3uaOTcYF70z5CpBh11VoUQ. They will also appear in the Selfie Showcase on SelfieFilmmakers.com. They may be invited to be on Holstein's podcast or perhaps be a part of her next film. Full details, rules for submission and helpful hints can be accessed at the Selfie Filmmakers site at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com/instructions.

Holstein's unique Selfie Films have taken many awards and have been shown in many film festivals and competitions. A full list, now over 100, can be found at Enchantedself.com.

Holstein's podcast series is actively seeking change-makers and visionaries to appear on her podcasts. Dr. Holstein hopes to feature members of traditional media, mental health professionals and educators who can make a real difference in the lives of young people. Many of the podcasts feature young people - to give them a voice regarding their concerns and their solutions. Guests, if accepted, can arrange to appear by contacting Dr. Holstein directly.

Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at barbara.holstein@gmail.com. ‘Seven Ways To Help Your Family Recover From The Pandemic’ is available at Amazon. More information about the Selfie Showcase is available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com. Selfie videos and selfie films can be uploaded at the site. Potential podcast guests can contact Dr. Holstein by email. More information is available at her primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com.

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting. Her Roku channel is: The Enchanted Self Presents.

She has been a contributor to Your Tango, Heart and Soul, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Honey Good, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, Women’s World, The Wall Street Journal, Psychcentral.com, Time online, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
http://www.enchantedself.com

Leia Mais…

Parents, Grandparents And Teachers Can Celebrate World Peace Day On September 21, 2017, By Sharing Smart Tools For Life With Young Children

Smart Tools for Life specializes in books and music to guide children to create peace through social emotional learning and conflict resolution skills during their formative years. Its campaign, “I STOP for Peace,” compiles and celebrates the individual acts children do to make the world a better place.

September 21 is the day schools and homes across the world will sit down with their children and talk about peace. According to the United Nations website, the International Day of Peace this year ". . . will focus on engaging and mobilizing people throughout the world to show support for refugees and migrants."

“Those who are not suffering from a war-torn environment can sometimes push aside this day as irrelevant for them. However, so many of our actions have world-wide implications. We need to remember we can do something in all communities to bring people together and enhance their safety and dignity,” said Julie Penshorn of Smart Tools for Life. “For young children, we can introduce them to child-friendly conflict resolution and peacemaking materials.”

The Smart Tools for Life project, “I STOP for Peace”, focuses on drawing attention to the peaceful conflict resolution techniques and acts of kindness and caring already present in the child’s world. It invites children to share a story of how they worked out a problem with someone, or spent time playing with the new child in school, or had a child from a different country or background over to their house, or brainstormed a solution to a problem that worked for all.

Celebrated across the globe every year as the International Day of Peace, the goal of World Peace Day is to bring nations and people together. The theme for 2017 is "Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All". The upcoming book, the second in the Barnyard Buddies series, “The Barnyard Buddies Meet a Refugee” will make this topic relevant to all young children as they watch the unhappy, lonely dog find acceptance and purpose in the group of Barnyard Buddies.

At the Smart Tools For Life website, people can find out more about this book and others, and submit their children’s stories. Smart Tools for Life is compiling them and will share them in an upcoming book. Those contributing to the book will be sent a free copy.

World Peace Day is especially timely and relevant this year, because the subject of immigration and the refugee crisis have become a political battleground in the US, effectively splitting the population into two camps - those for and those against. It is urgent that we, as a society of global citizens, learn to resolve our conflicts, on this topic and others, in ways that enhance dignity, respect, and safety for all involved, rather than pursue ways that divide us.

But how do we do that? As Gandhi said, “We must begin with the children.” Smart Tools for Life creates children’s books, children’s music and other state-of-the-art resources that teach children how to problem solve in creative, respectful, and peaceful ways. They provide practical and inspiration tools rooted in the latest concepts in neuroscience, social and emotional education, and environmental education. The materials are catchy and fun, and are a great way to introduce young learners to the idea that developing these skills and caring for themselves, others, and the planet, is not only fun and engaging, it’s a normal part of their learning process.

By sharing these tools with children, influencers help kids become the leaders of tomorrow, capable of co-creating a culture we all want to live in.

“The children easily grasp the skills for conflict resolution and anger management when they are presented in an engaging story like 'The Barnyard Buddies STOP For Peace'. They will refer to the Barnyard Buddies long after the story is read in the classroom or home,” said Penshorn.

“I heard a wonderful story from a parent who told me they went to the zoo after reading the book and the four-year-old child said, ‘Oh look! The zebras are not sharing their shelter! They need to have Mrs. McCloud (the peacemaking owl in the story) help them learn to be peacemakers.’

“Everybody remembers the Dr. Seuss stories they read to their children, or heard as children,” continues Penshorn. “That’s because this type of story sinks deeply into the hearts and minds of kids, often for life. At Smart Tools for Life, we create similar stories: fun, engaging, rhyming, with great art, that have a message. We recognize it's not just what we teach that matters, but how we teach.”

Author Julie Penshorn, MBC, is a co-director of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace and director of it’s Smart Tools for Life project. Penshorn co-authored an earlier curriculum on conflict resolution, complete with hands-on-learning tools, that is in use in over 13,000 locations. Now, she’s focusing her unique talents on children’s books and music and a blog-based approach to supporting peace literacy and building a culture of peace.

Smart Tools for Life's product line includes kids books and music, conflict resolution cubes and wearables. There is also a free, downloadable coloring page for kids, based on the flagship children's book, “The Barnyard Buddies Stop For Peace”.

Author, Julie Penshorn is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at julie@smarttoolsforlife.com. More information about the books, music and other products is available on the website at http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com.

About Smart Tools for Life:

Smart Tools for Life is an ongoing project of the nonprofit, Growing Communities for Peace. It serves parents and educators by providing children’s books and children’s music, and makes it easy and engaging to bring state-of-the-art social skills like peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, to young children, thereby encouraging more harmonious, sustainable relationships with others and the planet.

Their materials are designed to develop peace literacy as they educate, entertain, and empower all those involved to strengthen families, classrooms, and neighborhoods. They also provide other teacher and parent education to support and maintain a culture of peace.

Contact:

Julie Penshorn
julie@smarttoolsforlife.com
http://www.smarttoolsforlife.com
http://www.growingcommunitiesforpeace.org

Leia Mais…

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Offers Teleseminar Packed With Tips On How Grandparents Can Connect With Grandchildren

These days grandparents feel more and more out of touch with their grandchildren. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, a positive psychologist, educator and author of fiction books for teens and tweens, believes teens and tweens can learn valuable life skills from grandparents in spite of an ever widening generational gap. In her new teleseminar, available for download at no charge, she demonstrates how and why grandparents can take a lead role in the grandchild's social development without stepping on the toes of parents

In today's technological world, grandparents often feel unable to connect with their grandchildren. They often feel neglected, out of touch or out of sync. This is very unfortunate, as it is often a grandparent who can provide much needed guidance in regards to helping a grandchild develop the social and intellectual skills needed to become a good citizen. Establishing communication between the grandparent and grandchild is the key. The problem is sometimes related to overcoming the challenges inherent in new technologies grandparents do not understand. At other times parents themselves can present barriers. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein believes these challenges can and indeed must be overcome. She is offering a no charge teleseminar download to grandparents and group leaders to help guide them in making the right decisions. The important topics covered in the teleseminar dovetail with the concepts presented in the second book in The Truth Series, 'Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I’ll Tell You Mine…Maybe!’.

"There are three important reasons," stated Dr. Holstein, "why parents, grandparents and teachers should download this seminar and then share 'Secrets' with the teens and tweens in their lives:

* You have a window into the most innermost thoughts and feelings of a young person.

* You can use this window for discussion and really getting to know the child or teen in your life.

* You will have the fun of a trip for yourself down memory lane as you read about the girl's adventures."

Many grandparents feel out of touch in a world dominated by computer, social networking and cell phone technologies. But if grandparents realize how important they are, they can take the time to step up to the plate. It is the grandparent who can create magical moments through one on one interaction with a grandchild. Grandparents can help grandchildren develop curiosity, develop their intellects and help them develop effective social skills. In a world where most two parent families must work to support the family, it is the perhaps retired grandparent who can help fill in the gaps. The end result is that the grandchild may grow up to be a fine, caring and knowledgeable person with a desire to help others and be able to socialize with people of all ages.

"The youngster, teen or tween," continued Dr. Holstein, "can also benefit from sharing 'Secrets' in many ways:

* The grandchild can enjoy a great fictional read with all the twists and turns that happen at this age, such as finding a best friend, crushes, moving, family issues, moods, etc

* The youngster will see that it is ok to have lots of moods, feelings and new ways of viewing themselves and the world at their age

* They will feel reinforced to be themselves in all their glory."

The no charge seminar and links to 'Secrets - You Tell Me Yours I'll Tell You Mine - Maybe!' can be found at www.enchantedself.com/teleclassgrandparenting.html . Dr. Barbara speaks regularly on radio programs around the country, and appears on television in New York and New Jersey. Her inspiring audio shows and podcasts can be found on the web, along with hundreds of her articles and stories. She has been a contributor to Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Simple Pleasures, The Wall Street Journal, Time on line, and Family Circle Magazine. She was quoted in an article entitled 'What A Big Mistake Can Teach You' in the September issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine. She can be reached using the information below or by email at drbarbara@enchantedself.com.

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist and Happiness Coach, is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for increasing happiness. Dr. Holstein has been a school psychologist for over 25 years. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Her pathfinder book ‘The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy’ was published in 1997 by Harwood Academic Publishers and is now in its second printing through Brunner-Routledge. Her second book ‘Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU!’ has received rave reviews as a wonderful inspirational story book. ‘DELIGHT’, Dr. Holstein’s third book is available in two versions, paperback and a CD-rom that includes music, art, and Dr. Holstein’s voice.

Her book, ‘The Truth, (I’m a girl, I’m Smart and I Know Everything)’ is a first in positive psychology. It is a fiction book for girls, tweens and teens. Written by an 11 year old girl as a diary, Dr. Barbara has embedded within the story positive truths and concepts geared to help girls develop self-esteem and resiliency.

Her second book in The Truth Series is Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I’ll Tell You Mine…maybe!’ The girl is now 13. She handles many adolescent issues, including a crush, moving, a death in the family, feeling fat and problems with girlfriends. Kids and grandparents have a book they can share and use as a sounding board for needed communication between the generations. This book can make a wonderful holiday gift from grandparent to grandchild to begin to open those lines of communication. Purchasers of Secrets will receive a DVD of one of Dr. Holstein's teleclasses or the audio edition of Recipes for Enchantment, at no charge. Simply write to her at drbarbara@enchantedself.com with proof of purchase and a mailing address. All books are available at the author’s websites below, online booksellers and stores nationwide.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
732-571-1200
www.enchantedself.com
www.thetruthforgirls.com
drbarbara@enchantedself.com

Leia Mais…

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Offers Tips On How Grandparents Can Connect With Grandchildren

Dr. Holstein is a positive psychologist, educator and author of fiction books for teens and tweens. She believes teens and tweens can learn valuable life skills from grandparents in spite of an ever widening generational gap. Time comes at a premium to today's overworked and frazzled parent. Daycare is not the answer. It is instead the grandparent who has the time to take a lead role in the grandchild's social development

Parents today are literally overwhelmed. Who has the time to focus on a child's emotional and developmental needs? Oftentimes it is not the parent. Most parents are frazzled, living on the edge of exhaustion and deep into multi-tasking. Parents are of course responsible for all the basics that a child needs. They provide the housing, the trips to the pediatrician, the late night soothing after a bad dream, the trips to the mall for school clothing, and most of the daily needs that children have, such as getting a ride to school, and sitting at the table for dinner.

But who has the time for the magical moment with a child? Who has the time to really listen to what she is saying and even write it down, next to a digital picture of the moment when it was said? Probably not the child's mom or dad. And who has the time to help her develop the social and intellectual skills she really will need to be a good citizen?

Most likely it will be the grandparent. If grandparents realize how important they are they can take the time to step up to the plate. It is a grandparent who can have the magical moments with a grandchild; to find those flowers to press and start the rock collection and sit in the window seat chatting about how it was to grow up long ago. And in grabbing those magical moments a grandparent does something else. The grandparent will be doing a great service to the next generation. The grandparent will be helping them grow in three basic ways that no one else in the world may have the time or patience to attend to. Here they are:

1.Grandparents can help grandchildren develop curiosity. Nothing stirs the mind to be curious than someone else so fascinated by a subject that you just have to learn more. Grandparents have the time to be fascinated and to pass that feeling along. For example, just learning how to grow tomatoes in a barrel can be interesting and exciting for both grandparent and grandchild. Or perhaps a neighbor speaks in sign language and it is grandma who decides both she is grandchild will learn to also speak that way. The determination of the grandparent can rub off on a grandchild. The grandchild will then see the world as a multi-faceted marvelous place that grandma has helped her notice!

2. As grandparents we can help our grandchildren develop their intellects. Whether you live around the corner or thousands of miles away, you can send your grandchild books, interesting articles, puzzles, games, etc. And you can make sure that when you are with her you teach her lots of stuff. You can discuss the news, find countries on the globe, play word and number games, read plays aloud. All is good for developing the mind and expanding the mind so that your grandchild will think beyond her direct environment.

3. As grandparents we can help grandchildren develop social skills. You have the time to teach manners; perhaps how to set a table or how to open a door for grown-ups. You can take her out to eat, even if it is at the local diner. And you can teach her how to read a menu, eat with intention and enjoyment, make good conversation as she eats, etc. You can teach her how to ballroom dance, or maybe square dance. You can take her to meet your friends or to do good needs. She can help you at the local food canteen or socialize with your friends.

What is the result? The grandchild may grow up to be a fine, caring, knowledgeable person with a desire to help others and be able to socialize with people of all ages.

Dr. Barbara speaks regularly on radio programs around the country, and appears on television in New York and New Jersey. Her inspiring audio shows and podcasts can be found on the web, along with hundreds of her articles and stories. She has been a contributor to Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Simple Pleasures, The Wall Street Journal, Time on line, and Family Circle Magazine. She was quoted in an article entitled 'What A Big Mistake Can Teach You' in the September issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine. She can be reached using the information below or by email at drbarbara@enchantedself.com

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist and Happiness Coach, is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for increasing happiness. Dr. Holstein has been a school psychologist for over 25 years. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Her pathfinder book ‘The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy’ was published in 1997 by Harwood Academic Publishers and is now in its second printing through Brunner-Routledge. Her second book ‘Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU!’ has received rave reviews as a wonderful inspirational story book. ‘DELIGHT’, Dr. Holstein’s third book is available in two versions, paperback and a CD-rom that includes music, art, and Dr. Holstein’s voice.

Her book, ‘The Truth, (I’m a girl, I’m Smart and I Know Everything)’ is a first in positive psychology. It is a fiction book for girls, tweens and teens. Written by an 11 year old girl as a diary, Dr. Barbara has embedded within the story positive truths and concepts geared to help girls develop self-esteem and resiliency.

Her second book in The Truth Series is Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I’ll Tell You Mine…maybe!’ The girl is now 13. She handles many adolescent issues, including a crush, moving, a death in the family, feeling fat and problems with girlfriends. Kids and grandparents have a book they can share and use as a sounding board for needed communication between the generations. This book can make a wonderful holiday gift from grandparent to grandchild to begin to open those lines of communication. Purchasers of Secrets will receive a DVD of one of Dr. Holstein's teleclasses or the audio edition of Recipes for Enchantment, at no charge. Simply write to her at drbarbara@enchantedself.com with proof of purchase and a mailing address. All books are available at the author’s websites below, online booksellers and stores nationwide.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
732-571-1200
www.enchantedself.com
www.thetruthforgirls.com
drbarbara@enchantedself.com

Leia Mais…

Leadership Garden Fund Announces Cultivation Grant To Girls Leadership Organization 4GGL

Quarterly grants will be awarded to schools, institutions, churches and community groups

Debra Slover, Founder of Leadership Garden® Legacy and patron of the Leadership Garden Fund, announced today its first Cultivation Grant award in the amount of $500 to For Girls Glocal Leadership (4GGL).

4GGL partners with existing local organizations to develop girls’ leadership programs in disadvantaged communities worldwide. 4GGL works currently with organizations in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Liberia, Peru and New York City. A Cultivation Grant in the amount of $500 was awarded in support of their 1000 LEADERS “Compassion Project” fund raising challenge.

“The mission of 4GGL," stated Slover, "aligns perfectly with our vision of a thriving worldwide Leadership Garden Legacy. Our goal is to seed and nurture 11 million Leadership Gardens by 11/11/11.”

The Leadership Garden Fund is part of the Leadership Garden Legacy unveiled earlier this month by Ms. Slover. It offers grants to individuals and organizational members of the Leadership Garden Registry who are interested in creating projects that support six leader-friendly gardening practices. These projects are made up of Inclusion Projects, Safe and Healthy Community Projects, Compassion Projects, Kindness Projects, Accountability Projects and Healing Projects.

Grants between $250-500 will be awarded quarterly, and can be obtained by non-profit organizations or individuals affiliated with a non-profit organization such as a church, school, institution, or community group.

'The 4GGL Cultivation Grant," said Ms. Slover, "supports the grassroots movement, a "glocal" action, across the United States to awaken the consciousness of Americans about girls' leadership development and its benefit to families and communities around the world."

4GGL's 1000 LEADERS fund raising challenge encourages everyday people to make the world's poorest girls a priority by making a contribution of $10 or more. The challenge will run until Mother's Day of 2009. Money raised will go towards the efforts of 4GGL in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India where they will help to develop the leadership skills of 150 female students ages 16-24 to return to their communities, train more leaders, and provide support for grassroots organizations serving impoverished girls.

The Leadership Garden Legacy program is designed to be a catalyst in helping to create a network of people that uses a "natural leadership development" framework to make the world a better place to live, work, and play. This mission is accomplished through the leader-friendly gardening "Practice Project" grants.

More information on the Leadership Garden Legacy program is available at www.LeadershipGardenLegacy.com.

Contact
Debra Slover
Leadership Garden Legacy
Web: www.LeadershipGardenLegacy.com
Email:info@leadershipgardenlegacy.com
Phone: 541-928-2232

Leadership Garden® Enterprises, LLC is the parent company of Leader Garden Press and Leadership Garden Services (formerly Synergy in Motion).

The Enterprise was formed in 2007, as the corporate structure to support the Leadership Garden Legacy.

In keeping with our acronym theme, the company operates from the following values (A.C.T.I.O.N.S.) that are true to the corporation's vision, purpose, mission, and goal:

* Acknowledgment: honor and be in service of others
* Commitment: remain steadfast to our unique purpose and aim
* Trust: practice the extraordinary power of listening for greatness
* Integrity: be authentic and responsible for who we are with others
* Ownership: empower our natural gift "choice" to create thriving experiences
* Nurture: be at peace with and embrace life’s changing seasons
* Synergy: work with others to sprout leadership greatness on the planet

The company's hope is to empower others to leave a thriving Leadership Garden Legacy for the sake of all grandchildren and the planet.

Leader Garden Press is a member of Small Publishers Association of North America, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and the Northwest Book Publishers Association.

Posted by Don McCauley at http://www.FreePublicityGroup.com

Leia Mais…