Podcasts about raising happiness

This is our third show about nourishing kids inspired by an article in my French village's newsletter featuring the three chefs of the elementary school who strive to serve balanced, locally sourced, organic lunches with variety! (Previously, we aired episode 3, Kid Food, and episode 27, Let's Cook.) Warning if you watch the episode on YouTube: got Florida wet hair and just don't care!Here are links to example menus at the elementary school in Châteauneuf du Pape and my local school distract in Collier County. Please note the French menu is made with fresh ingredients by school chefs; our school processed “food” is delivered via truck and filled with preservatives, seed oils, glyphosated grains and Lord knows what else.Is it any wonder that you don't see wild animal behavior in French kids?!! The culture has an eating schedule focused on real food and is not snacking around the clock. These kids don't suffer from the blood sugar roller coaster nightmare that many a hangry American kid displays. It's almost like there's a nutrition connection with mood, hyperactivity, concentration and more!We then venture into one of the most important health books I've read, Pandora's Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal, where author Melanie Warner details many of the horrors of our food system including cereal, the 5000+ unstudied GRAS “Generally Recognized as Safe” additives the ever effective FDA allows companies to self-regulate, dough conditioners and of course, seed oils. We then “tour” through the production of soybean oil with this warning: you may barf! And then wonder over to one of my favorite parenting books, Raising Happiness, by Dr. Christine Carter and specifically, chapter 10, “Eat Dinner Together.” Here Dr. Carter espouses the importance of family meals, which are “the most important science-based advice I will give you for raising happy kids… benefits are remarkable,” because they lead to better emotional stability, grades, mental and physical health.The Nourishment Mindset is not about taking food to extremes; rather, it's about finding your balance. Knowledge about real foods and the shitty stuff we allow in our food systems is power because you can then choose how you want to nourish yourself. My personal philosophy is to focus on making plenty of “health account deposits” and enjoy my occasional withdrawals such as the gator bites I had last weekend at my favorite restaurant in America, Capri Fish House! (Think sunny day, calm cove, feet in ocean, fresh seafood and white wine in hand while kids romp on the beach — my petit paradis.)Let me know what you think of this episode! Send me your questions, comments and show ideas. And please like and follow me on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. And of course, please spread the word about my book, The Nourishment Mindset, which you can buy on Amazon or my website for a signed copy.Thanks for reading Nourishment Mindset Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.https://amzn.to/3kDN85zhttps://www.favorfat.com/nourishmentmindset.htmlhttps://www.chateauneufdupape.org/images/image_site/Vivre-A-Chateauneuf/Jeunesse/Restauration-scolaire//menus-novembre-decembre-2022.pdfhttps://schools.mealviewer.com/school/TommieBarfieldElementary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit favorfat.substack.com

This week I share 5 MORE research-backed steps for increasing the  happiness levels in your home, along with examples for how to implement  the steps. Based on the work of Christine Carter and her book Raising Happiness, this episode offers you simple, research-backed ways to elevate happiness in your home. If you're looking to create opportunities for happier kids and grown-ups, this episode's got you covered! Lindsay  Miller is a kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of  The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and  playful laugh. When she's not playing catch with her daughter or  rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using  her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification  to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having  been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications,  Lindsay's words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression  wherever she goes. For more on working with Lindsay, click here. To download Lindsay's Mindfulness At Any Age Guide click here. To rate the podcast click here.Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not playing catch with her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay's words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes. To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

This week I share 5 research-backed steps for increasing the happiness levels in your home, along with examples for how to implement the steps. Based on the work of Christine Carter and her book Raising Happiness, this episode offers you 5 simple ways to elevate happiness in your home. During this podcast, I mention other episodes on gratitude and these are a few you can listen to for gratitude practices: Gratitude BOT and Mindful Gratitude. Here's to more happiness in your house!Lindsay Miller is a kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not playing catch with her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay's words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes. For more on working with Lindsay, click here. To download Lindsay's Mindfulness At Any Age Guide click here. To rate the podcast click here.Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not playing catch with her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay's words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes. To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

Message 3 of 5 in “The Search for Happiness” series by Pastor Christian Williams

Summary:  On this episode of the Act To Live Podcast, Scott and Jaime begin by talking about the ‘act' of being kind to others. The two then explore random acts of kindness and share their experiences both on the giving and receiving end of these acts. Scott then talks a bit about the health and neurological benefits of performing random acts of kindness. The duo wraps up the episode by discussing a few suggestions/ideas for those interested in performing random acts of kindness.  ACTion Event of the Week: Try doing at least one random act of kindness for a stranger AND at least one random act of kindness for someone you know this week. What did you notice? What was the experience like? How did you feel the rest of the week?  Join us on the next episode of the Act To Live Podcast as we explore the process of developing a flexible mind.  References: Carter, C. (2011). Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00338QEN8&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_33JJXBTR2W8KEPSRTCNT&tag=mobilea0615b4-20  McCraty R., Barrios-Choplin B., Rozman D., Atkinson M., and Watkins A.D (1998). The impact of a new emotional self-management program on stress, emotions, heart rate variability, DHEA and cortisol. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science. 33(2):151-170.  Stoerkel, E. (2020, October). Can Random Acts of Kindness Increase Well-Being? https://positivepsychology.com/random-acts-kindness/ Sweet, J. (2021, February). How Random Acts of Kindness Can Boost Your Health During the Pandemic. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-random-acts-of-kindness-can-boost-your-health-5105301   

The pandemic-driven closing of schools is forever altering the lives of teens and tweens in ways big and small. Canceled activities and traditions from proms to graduations have amplified significance to our students and parents. How can we help tweens and teens through this period? Follow on Twitter: @RLamourelle @raisinghappines @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd @ideasforteacher @bamradionetwork @peter_santoro @MrHabegger @DrBioTom Rapid Transition to Online Learning Episode Guests Christine Carter, Ph.D., is a sociologist and the author of The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction (2020), The Sweet Spot: How to Accomplish More by Doing Less (2017) and Raising Happiness (2011). A senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Carter draws on the latest scientific research in psychology, sociology and neuroscience — and uses her own often hilarious real-world experiences — to give parenting, productivity and happiness advice. She lives with her husband, four teenagers, and dog Buster in Marin County, California.

Christine Carter, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and coach. Her books include The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction (2020), The Sweet Spot: How to Accomplish More by Doing Less (2017) and Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents (2011). Christine is A sociologist and senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. She draws on the latest scientific research in psychology, sociology, and neuroscience to help her clients lead their most meaningful, joyful, and productive lives. She lives with her husband, four teenagers, and dog Buster in California. Please enjoy! Please visit https://nishantgarg.me/podcasts for more info. Follow Nishant: Instagram: instagram.com/garg_nishant Facebook: facebook.com/nishant.garg.5245 https://www.facebook.com/NishantMindfulnessMatters/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishant-garg-b7a20339/

Link to show notes for this episode. Katherine Reynolds Lewis is an independent journalist, author and speaker based in the Washington D.C. area on topics including parenting, children, education, mental health, technology, work, entrepreneurship, caregiving, diversity, equity and inclusion. Her award-winning book, The Good News About Bad Behavior (PublicAffairs, April 2018), explains why modern kids are so undisciplined and tells the stories of innovators who are rebuilding lost self-regulation, resolving family conflict and changing the trajectory of young lives. Based on the most-read article ever published by Mother Jones, the book documents a new model of discipline for a generation of children who are out of control.  Katherine is a certified parent educator with the Parent Encouragement Program in Kensington, Md. Katherine contributes to The Atlantic, Experience Life, Medium, Parents, USA Today’s magazine group, the Washington Post and Working Mother magazine. Her byline has also appeared in Bloomberg Businessweek, Fortune, MSN Money, Money, the New York Times, Parade, Slate, and the Washington Post Magazine. She's appeared on CNN, NPR, Bloomberg television and radio, and HuffPost Live, as well as many TV and radio programs nationally and internationally. Big Ideas Kids today really do behave differently than in previous generations. It’s important to model to our kids how to calm down or stay in control when we are stressed so that they can learn what works best for them in their own situations. Connecting with your child goes a long way. Making mundane things fun by playing a game, timing it, or doing it in a different way are effective techniques worth trying with your kids. It’s important to reframe the way we look at a child’s misbehavior. Quotes Audrey: If we can't show our kids how to appropriately handle difficult situations, that's hard for them too. Audrey: There are things that we can do to positively influence our kids by being more aware of our own triggers and how we can respond more effectively in different situations. Katherine: And when you start modeling all of the many strategies there are for self-regulating, then your kids first of all see, Oh, it's normal to feel disregulated many times during the day and to need to bring yourself back under control. And then they start thinking, Oh well what would, what would work for me? Katherine: We always try to have this conversation of: I see you're starting to get worked up. I'm noticing your face is getting a little flushed. What do you think would help? Right. And the more that we start turning it back to our kids so that they tune in to their own bodies and their own needs, then they're going to find the solutions that work for them. Audrey: So these behaviors that we see, a lot of it is just that they are not able to comply if they don't have the skill yet. Katherine: The apprenticeship model is really viewing our kids as capable of growth and change. Katherine: Relationship is the foundation of self regulation. Katherine: Even if it's little by little by little, even if it's two step forward, one step back, having that faith and vision that our kids are able to succeed, if we can have that vision for them, then they can start to believe it and inhabit it as well. Katherine: The information you're getting from your kids through their behavior is just data and it helps you to figure out, okay, what might be going on? How can we potentially find a better path, um, through this challenge. Katherine: The apprenticeship model is these three Cs, connection, communication and capability building. Katherine: I think so often parents are asking authors like us, “What do I do? What's the technique that will make my kid be perfect? That will make them finally do what I, what they need to do in this situation.” But it really comes down to that relationship between you and your child. And I think that if you or I were in someone's home, we still wouldn't have all of the clues that the parent has to to really understand the dynamics and what might help and what might be the underlying issue. Audrey: It's fun for them. You've made it so that something that happens every day and is mundane suddenly is like appealing and kind of fun. Katherine: Sometimes if we can just lighten up as parents, have a little faith, and make it silly and playful, that's going to be the most effective way to just change the script a little bit so the kids aren't getting a long lecture or they're not earnestly sharing their feelings. They're just playing the game. Audrey: Sometimes it's just a matter of using things that you already use with other relationships more in your parent child relationship. Katherine: Everyone wants to feel that connection. They want to be listened to, have respectful communication, and they want to be seen as capable of growth. Audrey: I’m often talking to parents about that capability piece that actually making sure our kids know that they are valued and important contributors to our homes. Katherine: If we can instead say, “Oh great, I'm going to take the extra 20 minutes to teach you how to sweep or spray a bottle to wash the windows or chop up vegetables for salad, then it feeds that sense of belonging that is the deepest human need to feel that we belong in our family and our community, whatever group we're part of, that we're needed and that we authentically contribute. Audrey: It was neat to me to hear that the contribution goes beyond your home. And I think that's sort of the ultimate goal. Katherine: Instead of drilling our kids with flashcards or working on their times tables, if we could just say, “Hey, would you like to help me organize the spice rack?” That's going to be just as important, if not more to their success. Plus it's an activity we do together. They're helping our home. There's so many things packed into these simple household tasks that we can do together. Resources and Links Katherine Reynolds Lewis Website Book: The Good News about Bad Behavior Parent Encouragement Program in Kensington, Maryland Explosive Child Book Lost at School Book Viral Story for Mother Jones Magazine Study Comparing Russian Kindergartners Today to Russian Kindergarteners 50 Years Ago One Simple Thing During this pandemic, a simple thing you can do to improve your own and others' well-being is to lower your expectations and standards for yourself and everyone else. I talked about this in my interview on the Happier in Hollywood podcast. I like the concept of the "Minimum Effective Dose" I learned from Dr. Christine Carter in her book, The Sweet Spot, and it seems especially helpful during this challenging time. The “minimum effective dose” (MED) is considered to be the lowest dose of a pharmaceutical product that spurs a clinically significant change in health or well-being. In order to live and work from my sweet spot, I had to find the MED in everything in my life: sleep, meditation, blogging frequency, checking my email, school volunteering, homework help, date nights. We have a deep-seated conviction that more work, more enrichment activities for the kids, more likes on Facebook or Instagram, more stuff would be better. Unless we like feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, we need to accept that more is not necessarily better and that our go-go-go culture, left unchecked, will push us not only beyond our MED — but beyond the “maximum tolerated dose,” the level at which an activity (or drug) becomes toxic and starts causing an adverse reaction. -Christine Carter, Ph.D. Want to listen to my conversations with Christine on the podcast? Ep. 127: The New Adolescence with Christine Carter, Ph.D. Ep. 41: Getting Comfortable with our Kids’ (and our own) Discomfort with Christine Carter Ep. 1: Raising Happiness with Christine Carter My Favorite Download Christine's free eBook, How to Gain an Extra Day Each Week: 3 Science-based Strategies to generate more time for the things things that matter most. I especially like Step 1 in Tactic No. 1 (Upgrade Your Task List): Decide on your Top Five priorities. Not just at work, but in life.  It's really hard to narrow down priorities, but it's an important first step in figuring out which tasks to prioritize. When I read The Sweet Spot several years ago, I spent some time figuring out my priorities. I pulled my copy out and saw that my number three priority was writing my book, which I only managed to do because I put it as one of five priorities. This pandemic has made it clear to me that I need to prioritize what's most important to me. Christine's book and advice helped me realize that having too many priorities scatters my attention and effort and makes me frustrated and less effective in the relationships and activities that I value most. Listener Question Hi! I am the in-school suspension lady at my school, and I need some kind of activities or lessons to teach my 5th through 8th graders when they get into a fight or defiance towards a teacher. Do you have any ideas? Mary • Connect, connect, connect! It's challenging when we have so many kids to manage, but connecting with children and letting them know that they are loved and cared for despite their behavior is so important. Instead of getting angry at the child for their behavior, look at them with curiosity. You can read more about why the child's behavior is likely due to their neurobiology and a lack of appropriate coping skills. My favorite books and videos on this topic are from Dr. Dan Sieigel and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., including their best-selling books, The Whole-Brain Child, No-Drama Discipline, The Yes Brain, & The Power of Showing Up • Talk about calm down strategies when the child is in a calm state (not when they are agitated/ "in trouble") so that they can start learning to self-regulate. • Brainstorm what works for them. Empower the child to come up with their own ideas. For younger kids, you could have them make their own Conflict Resolution Wheel. I write a lot about strategies for connecting with kids and forming close relationships, as well as how to flip the script on traditional, punitive discipline, in my book, Happy Campers. I invite you to download a free chapter (Secret #1: Connection Comes First) and see if my book could be another resource for you! Video: Emotional Responsiveness with Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. Ep. 95: Raising a “Yes Brain” Child with Tina Payne Bryson Ep. 97: Parenting the Challenging Child Ep. 110: Keep Calm & Parent On 10 Ways to Teach Kids to Calm Down 5 Steps to Help Kids Resolve Conflicts

Christine Carter (author of Raising Happiness and The Sweet Spot) and Patrick Patterson helped us explore how to parent in a way that promotes resiliency in our children, especially as we help our teens navigate the technology of today’s modern world.

Christine Carter, Ph.D., is a sociologist and the author of The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction (2020), The Sweet Spot: How to Accomplish More by Doing Less (2017) and Raising Happiness (2011). A senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Carter draws on the latest scientific research in psychology, sociology and neuroscience — and uses her own often hilarious real-world experiences — to give parenting, productivity and happiness advice. In this episode, we talk about typical workplace conflicts, the most common traps people fall into, the brain’s negativity bias, how to deal with conflicts between large groups, and much more. Links Christine's book Christine's website Mindful Communication website Mindful Communication Instagram Mindful Communication Youtube

My guest today is Christine Carter, author of the new book "The New Adolescence." She is a researcher and mom of teenagers who is digging deep on the affects of distraction in our kids' lives and how it often leads to anxiety and stress. This book offers practical guidance to address this issue, and I hope it will leave you feeling equipped and hopeful. She also shares how she was able to get her doctorate with little ones at home. She's truly a superwoman! Show Notes: Pick up her new book "The New Adolescence" or her former books "The Sweet Spot" and "Raising Happiness" Today's Show is Sponsored by... Kosmatology is a kids skincare line, made with kids with sensitive skin in mind. Their lotion bar, made without all the icky preservatives, is a fantastic alternative to messy lotions, and it was truly a game changer for the founder's child with eczema. I also love their hand soap. Get 15% your first order by going to www.kosmatology.com and use code: EEP at checkout. And... Aurate is an incredible jewelry brand that will leave you feeling a little more put together, at an affordable price. From classic to statement pieces, Aurate's jewelry are ethically made in New York, and I literally squealed when my dainty diamond ring came in the mail (and quickly I might add!).  Gorgeous pieces at every price point, designed with women in mind! For 15% off your first Aurate purchase, go to www.auratenewyork.com/eep and enter code: EEP at checkout.

Today's teenagers and preteens are growing up in an entirely new world, one that is defined by social media and mobile devices. This has huge implications for our parenting. Understandably, many parents are paralyzed by new problems that didn't exist less than a decade ago, like social media and video game obsession, sexting, and vaping. A highly acclaimed sociologist and coach at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and the author of Raising Happiness, Dr. Christine Carter melds research—including the latest findings in neuroscience, sociology, and social psychology—with her own real-world experiences as the mother of four teenagers. In The New Adolescence, you'll find realistic ways to help teens and preteens find joy, focus, ease, motivation, fulfillment and engagement. The Doctor Dads discuss many of the themes of Dr. Carter's book. Important awareness that any parent or individual that works with kids should know. In this episode we discuss some of the following topics: • Providing the structure teens need while giving them the autonomy they seek • Helping them overcome distractions • Teaching them the art of “strategic slacking” • Protecting them from anxiety, isolation, and depression • Fostering the real-world, face-to-face social connections they desperately need • Effective conversations about tough subjects—including sex, drugs, and money The New Adolescence is a realistic and reassuring handbook for parents. It offers road-tested, science-based solutions for raising happy, healthy, and successful teenagers.   Christine Carter, PhD, is the author of The Sweet Spot (2017) and Raising Happiness (2011). A sociologist and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, Carter draws on the latest scientific research in psychology, sociology and neuroscience— and uses her own real-world experiences—to give parenting, productivity and happiness advice. A sought-after keynote speaker and coach, Dr. Carter also teaches online classes that help people live their most fulfilling lives. She lives with her husband, four teenagers, and dog, Buster, in Marin County, California.

In this podcast episode, I'm joined by my friend Christine Carter, a sociologist working out of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and author of some of my favorite parenting books. We are talking about her newest book, The New Adolescence, Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distractions. Big Ideas As your kids enter adolescence, parents should change their mindset from being their manager to being their coach. As they get older, kids need to be their own manager and take care of more things independently. Kids need less practical support and more emotional support. As their "life coach" you can help them to clarify what outcomes they want and be there for them, without being over-involved. 3 Core Skills Kid Need for the Digital Age: Focus Connection Rest Parents should try to model a life full of focus, connection and rest. The New Adolescence offers tips and talking points on some difficult topics such as sex, drinking alcohol, drugs, and money, and ways to discuss them with your child. The earlier kids start drinking alcohol, and the more they drinking in high school, the more likely it is that they will develop a substance abuse disorder. It is important to note that marijuana today has higher THC and less CBD than in years past and pot use in adolescence has proven to hinder brain development. Real-life social connections are a good antidote for depression, stress, and anxiety. Quotes Christine: "As parents, we haven't adapted to the massive changes (in our culture) and we're not continuing to adapt as things continue to change." Christine: "If we're used to doing everything for our kids and we find meaning and a sense of purpose in being somebody's chief of staff or manager, then it's hard. It's a loss of a role." Christine: "Kids need coaches to ask them to clarify what it is they want, what outcomes they are after and to help them to get those outcomes. You can be as emotionally supportive as you want but not over-involved." Audrey: "Our kids will have setbacks and make mistakes and sometimes get themselves into bad circumstances. These things are going to happen." Christine: "We can only do our best. I understand why parents are not engaging in some of these harder issues because it's hard to even understand what's going on." Audrey: "Your book is a great guidebook and it's a great start for people who are struggling. There's this balance that sometimes parents have a hard time finding, between letting your child grow up, gain more responsibility, more independence, trusting them, and changing your relationship." Audrey: "I think it's very simple to think about changing from being a manager to a coach. You're there for advice. You want them to come to you when they're struggling with something or need some help, but you are not going to, for instance, make their dentist appointment anymore. You share with them the phone number and make sure they know how often they need to go and that kind of thing." Christine: "We are living through an age of great distraction. At the same time, we're seeing a real change in the type of work these kids are going to be asked to do. Most of them will be paid to think...and focus." Christine: "They're not developing focus as a skill because they're multitasking all the time. They're constantly interrupted. They never learned to value focus or have the experience of doing deep work." Christine: "Focus is the superpower of the 21st century. That is the most important thing that they need for their success and happiness. We know that the sort of deep gratification and fulfillment comes from being able to persist in your long term goals. And that takes focus." Christine: "Building mastery takes focus. The things that are really gratifying to us, take focus. That's different from focusing for hours-on-end on a video game." Christine: "Connection is the most important predictor of happiness that we have. It's the most consistent finding we have in a hundred or so years of research. Our overall wellbeing is predicted consistently by both the breadth and depth of our real-life social connections." Christine: "This is a generation that is less connected, ironically, than previous generations. They spend less time with their friends." Christine: "The human nervous system evolved to be connected in person. We get a lot out of touch, even micro touches, like a pat on the shoulder, and eye contact. Our nervous system doesn't feel alone when it can make eye contact with somebody else." Christine: "When your nervous system feels like it's alone, as it does when you're alone in your room, but connecting with people over text or social media, it starts to feel stressed." Audrey: "If parents only do one thing, it's fostering the relationship with their kids and helping their kids foster those close face-to-face relationships." Christine: "When you look at the tsunami of mental illness that is coming toward us in terms of super high anxiety, depression, suicidality, it's explainable alone from a data standpoint--just by sleep depravation. When you control for sleep, all the problems start to go away." Christine: "Kids are the most under-slept teenagers we've ever seen. It's really affecting their mental health. They're under the impression that they need to stay up late, that it's more important to study than to sleep, that they're too busy to take breaks." Christine: "Our culture believes in busy-ness like it's a sign of your value, your productivity, your importance. And of course, none of that's true. It's completely limiting belief. But this is how we operate and our kids have picked up on this. They don't rest and it impairs their brain development." Audrey: "I'm better at what I do when I take breaks, if I get a good nights' sleep, if I have plenty of time to read, time with my friends, I'm better at everything else. Those rest breaks make me better." Audrey: "It's not that the screens are bad, there are lots of fun things that happen and connection, it's what it has replaced when kids are on them all the time." Christine: "If you have a kid who's struggling, they're not alone. You're not alone. It's really hard for all of us and there are a lot of resources out there." Christine: "We just have to engage. We just have to do our best. Once you have some more tools, you'll be able to do better. You'll see the quality of your relationship with your kids will change." About Christine [caption id="attachment_7187" align="alignright" width="243"] Photo Credit: Blake Farrington[/caption] Christine Carter, Ph.D., is a sociologist and the author of The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction (2020), The Sweet Spot: How to Accomplish More by Doing Less (2017) and Raising Happiness (2011). A senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Carter draws on the latest scientific research in psychology, sociology, and neuroscience — and uses her own often hilarious real-world experiences — to give parenting, productivity and happiness advice. She lives with her husband, four teenagers, and dog Buster in Marin County, California. Resources Christine's free downloads are available on her website. Follow Christine of Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn Her books: Raising Happiness, The Sweet Spot, The New Adolescence Coaching resources Christine Carter's Blog Greater Good Magazine Related Ep. 1: Raising Happiness with Christine Carter Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents, Christine Carter, Ph.D. Ep. 41: Getting Comfortable with our Kids’ (and our own) Discomfort with Christine Carter The Sweet Spot: How to Find Your Groove at Home and Work, Christine Carter Ep. 123: Connection Comes First Ep. 93: Teaching Healthy Relationship Skills to Improve Lives Ep. 92: Creating Strong Relationships with Teens Connection Through Questions Ep. 2: 10 Friendship Skills Every Kid Needs  

On this episode of Money Savage ENGAGE, we talked about the negative impact technology and modern living are having on us, how to recognize when it’s happening and what we can do to feel more connected and fulfilled with Christine Carter Ph.d, Founder and CEO of Raising Happiness, author, speaker and coach.  Listen to learn how to begin moving towards the life of happiness you want and away from the trap of comparison! For the Difference Making Tip, scan ahead to 20:44! You can learn more about Christine at ChristineCarter.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Time to get your Mind, Body and Money right?  StriveDetox.com Interested in starting your own podcast?  Click HERE George is honored to be included on Investopedia's list of the Top 100 Financial Advisors for 2019! You can learn more about the show at GeorgeGrombacher.com, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook or contact George at Contact@GeorgeGrombacher.com.  Check out Money Alignment Academy as well!

Christine Carter is a sociologist, columnist and speaker. She’s the author of the books Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents, as well as The Sweet Spot: How to Achieve More by Doing Less. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Greater Good Science Center where she explores the science of happiness and researches how to thrive in our stress-filled, fast-paced modern world. Christine has appeared on the “Oprah Winfrey Show,” the “Dr. Oz Show”, the “TODAY” show, the “Rachael Ray Show,” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” and many others. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and other media outlets. You can subscribe to Christine’s monthly newsletter at christinecarter.com/free-updates/. In the episode, Christine and I discuss: Why Christine began to fantasize about being hospitalized What drove Christine to cancel a keynote speaking engagement at the last minute  Why the opposite of busyness is not laziness How the first industrial revolution created our notions of workplace productivity which we still mistakenly believe today How you can schedule rest in your day to increase productivity How a multitasking brain consumes energy and ways to retrain ourselves to stick to one thing at a time The importance of experiencing stillness and how it improves brain function Why Christine began leaving her phone in the car when she went grocery shopping The one personal failure Christine continues to experience Why we should allow our kids to experience boredom and disappointment Christine also responds to Inner Circle member Cathy Cheng’s question: What are the one or two most consistent attributes of organizations where workers are happiest, most productive, and least likely to leave? Resources mentioned In a land of workaholics, burned-out South Koreans go to 'prison' to relax The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker Click here to see our step-by-step guide on subscribing, listening and reviewing the show!

Christine Carter, author of “Raising Happiness” and “The Sweet Spot”, sits down with Sunshine to talk about her books and how she got involved with Gold Arrow Camp! The post Whadda Day! June 20, 2019 appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

In Episode 82, I'm chatting with my friend Sara Kuljis, the owner and director of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp. Sara is a 20-year veteran camp director and parenting trainer who has great insights and ideas about parenting and counseling kids. We're starting a new series, about sibling conflict and sibling rivalry, and today we're talking about how to manage the conflict that naturally occurs between siblings. Listener Questions "I’m a mom of 2 kids, an almost 13-year-old girl and a just turned 8-year-old boy. My husband and I have both taught in public and private schools and we’ve been youth leaders in churches. Our current challenge is to help our kids with conflict resolution since it seems they tend to be in conflict fairly often at school and at home. Can’t we just all get along?! The difference in age, personalities, and sexes has made it extra difficult." "My biggest parenting struggle at the moment is sibling rivalry, bickering, one-upping, putting down, etc. I’ve read books, consulted experts, given the “Team [Family Name]” talk, etc., but nothing seems to work.  It may be compounded by the fact that I have twins (age 9), but I talk to my mom friends with different age siblings and it seems pervasive.  Curious to know if you have any words of wisdom from your own experience or your fellow experts."   My Email Response Thank you for reaching out! It's definitely very normal for kids to go through phases where it's harder for them to get along, especially if their personalities clash or they're in different life phases. And it isn't easy! My kids have gone through their phases as well. :) I will say, now that most of them are adults they really do value the time they have together. It sounds like you have a plethora of experience working with youth as well, and I'm excited that you found my blog so that we can connect. I also really think that the key lies in helping each child feel great about themselves - so a focus on their strengths rather than any comparison is good. Finally (again, off the top of my head), I ignored a lot of my kids' smaller squabbles. That's just what siblings do. BIG IDEAS Children don't need to be treated equally. They need to be treated uniquely. Parents need to be intentional about honoring the uniqueness of each of their children. Addressing each of your children uniquely shows them that they are special to you and loved by you. Sibling rivalry and sibling conflict are normal with children. Children tend to outgrow their sibling rivalry and conflicts when they grow up. Instead of giving each child equal time, give time according to each child's need. QUOTES Sara: "The chemistry and the personality and the interests of our children sometimes don't line up." Sara: "It is good as a parent to determine my level of influence, how I influence, and what things do I just need to be patient for." Audrey: "We have to look at the long-term picture. We're hopeful that the things we do as parents will at least promote long-term positive relationships. But even that is not guaranteed." Sara: "As kids growing up, my sister and brother and I were constantly arguing. Constantly. We couldn't get along for more than a day. As adults, we really grew to like each other a lot. We always loved each other, but now we really like each other." Sara: "Take a moment and see if outside the home they have good friends. And if they do have that capacity, they're going to be okay." Sara: "Sometimes we just bring home the pressure and bring home the crankiness, and we spill them on those who are closest to us." Audrey: "I remember several years where I was such a bratty little sister." Audrey: "There are also cases where, realistically, siblings are so different, or your sibling has some kind of mental health issue or something that really does make them very difficult to have any relationship with. And that's something that's just life, right?" Audrey: "If you don't get the positive relationship you need, you need to find it elsewhere." Sara: "As parents, we should be really intentional about honoring the differences and the uniqueness of every child." Sara: "When our kids can articulate it, let's ask. Because it might surprise us what it means to them for us to support them." Audrey: "Addressing each child uniquely is really important to make them feel they're loved and they're special to you, even if they don't do the same things as somebody else." Sara: "Just spend a little time entering his world and understanding what makes him tick around this." Sara: "Space is a really good thing. Time to just quiet one's own heart." Sara: "That argument right after school every day- I started taking snacks in the car when I picked the boys up and the first thing they did was eat. We actually decreased the squabbles, those little naggy squabbles, by a good fifty percent." Sara: "All of us are going to have those really heated moments and a lot of pent-up energy. And having appropriate and safe ways to get it out I think is great! I think a punching-bag is great. Rather a punching-bag than each other! Or go for a run. Go for a bike ride. Let some steam off." Audrey: "Give them some space. Don't try to force people to be together who are just not compatible at the moment or at the age." Sara: "We can't demand closeness and we can't demand that they're best friends. But we can require respect." Sara: "We can start teaching empathy to tiny little kids." From Siblings Without Rivalry- How To Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish: "As I half-listen from the next room, I am surprised at how relaxed I am. I realize how little emotional investment I have in the moment-by-moment temperature of their relationship. I know that the differences in interest and temperament that kept them from being close in childhood are still there but I also know that, over the years, I have helped them build the bridges to span the separate islands of their identities. If they ever need to reach out, they have many ways of getting there."   LINKS Audrey's website: www.sunshine-parenting.com Audrey's email: audrey@sunshine-parenting.com Sara teaches parenting workshops in Southern California. Contact Sara to have her come speak to your group on parenting topics including: • Positive Behavior Shaping • Effective Affirmation • Pace of Life • Listening Skills RELATED POSTS/PODCASTS https://sunshine-parenting.com/2017/04/ep-7-family-pace-space-sara-kuljis/ https://sunshine-parenting.com/2015/05/5-steps-to-help-kids-resolve-conflicts/ Resources Recommended books: Siblings Without Rivalry- How To Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, the authors of  How To Talk So Your Kids Will Listen And Listen So Your Kids Will Talk.                 Quick reference guide: The chart that summarizes Siblings Without Rivalry that we referenced in this episode in at The Montessori Notebook:  https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/siblings-without-rivalry/ Christine Carter, author of Raising Happiness  - 10 Steps to Peace in Your Household (download) - The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Audrey's book, Happy Campers- Nine Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults, is coming out on May 7th. It's available now for pre-order. Go to www.happycampersbook.com to find links to all your favorite book retailers where you can pre-order your copy. Audrey will send you some fun freebies, and an invitation to join her private Facebook group once you've completed the pre-order form.

Parenting and forming strong intimate relationships can be challenging under the best of circumstances, and life is rarely perfect. In this episode Dr. Hanson and Forrest speak with Dr. Christine Carter, author of Raising Happiness and The Sweet Spot, about how we can form strong intimate relationships with our children, parents, and partners.This is the first part of two with Dr. Carter, the second episode in this series will be coming later this week.Sponsor Message: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price.Connect with the show:Visit us on the webFollow us on InstagramFollow Rick on FacebookFollow Forrest on FacebookSubscribe on iTunes

Host Ali Nazar interviews Jason Marsh, Editor in Chief of the Greater Good Science Center, on the campus organizations work on quantifying what makes people happy.Transcript:Ali Nazar:You're listening to KALX Berkeley 90.7 FM, University of California and listener supported radio. And this is Method to the Madness coming at you from the Public Affairs Department here at CalX, exploring the innovative spirit of the Bay Area. I'm your host, Ali Nazar. Thanks for joining us today. And with me in studio I have Jason Marsh, the founding editor-in-chief of Greater Good magazine. Hey Jason, how's it going?Jason Marsh:All right, how are you? Thanks for having me.Ali Nazar:I'm good, thanks for coming in. And so, we have lots of founders on of organizations and I always asked the same question to start because you usually create something because you see like a gap. You're trying to fill something. So what's the kind of the problem statement that Greater Good is trying to solve?Jason Marsh:Sure. Well they're really to kind of at the heart of of Greater Good. And one is that there is a whole lot of great research and big ideas generated within universities like Cal, that never really see the light of day, never really make it out into the world and have an impact to improve peoples' quality of life, to improve relationships, to public policy or education. And so, Greater Good was really born to this idea that we should have a more of a bridge between science and practice. There should be ways where the fruits of research, should really make its way out to the public, to really benefit the public, improve public wellbeing really broadly and improve individual wellbeing, improved the way people relate to one another and improve institutions, like schools and workplaces and healthcare systems and and political systems as well. And really, the second animating idea behind Greater Good was that there's this fundamental misconception about human nature.There is, has been a prevailing belief that we're sort of born bad, born aggressive, born antisocial. And yet, there was this emerging body of research over time really pointing to this more positive narrative about human nature. Suggesting that actually there are really deeply rooted propensities for goodness, for altruism, for compassion. And by changing that narrative and changing what people expect humans are capable of, we can really change behavior and really change some of those institutions as well for the better. So there was really this marriage of ideas that there's a real need to get the word out about this research coming out of academia, coming out of social science, to really change people's understanding of who they are, what they're capable of and in effect, provide a huge bridge between what the scientific community was starting to understand and what the rest of the world could really benefit from.Ali Nazar:Wow. It sounds amazing and so needed in these times. And it makes me wonder about kind of the history of the science of happiness. Like that doesn't seem like a science, when you think about sciences. What is the history behind this study?Jason Marsh:Sure. So, backing up, for decades really, for much of the 20th century, a lot of psychology and other behavioral, cognitive, social sciences were really focused on the roots of pathologies. The roots of why is it that people do evil, do bad things, how to institutions become corrupt. But starting, there had been this strain of research that really toward the late nineties started to take off and focusing on, let's look not just at human pathology, let's look not just to what's wrong with people, but really try to understand what can go right and how we can actually help people have a greater sense of thriving and happiness and wellbeing, both to address some of the deficiencies that we experience and also to take certain situations where people might feel like they are just sort of getting by in life and to really infuse a greater sense of thriving, of happiness, of wellbeing, to really create in some ways a more positive ripple effect through society as a whole.And so, that there has been this growing movement, some call positive psychology, in some ways to distinguish it from other strains of psychology. Focusing really on happiness and wellbeing, and our center has in some ways built on some of that research, but we've also really drawn on work, not just on individual happiness and personal wellbeing, but really social relationships. And there's, at the same time, it's been a growing emphasis, not just on personal happiness, but on social relationships, on compassion, on altruism, really what makes people do good and what makes people feel good.Ali Nazar:So that it's a relatively new science is what you're saying.Jason Marsh:Yeah.Ali Nazar:Late nineties, so it's a 21st century type of study.Jason Marsh:Exactly. Yeah.Ali Nazar:Interesting. Okay. So before we dive further into what Greater Good does, can you tell me a little about yourself? Like how did you come to become founding editor of a magazine dedicated to this topic?Jason Marsh:Sure. Yeah. I sometimes think of myself as like the luckiest guy in Berkeley. I came out here in the early 2000s, about 2002, just at the time, the center ... At the time, the center was called the Center for the Development of Peace and Wellbeing. So it was a a real mouthful. And it was a bunch of psychology faculty who kind of knew, really broadly that they had this mission to take this new research of wellbeing, new research of compassion and generosity and help get it out to a wider audience. But they didn't quite know how to do that. They didn't have as much experience on the communication side, on the journalism side.My background's in journalism, I got connected to the faculty. They basically invited me to pitch what I would do with some kind of publication focused on this research, on these topics. I had been doing something sort of coincidentally somewhat similar type of work in Washington, DC had been editing this more political journal on civic engagement and community building. A lot of overlap and so put together kind of my dream job basically for what I would do with a a magazine along these lines that I thought would really be beneficial and really make a big public impact and really help people. And you know the team, liked the idea, we developed the first issue as a pilot and that was published in 2004, and it's kind of taken off from there.Ali Nazar:14 years later.Jason Marsh:Yeah.Ali Nazar:Still publishing, is it a monthly/quarterly, what is it?Jason Marsh:So it started off as a print magazine. It became a quarterly, 2009 we shifted to be entirely online so it's now, Greater Good magazine is now entirely online. And then, since that time as well, we've grown other programs and projects out of Greater Good. So there's still the hub, Greater Good, greatergood.berkeley.edu, is still the hub of all kinds of content, thousands of articles and videos and podcasts. But we have also an events series, a couple of online courses, host of other programs, all basically focused on the same research.Ali Nazar:Cool. Well I want to get more into kind of what you guys do and the breadth of it. Right now we're talking to Jason Marsh, he's the founding editor and chief of Greater Good magazine right here on campus at UC Berkeley. And before we get into the breadth of programs, I did want to get a little bit more into that founding story of the Greater Good center itself, because this show really focuses on this kind of spark of how do things grow from this one idea. So it sounds like you had could walked into an organization that would just kind of beginning, can you give us the history of it?Jason Marsh:Yeah, so it's a really amazing and pretty powerful story. So, there were a couple Tom and Ruth Ann Hornaday, who graduated from Berkeley in the early sixties and then sadly in the nineties lost a daughter to cancer. And they both were trying to honor her memory and spirit and also build on their great love and affinity for Cal, and came to the university and said essentially, we want to do something to foster peace and wellbeing in the world and to honor her memory and honor ... But they knew it was really the great research and great ideas coming out of Cal. And they, together with George Breslauer, who was dean of social sciences at the time, came up with an idea for a center that'd be different than a lot of other centers at Cal or beyond, that it wouldn't just be focused on research. It would really be focused on taking research conducted at Cal and even more broadly and really focusing on getting that work out to the public. So it had a wider impact on families, on schools and society at large.So there was sort of this initial brainstorming committee of a few psychology faculty at Cal. So Dacher Keltner was our founding faculty director, Steve Hinshaw and Phil and Carolyn Callan were all psychology faculty whose research in one way or another, all focused on, how do we not only address sort of what's wrong with people, but help them build really lives, positive relationships. And so, together came up with the idea of ... and I should say as well, Dacher and and Steve and Phil and Carolyn, all were committed in their own work, not just to doing really top tier research, but also really to find innovative ways to get that work out to the public and have it serve a real public benefit.So, together they came up with the idea for a center that would do that, came up with the idea for a Center for the Development of Peace and Wellbeing. Fortunately, I was able to connect with them just at that moment where they're contemplating how to really get the center out to a wider audience, get the research out to a wider audience. And I should say a few years after that, after Greater Good launched as a print magazine, we changed the name of the center to be the Greater Good Science Center, instead of the Center for the Development of Peace and Wellbeing.Ali Nazar:Yeah, Greater Good's a little catchier.Jason Marsh:A little catchier, a lot of confusion about what exactly we did. And it was also really hard and long to say.Ali Nazar:Okay. So you're ... Jason, you're someone who traffics in this knowledge of what makes people happy. So I have to ask you the question, what makes people happy?Jason Marsh:A good question. So the simple answer is strong social connections and positive relationships. There's a line from the research though, sort of with a caveat, is a line from the research saying relationships are necessary but not sufficient to happiness, right? So, if you don't have positive relationships, it's going to be really hard to find true happiness in life. And yet, it's not just about relationships itself. There could be other factors, other extenuating circumstances, other things in play that could still hinder your happiness. But the relationships are often really a foundation and key starting point.So out of that work, there's been a whole host of studies, lots of research looking at the benefits and also how do you then build successful connections? How do you build successful relationships that are so strongly linked to happiness? I should say as well, when we talk about happiness, we're not just talking about fleeting feelings of pleasure, and just feeling good. A definition that we use is, it is partly about positive emotion, but it's also about this deeper sense of purpose and meaning and satisfaction with your life, that goes beyond just moment to moment experiences of pleasure. So that's why our tagline actually for the Center is a science of a meaningful life. Right? This deeper sense of goodness or commitment to something beyond the self.Ali Nazar:It's really interesting that that's the definition as you see it, because it speaks to the interdependence that we all have on each other, as opposed to like, you know, it's a very American, I think concept to be very independent.Jason Marsh:Exactly.Ali Nazar:To not need anybody. So, it's like our society is maybe not set up to be happy in some ways if that's what you guys have found in the science.Jason Marsh:Right. Yeah, exactly. And that's, in some ways, makes the work somewhat challenging, we're running against some pretty big cultural currents. At the same time, that's what gets us up in the morning to feel like there is a need for the work, it isn't just something that people are already completely embracing, and you know that's already, totally dominant beliefs or practices in our culture there are these competing ideas. And don't get me wrong, I think there's a lot to be said obviously, for individualism and for independence, but part of our work and part of the research suggests is that it's really important to find the right balance, right? Between both pursuing your own personal goals and dreams and wellbeing and also recognizing the ways that you are also living in community. Your actions affect others and a lot of your wellbeing is both contingent on and helps to influence the wellbeing and contributions of others.Ali Nazar:So have you ... I would think in the science of happiness, there's been studies of many different cultures and like this is a social science, right?Jason Marsh:Yeah.Ali Nazar:So that's a lot of like looking at long trends and surveys and stuff like that. So what are some of the learnings that have been found from other countries that maybe aren't as individualistic capitalistic as America?Jason Marsh:Yeah, so you know, it's a great question. In the last five, 10 years or so, there's been, as the science of happiness has taken off and really gone global in a lot of ways, there has emerged a broader sense on happiness around the world. There is now a world happiness report, put out sort of in connection with the UN regularly, that often finds that the countries that are ranked the highest on measures of happiness, looking at several different factors, are the ones that have in some ways a a stronger egalitarian spirit, have a stronger sort of social democratic tradition of greater commitment to the common good and less inequality.So, a lot of those values that are more community-minded, more civically-minded, often translate into greater happiness for individuals within the country itself. Which is sort of paradoxical, right? We often think about those two things being somewhat at odd, right? Like having to sacrifice your needs for the greater good. When in fact like actually having that commitment to the greater good, having a commitment to something bigger than yourself. Having a a culture and even on government that tries to foster that greater sense of like, we're all in this together. Actually, the individuals within those societies, do better, feel better individually as well.Ali Nazar:Are there any places in the world, like if you're, you know, looking to be an expat American, you want to become a happy person, where should we go?Jason Marsh:Denmark always ranks really high. Denmark, Norway-Ali Nazar:Scandinavians.Jason Marsh:And other countries. Yeah. Costa Rica does as well actually often in a lot of those surveys.Ali Nazar:Is there a correlation between higher tax rates and happiness?Jason Marsh:That's been looked at a little bit, because [crosstalk]Ali Nazar:A little bit of theoretically that's the go for ... you're giving it to other people, right?Jason Marsh:Right, exactly. Yeah. I mean there's, that the tax rate itself hasn't, I wouldn't say it's been proven as a definite cause or clear determinant of happiness, but certainly there were a lot of other sort of correlational data, a lot of other data suggesting that there is a strong relationship. At the very least, there's evidence suggesting that inequality is bad for happiness, right? And inequality is also bad for pro social behavior as well. Pro social as supposed to antisocial behavior, right? So in situations where there are greater power imbalances, it's not just bad for the person who is on the lower end of the totem pole, but also for someone who is in a higher level of status, there's evidence suggesting that they're actually their skills at connecting with other people being more altruistic, being more compassionate, those skills are actually compromised by their elevated status. So all the kinds of skills that you need really to make the kinds of connections that are linked to happiness are impeded by elevated status.Ali Nazar:Yeah, it's really, really fascinating. We're talking to Jason Marsh, he's the founding editor-in-chief of Greater Good magazine from the Greater Good Science Center right here on campus. You're listening to Method to the Madness on KALX Berkeley 90.7 FM, I'm your host, Ali Nazar.And so, one of the founding principles of this center is to bridge the gap between academia and the real world. And so, I was looking at your guys' website, you have a lot of programs for different types of real world applications. So I'd like to dive-in a little bit about kind of how you guys are delivering on that promise of the mission. So first let's talk about parents and families, it's one of the constituencies you kind of name on your website. And I'm a member of a family and it's hard, with little kids and all that. And so happiness is a thought that comes around a lot, because like you're kind of always yelling at some little kid to do something. So what have you guys found and how do you apply research to that setting?Jason Marsh:Sure. So, I mean, one of the main things we've tried to do, really from day one, is to produce quality research-based materials, resources for parents who are often up at 2:00 AM, I've been in this case with a kid of my own, googling ways, looking for ways to be a better parent, to yell less at your kids, to be more understanding, be more patient. And so, part of our focus has been from day one, to really focus not just on common wisdom, conventional wisdom, but really what the research suggests are really effective ways to foster happiness and wellbeing within families. And also to raise kids with the kinds of skills that lead them to a sort of happy and meaningful lives. So from early-on we had produced, when we had the print magazine, a lot of articles on families and child development.We had for a number of years a really popular parenting blog called Raising Happiness by actually a Berkeley PhD, Christine Carter, who wrote a book of the same name, that also proved to be a really great resource for parents. And more recently we've actually launched a new parenting initiative, we have a great parenting director at the center, Miriam Abdula who runs a program, where she's both writing about the science of wellbeing for parents and families. And also, running a program where we give out grants, sort of modest sized grants to different community-based programs around the country that want their work to serve parents and help their kids, help parents help their kids develop the kinds of skills that we know are linked to happiness and wellbeing and leading sort of positive, meaningful lives. So providing both funding and also helping to connect those programs to researchers who can help ground their work a little bit more deeply in the research to make sure that there's a really strong scientific basis to it.Ali Nazar:Okay, cool. And tell me about some of the other programs. I saw there was a bunch of different people or constituencies that you kind of focus on, but tell me about some of the main programs right now.Jason Marsh:Yeah, so like parents, we've also focused a lot on educators over the years. Really helping people who are trying to help kids, especially both so that they can provide useful resources and tools for kids and also to serve their own wellbeing. Right? I mean, educators, there's huge demands, a lot of stressors, a lot of evidence that there's really great burnout and turnover in the profession. So we've tried to provide resources both so that teachers can better serve their students and also so they can better serve themselves and make sure that they don't burn out.So similarly, we've a whole host of resources on our website for teachers. We also for the last six years, have run a summer institute for educators. We've had teachers come from just about every state in the country, from dozens of countries around the world, to come to Berkeley for a week and get really a crash course in the science of wellbeing and explore together how they can take the science and really apply it meaningfully to their classroom.And now more recently, our education team is developing a new resource coming soon, early in 2019, really to serve as a clearing house, really the best tools, best resources, best practices and strategies, so that to make it even easier for teachers to take all this wisdom from the science and really incorporate it into their classroom, into their school, without having to add yet another thing on their agenda to make it as seamless and hopefully as painless as possible.Ali Nazar:Cool. Well it sounds like there's ... your website has a lot of tools it sounds like, for helping people to access the different programs you have. And then when I was looking through, there's a breadth of things you guys do. There's events, there's content being published and-Jason Marsh:Yep, exactly.Ali Nazar:So I did want to ask about, you talked about what makes people happy, but this science, I would think in the study of this would give you some tips on how to change someone who's not happy to become happy. Like that's the trick, right?Jason Marsh:Yeah.Ali Nazar:There's a lot of people out there who are weighted down by a lot of different stressors of all different types. So what's your recommendation? You guys have all access to all this knowledge. If there's a listener who's not happy, what should they do?Jason Marsh:Yeah, so there are ... it's been a really big question in the field, right? Because early on, focus on happiness was like, let's just figure out if we can take people who are, you know, moderately happy and try to make them happier. More recently, there's been a focus on, let's look at more at risk populations and people even who are having suicidal thoughts are at risk for depression, and see if a lot of these same strategies can be effective for them as well. And fortunately, many of them have been. There are ... should say, like offer the caveat right up front for people dealing with serious depression or serious psychiatric problems, it's still, most important for them to see a mental health professional. The tools that we offer on the site are not supposed to be a substitute for therapy say.But certainly there's a huge number of people who just feel like ... who are kind of unhappy, who are maybe struggling with maybe some symptoms of depression or just feel like they're not as satisfied with their lives they'd like to be. And so that, the research has found, successfully found that there are ways that they can actually benefit over time. One of the big focuses of that work has been on gratitude as a practice. Right? So there's been, for the last 20 years or so, a huge emerging science of gratitude. We focused on a lot, which in some ways is just really simply, recognizing and appreciating the gifts and good things in your life, that you might otherwise take for granted. Right? So they basic idea is, there are lots of positive things that might happen to us over the course of a day that we just kind of ignore or take for granted.And by training our minds over time and focusing a little bit more deliberately on some of those good things, we can gradually kind of change the narrative that we're telling ourselves about our lives and change kind of the emotional tone of our lives, so that it ceases just to be about the ways that people have taken advantage of you or been mean to you. But you start to recognize ways that people have actually gone out of their way to be kind to you and nice things that people have done for you and you see yourself differently in relation to others. You see other people differently and you see sort of human nature differently as well. So, and at the same time, you're creating more of these positive memories, right? By actually noticing and appreciating and savoring more positive experiences, you're then creating these positive memories you can return to over time as well. So it provides both these greater momentary experiences of happiness and also these greater lasting memories and lasting resonating feelings of happiness as well.Ali Nazar:It's so interesting that you say that we're speaking with Jason Marsh is a founding editor of Greater Good magazine. It's interesting that you say that because our society is moving to a place with less time and less and less time. So like you're talking about getting space to recognize positive things and have gratitude for it, but it feels like we have less and less space.Jason Marsh:Yeah, exactly. Yeah. It's a huge issue and I think that's been something we focus on in the last few years, especially is the impact of new technology, especially on wellbeing, on being able to hone a lot of these skills. Because yeah, I mean gratitude, there's also a huge emerging science, which a lot of people have read about on mindfulness. A lot of it places really strong emphasis on taking moments essentially to pause and notice your surroundings. Even savor and appreciate some of the good you might pass by otherwise. And that is really at odds both with the pace of our culture, with our work lives, with technology. And so, in some ways it's a great challenge, but in some ways it's calling for the need for these practices to be as widely spread and embraced or embraced as widely as possible because there are so many other forces that are pushing in the opposite direction.Ali Nazar:Yeah, yeah, well the work is really needed. So I appreciate you coming in and telling us about it. I always end interviews Method to the Madness with the same question. This is an organization founded with a thesis to help bridge the gap between the academic research on happiness and getting it out there in the world. So, if everything went perfect five years from now, like what would the goal of Greater Good Center look like?Jason Marsh:Yeah. So if everything went well five years from now, we've been asking this question of ourselves a lot lately. I think we would see a lot of the tools and ideas we're putting out in the world, embraced not just by more individuals. Like we were really pleased to see the growth in our organization as ... in general. We-Ali Nazar:How many people work there?Jason Marsh:When we are a print magazine, let's see, we have a staff of 14 but other Grad students and faculty who are involved. When we started as a print magazine, we reached 5,000 subscribers. We now have about 600,000 unique visitors to the website each month. We have an online course that's enrolled about 600,000 students as well.Ali Nazar:Anybody can enroll?Jason Marsh:Anybody can roll. It's a free course. Anybody can access the resources on the website, they're all free. So that's all really, really gratifying to see so many individuals really hungering for and based on our own surveys and research, seemingly benefiting from those resources. However, we feel like there's still just really huge needs in organizations and institutions. In our education system, in our healthcare system, in our workplaces. And we're starting more and more to work more directly with schools and districts and companies and leaders in healthcare, and where we'd really like to go and where we'd like to see the work go is to see it embedded even more directly to inform and really influence and shape the policies and best practices within some of those major institutions that just have influence over, millions if not billions of people worldwide.Ali Nazar:Cool. Well, it's a great vision and mission. So thanks for coming in today, Jason.Jason Marsh:Thanks for having me.Ali Nazar:We've been speaking with Jason Marsh, he's a founding editor-in-chief of Greater Good magazine. And Jason, just a quick plug for people want to understand how to get involved and access these resources. Can you tell them how to do it?Jason Marsh:Yeah, thanks Ali. Best place to go is our Greater Good magazine website, that's greatergood.berkeley.edu. And best way to stay on top of what we're doing and stay in touch is to sign-up from that site for our free weekly newsletter.Ali Nazar:Okay, great. Well you heard right here, this is KALX Berkeley. I'm your host Ali Nazar and Methods to the Madness. Thanks for joining everybody, and thanks again for joining us, Jason, and everybody have a great Friday. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 50, I chat with K.J. Dell'Antonia, author of How to be a Happier Parent: Raising a Family, Having a Life, and Loving (Almost) Every Minute. From KJ's website: I believe each of us is responsible for our own happiness. I believe happier parents are better parents and better people. I believe family should be a source of joy and refuge, not another stressor in a busy life. I believe we can be happy even when things aren’t great. We can raise our families, live our lives, and love (almost) every minute of it — if we let go of the idea of parenting as a direct route to a destination: success, and decide to meander along our own merry way. This former New York Times reporter is taking on the rug rat race — join me! I wrote and edited the Motherlode blog for the Times from 2011 until 2016 and was a contributing editor to the Well Family section from 2016-2017. Ten minutes in my kitchen would convince you that, while some parts of my family life are enviably together (the Rice Krispie treats on the counter, the meal in the slow cooker) others are works in progress (the child on the floor, wailing that the homework is “too hard”). “How to Be a Happier Parent” is not a memoir (far from it!). Instead, my research, interviews, and reporting are geared towards helping all of us figure out “how it’s done” in the bits of family life we find most challenging. I was fortunate to meet KJ at the Mom 2.0 Conference, read an advanced copy of her book, and interview her for the podcast! To determine what her chapters would be about, K.J. asked parents, "What sucks most?" about parenting. Chores and discipline rose to the top of the list, and those are two of the many topics we discuss in this episode. Order How to be a Happier Parent: Raising a Family, Having a Life, and Loving (Almost) Every Minute! How to be a Happier Parent description An encouraging guide to helping parents find more happiness in their day-to-day family life, from the former lead editor of the New York Times Motherlode blog. In all the writing and reporting KJ Dell'Antonia has done on families over the years, one topic keeps coming up again and again: parents crave a greater sense of happiness in their daily lives. In this optimistic, solution-packed book, KJ asks: How can we change our family life so that it is full of the joy we'd always hoped for? Drawing from the latest research and interviews with families, KJ discovers that it's possible to do more by doing less and make our family life a refuge and pleasure, rather than another stress point on a hectic day. She focuses on nine common problem spots that cause parents the most grief, explores why they are hard, and offers small, doable, sometimes surprising steps you can take to make them better. Whether it's getting everyone out the door on time in the morning or making sure chores and homework get done without another battle, How to Be a Happier Parent shows that having a family isn't just about raising great kids and churning them out at destination: success. It's about experiencing joy--real joy, the kind you look back on, look forward to and live for--along the way. Resources/Related K.J.'s Website Follow K.J. Ignore It by Catherine Pearlman (mentioned in this episode) Raising Happiness with Christine Carter

Part of helping kids learn to deal with discomfort is learning how to be uncomfortable ourselves. -Christine Carter, Ph.D. In Episode 41, I'm talking with my friend and favorite happiness guru, Christine Carter, Ph.D. I have been a fan of Christine's research, writing, and speaking since 2011, when I recruited her to start doing staff trainings at my camp. Christine was my first podcast guest back in Episode 1 and has been instrumental in helping me stay up-to-date on the research about trends affecting the well-being of children, teens, and adults. Christine is the author of The Sweet Spot: How to Achieve More by Doing Less (2017) and Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents (2011). She is a sociologist and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, where she draws on scientific research to help people lead their most courageous, joyful, meaningful, and authentic lives. The working title of the book she is currently researching and writing, about what teens need for their well-being, is How to Make or Break an American Teenager (2019). In this episode, we talk about her research so far on raising "iGen" kids (born 1995 or later). We talk about the mental health challenges teens are facing, how we all need to learn to be uncomfortable, and how she manages screen time with her teens. Quotes "We have become a nation built on comfort." "This generation is really, really different. One quarter of them have made a plan to kill themselves... This is the most anxious, most depressed generation we've ever seen...We are on the verge of a very serious mental health crisis." "It's so counterintuitive for most parents, right? We want to protect them. We don't want them to feel uncomfortable. We don't want them to be in pain. We don't want them to fail. We don't want them to be disappointed." "It's not just that our kids need to learn to deal with discomfort in many forms, it's that we need to learn to deal with their discomfort." "There's so much that's so good about the technological innovations...We haven't adapted properly to all the new technology." "This is why camp is so important. It's actually an adaption. It's a hold-over from before... Now it's a way to cope with the massive amount of information and stuff." "It's shaping them developmentally." "This is the first generation of kids that really feels entitled to a life free from pain. And so if they're uncomfortable in any way, or disappointed, it's somebody else's fault." Links iGen, by Jean Twenge Circle by Disney Related Ep. 1: Raising Happiness with Christine Carter Living Life in our Sweet Spot 15 Books That Inspire my Parenting

What war can you win with a deck of cards, a bible, a dictionary, and a bottle of sherry? A war against the drudgery of daily mundane. To bring a semblance of normalcy, to push against her personal limits and to invoke her creative genius, for many years, Maya Angelou rented a hotel room where she placed these four simple objects and did her best work. Known for her prolific writing career, Maya Angelou could not have accomplished her success if it weren't for a complete surrender and a deal of great respect for carefully crafted meaningful routines.On this episode of the Full PreFrontal podcast my guest Dr. Christine Carter, the author of the best-selling books including, “The Sweet Spot: How to Achieve More by Doing Less” (2017) returns to talk about ways to elevate personal productivity while enjoying the day-to-day rigmarole.About Christine Carter, Ph.D.Christine Carter, Ph.D., is the author of best-selling books The Sweet Spot: How to Achieve More by Doing Less (2017) and Raising Happiness (2011). A sought-after keynote speaker and coach, Dr. Carter writes an award-winning blog, Brave Over Perfect. She is a sociologist and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, where she draws on scientific research to help people lead their most meaningful, joyful, and authentic lives.BookThe Sweet Spot: How to Achieve More by Doing LessRaising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier ParentsResourcesDr. Christine Carter's Blog: www.braveoverperfect.comGreater Good Magazine: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/christine_carterGroup Coaching: http://www.braveoverperfect.com/group-coaching/Support the show (https://mailchi.mp/7c848462e96f/full-prefrontal-sign-up)

Have you ever wondered if you're doing it right, particularly when it comes to parenting? Have your good intentions to push your kids failed you? Have you reacted in an unflattering way when dealing with your kids' distractibility, stubbornness, or argumentativeness or have your children pointed out that your reactions of frustration and anger are very unbecoming of you? It turns out that just because you're a talented, successful, and good person doesn't mean that you will automatically be an effective parent. Everybody needs a little help in raising well-adjusted kids.On this episdoe my guest, Dr. Christine Carter, a sociologist and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and a very successful author of many books including “Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents” will address important issues including the connection between parenting and self-regulation, becoming less of a critic and more of a model, and how to raise well-adjusted kids.About Christine Carter, Ph.D.Christine Carter, Ph.D., is the author of best-selling books The Sweet Spot: How to Achieve More by Doing Less (2017) and Raising Happiness (2011). A sought-after keynote speaker and coach, Dr. Carter writes an award-winning blog, Brave Over Perfect. She is a sociologist and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, where she draws on scientific research to help people lead their most meaningful, joyful, and authentic lives.BookThe Sweet Spot: How to Achieve More by Doing LessRaising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier ParentsResourcesDr. Christine Carter's Blog: www.braveoverperfect.comGreater Good Magazine: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/christine_carterGroup Coaching: http://www.braveoverperfect.com/group-coaching/Support the show (https://mailchi.mp/7c848462e96f/full-prefrontal-sign-up)

Have you ever wondered if you’re doing it right, particularly when it comes to parenting? Have your good intentions to push your kids failed you? Have you reacted in an unflattering way when dealing with your kids’ distractibility, stubbornness, or argumentativeness or have your children pointed out that your reactions of frustration and anger are very unbecoming of you? It turns out that just because you're a talented, successful, and good person doesn’t mean that you will automatically be an effective parent. Everybody needs a little help in raising well-adjusted kids. On today’s podcast my guest, Dr. Christine Carter, a sociologist and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and a very successful author of many books including “Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents” will address important issues including the connection between parenting and self-regulation, becoming less of a critic and more of a model, and how to raise well-adjusted kids.

If you've ever wanted to work less, yet do less, and be on top of your game without running yourself ragged, then do we have the show for you! Today I'll be talking with positivity and performance guru and best-selling author Christine Carter, PhD, author of a new favorite book of mine, The Sweet Spot: How to Find Your Groove at Home and at Work. I'd say it's more than just a book, but an owners manual for doing less and accomplishing more, and who couldn't use that! So today we'll talk about finding your sweet spot, that once-thought mythical place where you can relax yet get things done, achieve your dreams, without driving yourself into the ground, and where you really can have your cake and eat it too. That plus we'll talk about celebratory dances, the Yay Me, a hospital fantasy, why no mud, no lotus, what we can learn from olive trees and marathoners, what the real meaning of the codeword ‘green' is! Questions and Topics Include: How'd she become known as the ‘friendly jogger' How do you get a treadmill for free? How'd she end up in the ER with 103 degree fever What was the turning point in her life. What's a hospital fantasy? What was the low-point in her life How did she start rebuilding her life Why she's obsessed with habits and willpower What does it mean to live and work from your sweet-spot (overlap of place you have greatest strength and place of greatest ease) What's the equation for a sweet spot (and why it's so important)? What's the importance of having things on auto-pilot (versus mindfulness)? What is recess and why do we need it? Why working more to get more done is completely counter-intuitive (especially for kids) What makes us feel productive is not what makes us more productive Why Happiness (her first book was Raising Happiness) is so important What Happiness does for us (and why it really is the answer) Why happiness really means positive emotions Why true happiness is not gratification A few key tips on happiness What is the power of gratitude? How gratitude can make a snowball of positivity in the brain How our posture (and physiology) affects our emotions How to quickly and easily become more confident How to quickly generate endorphins through your posture! How fast can she take a shower in drought-ridden California How do we crack the habit code and where do we get started? Free email coaching program to crack the habit code Where do people get hung-up the most Why is choosing the right habit so important How do you crack the exercise nut? What's a 5 minute workout? What's the importance of a trigger or a cue? What are keystone mini-habits and why are they so important. How you can have your computer automatically shut down at night What's the app forcefield (particularly good for children's phones) christinecarter.com – new coaching program, establishing a new habit, great facebook group (for new habits) and also an online-class “The science of finding flow” learning how to drop into the flow state. Why it's so important to be able to turn your devices off, and what skill successful children will need most in the future for their careers and happiness! Dr. Christine Carter, Author of Raising Happiness, Shares How to Live From the Place of Greatest Strength, Ease & Positivity While Making Your Days Easier & More Fun! Inspiration | Motivation | Business | Career | Spirituality | Self-Help | Inspire For More Info Visit: www.InspireNationShow.com

Christine Carter, Ph.D., is a sociologist and the author of The Sweet Spot: How to Accomplish More by Doing Less (2017) and Raising Happiness (2011). Drawing on the latest scientific research on positivity, productivity, and elite performance, Carter demonstrates a sweet paradox: by doing less we can actually accomplish more. A sought-after speaker and coach, Dr. Carter also teaches online classes and writes an award-winning blog, which is frequently syndicated on Huffington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Psychology Today, and Greater Good. She is a sociologist and senior fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center.

In Episode 5 of the Sunshine Parenting Podcast, I interview Jeff Cheley, the 4th generation director of Cheley Colorado Camps, a world-renowned summer camp founded in 1921 in Estes Park, Colorado, by Jeff's great-grandfather. Jeff is in his 18th year as director at Cheley and with his wife Erika is parenting three young sons. He has a business degree from the University of Texas, Austin, and serves in volunteer positions at the American Camp Association and with several Denver-based youth organizations. Jeff and I talked about camp, his family, and what he's learned about using the growth mindset. Jeff mentioned several books he's found helpful as both a camp director and father, including:           Jeff also mentioned the following organizations: All Pro Dad American Camp Association Want to listen to a previous episode of the Sunshine Parenting Podcast? Ep. 1: Raising Happiness with Christine Carter Ep. 2: 10 Friendship Skills Every Kid Needs Ep. 3: Raising Resilient, Independent Kids with Sara Kuljis Ep. 4: Giving Kids' Phones a Vacation with Ashley Peters

A sociologist and senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Christine Carter, Ph.D., is the author of The Sweet Spot: How to Find Your Groove at Work and Home (2015) and Raising Happiness (2011). Drawing on the latest scientific research on positivity, productivity, and elite performance, Carter demonstrates a sweet paradox: by doing less we can actually accomplish more. A sought-after keynote speaker and executive coach, Dr. Carter also writes an award-winning blog, which is frequently syndicated on the HuffingtonPost, PsychologyToday.com, Medium.com, and several other websites. What you’ll learn about in this episode: Christine’s background Why people think success & happiness are at odds Why passion is a particular form of happiness & how kids might be missing it Why you shouldn’t be a helicopter parent Helping your children make transitions and why this is so important How ‘struggle’ helps your children grow Why health & happiness are the most important things Teaching kids not to focus on their own happiness Why it’s so important for kids to contribute to their households The importance of having your kids sign contracts Resources: Sample Expectations - Family Contribution (older teen) Sample Expectations - Family Contribution (younger teen)

If you've ever wanted to work less, yet do less, and be on top of your game without running yourself ragged, then do we have the show for you! Today I'll be talking with positivity and performance guru and best-selling author Christine Carter, PhD, author of a new favorite book of mine, The Sweet Spot: How to Find Your Groove at Home and at Work. I'd say it's more than just a book, but an owners manual for doing less and accomplishing more, and who couldn't use that! So today we'll talk about finding your sweet spot, that once-thought mythical place where you can relax yet get things done, achieve your dreams, without driving yourself into the ground, and where you really can have your cake and eat it too. That plus we'll talk about celebratory dances, the Yay Me, a hospital fantasy, why no mud, no lotus, what we can learn from olive trees and marathoners, what the real meaning of the codeword ‘green' is! Questions and Topics Include: How'd she become known as the ‘friendly jogger' How do you get a treadmill for free? How'd she end up in the ER with 103 degree fever What was the turning point in her life. What's a hospital fantasy? What was the low-point in her life How did she start rebuilding her life Why she's obsessed with habits and willpower What does it mean to live and work from your sweet-spot (overlap of place you have greatest strength and place of greatest ease) What's the equation for a sweet spot (and why it's so important)? What's the importance of having things on auto-pilot (versus mindfulness)? What is recess and why do we need it? Why working more to get more done is completely counter-intuitive (especially for kids) What makes us feel productive is not what makes us more productive Why Happiness (her first book was Raising Happiness) is so important What Happiness does for us (and why it really is the answer) Why happiness really means positive emotions Why true happiness is not gratification A few key tips on happiness What is the power of gratitude? How gratitude can make a snowball of positivity in the brain How our posture (and physiology) affects our emotions How to quickly and easily become more confident How to quickly generate endorphins through your posture! How fast can she take a shower in drought-ridden California How do we crack the habit code and where do we get started? Free email coaching program to crack the habit code Where do people get hung-up the most Why is choosing the right habit so important How do you crack the exercise nut? What's a 5 minute workout? What's the importance of a trigger or a cue? What are keystone mini-habits and why are they so important. How you can have your computer automatically shut down at night What's the app forcefield (particularly good for children's phones) christinecarter.com – new coaching program, establishing a new habit, great facebook group (for new habits) and also an online-class “The science of finding flow” learning how to drop into the flow state. Why it's so important to be able to turn your devices off, and what skill successful children will need most in the future for their careers and happiness! Dr. Christine Carter, Author of Raising Happiness, Shares How to Live From the Place of Greatest Strength, Ease & Positivity While Making Your Days Easier & More Fun! Inspiration | Motivation | Business | Career | Spirituality | Self-Help | Inspire For More Info Visit: www.InspireNationShow.com

In episode 1 of the Sunshine Parenting podcast, I talk with best selling author Christine Carter, Ph.D., about her book, Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. We discuss two of the tips from her book, including "put on your own oxygen mask first" and family dinner. We also address a listener question about teaching children how to handle unkind kids. Visit Christine's website at christinecarter.com for more information about Christine's books, online classes, and coaching. I hope you enjoy the Sunshine Parenting Podcast! You can subscribe on iTunes here. Links/Additional Reading: Why Family Dinner is ImportantNo Time for Family Dinner?Sharing our Highs, Lows, & BuffaloesRaising HappinessThe Sweet SpotLiving Life in our Sweet SpotHappiness Habits31 Days of Happiness Hacks

If you've ever wanted to work more yet do less, and be on top of your game without running yourself ragged, then do we have the show for you! Today I'll be talking with positivity and performance guru and best-selling author Christine Carter, PhD, author of a new favorite book of mine, The Sweet Spot: How to Find Your Groove at Home and at Work. I'd say it's more than just a book, but an owners manual for doing less and accomplishing more, and who couldn't use that! So today we'll talk about finding your sweet spot, that once-thought mythical place where you can relax yet get things done, achieve your dreams, without driving yourself into the ground, and where you really can have your cake and eat it too. That plus we'll talk about celebratory dances, the Yay Me, a hospital fantasy, why no mud, no lotus, what we can learn from olive trees and marathoners, what the real meaning of the codeword ‘green' is! Questions and Topics Include: How'd she become known as the ‘friendly jogger' How do you get a treadmill for free? How'd she end up in the ER with 103 degree fever What was the turning point in her life. What's a hospital fantasy? What was the low-point in her life How did she start rebuilding her life Why she's obsessed with habits and willpower What does it mean to live and work from your sweet-spot (overlap of place you have greatest strength and place of greatest ease) What's the equation for a sweet spot (and why it's so important)? What's the importance of having things on auto-pilot (versus mindfulness)? What is recess and why do we need it? Why working more to get more done is completely counter-intuitive (especially for kids) What makes us feel productive is not what makes us more productive Why Happiness (her first book was Raising Happiness) is so important What Happiness does for us (and why it really is the answer) Why happiness really means positive emotions Why true happiness is not gratification A few key tips on happiness What is the power of gratitude? How gratitude can make a snowball of positivity in the brain How our posture (and physiology) affects our emotions How to quickly and easily become more confident How to quickly generate endorphins through your posture! How fast can she take a shower in drought-ridden California How do we crack the habit code and where do we get started? Free email coaching program to crack the habit code Where do people get hung-up the most Why is choosing the right habit so important How do you crack the exercise nut? What's a 5 minute workout? What's the importance of a trigger or a cue? What are keystone mini-habits and why are they so important. How you can have your computer automatically shut down at night What's the app forcefield (particularly good for children's phones) christinecarter.com – new coaching program, establishing a new habit, great facebook group (for new habits) and also an online-class “The science of finding flow” learning how to drop into the flow state. Why it's so important to be able to turn your devices off, and what skill successful children will need most in the future for their careers and happiness! Dr. Christine Carter, Author of Raising Happiness, Shares How to Live From the Place of Greatest Strength, Ease & Positivity While Making Your Days Easier & More Fun! Inspiration | Motivation | Business | Career | Spirituality | Self-Help | Inspire For More Info Visit: www.InspireNationShow.com

**Episode 150** **Summary:** In Episode #150 Ari invites author Christine Carter of _[Raising Happiness](http://amzn.to/1P9Vviq) _onto the Less Doing Podcast to talk about her work on happiness, busyness and health. During their conversation, Christine shares her top tips for finding contentment and explains why she endorses the tenants of Less Doing. **Special Announcements:** # [Less Doing Does Europe!](https://www.gazelles.com/summits/EGS-2015/Barcelona/index.html) Watch Ari bring the lessons of Less Doing to some of Europe's most famous cities including Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and Budapest for the 2015 European Growth Summit. Ari will be joined by fellow masters of entrepreneurship Steve Martin, Director of _Influence at Work_ in the UK, and Verne Harnish, founder and CEO of Gazelles. ## EO Vancouver On June 18th, join Ari at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in b-e-a-utiful Vancouver, B.C. as he takes the microphone for _EO Vancouver_. Enjoy this unique opportunity to watch Ari candidly discuss life as an Author, Speaker, Teacher and – most importantly – Achievement Architect. **Time Stamped Show Notes:** - 02:10 – Introduction of [Christine Carter](https://www.christinecarter.com/about/dr-christine-carter-bio/) - 02:35 – Achieving happiness and the most scientific ways to do that - 03:40 – Christine very much believes in the essence of Less Doing - 04:00 – Christine is a self-described perfectionist, but her obsession with perfection prevented her from finding happiness in spite of her successes - 05:09 – Less Doing was started to systematically attack stress - 06:10 – There are certain cultural believes that lead to behaviors that prevent happiness - 07:29—Question big cultural beliefs, particularly around busyness - 08:29 – “More is better” is a sickness - 09:05 – Ari's least favorite phrase - 10:05 – Cognitive overload impairs our ability to live - 11:31 – Christine shares her thoughts on the concept of “Recess” - 12:12 – We see stillness as a sign of economic instability and that is simply not true - 13:28 – Our greatest powers and moments are a consequence of creative insight - 14:36 – [Aqua Notes](http://amzn.to/1F6u6Hu) - 15:06 – The importance of recess for the brain's “awake cycles” - 16:16 – Go with the way your brain was designed to operate…take breaks! - 17:12 – 17 minutes of recess for 51 minutes of work - 18:20 – Doing nothing is NOT a waste of time - 20:45 – We need to make sure structure is established for healthy technology use - 22:00 – Arguing with a spouse in front of children - 25:13 – Christine's most challenging area when it comes to being happy and being a parent - 26:50 – We cannot multitask—we just switch back and forth which is exceedingly taxing on the brain - 29:10 – Christine's _Top 3 Tips to be More Effective_: - 29:19 – Find ways to decrease busyness - 29:28 – Pay attention to your social connections - 31:01 – Upgrade the software in your brain **7 Key Points:** 1. Understand the importance of taking recess. 2. Start systematically attacking the sources of stress and busyness in your life. 3. More is NOT better. 4. Doing nothing is NOT a waste of time. 5. Cognitive overload impairs our ability to live and live happily 6. Stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole; the brain was not built to multitask. 7. Focus on your in-the-flesh social relationships…put down the iPhone and engage with another human. **Credits:** - Music and Audio Editing provided by [Felix Bird](http://2014.felixbird.com/) - Show Notes provided by [Mike Rossi](http://mikerossi.elance.com/) ------- [Get the FREE Optimize, Automate, Outsource Blueprint here.](https://go.lessdoing.com/blueprint?utm_campaign=blueprint-ari&utm_medium=link&utm_source=podcast) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lessdoing/message

A sociologist and happiness expert at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, Christine Carter, Ph.D. is the author of RAISING HAPPINESS: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. Dr. Carter also writes an award-winning blog, which is syndicated on the HuffingtonPost and PsychologyToday.com. Best known for her happiness and parenting advice, Carter draws on psychology, sociology, and neuroscience, and uses her own chaotic and often hilarious real-world adventures to demonstrate the do's and don'ts in action. Dr. Carter has helped thousands of people find more joy in their lives through her book, online classes, coaching, and speaking engagements. For more information, please explore this website - and don't miss the free resources! Julie Daquelente is on a personal journey to find happiness and fulfillment in her life and has made it her mission to help others do the same. Julie is currently working on several projects in an attempt to help people live happier, healthier, more abundant lives, including a free audio summit that will provide listeners the opportunity to learn tools and strategies from some of the top researchers and coaches in the subjects of positive psychology, happiness, and life in general.

A sociologist and happiness expert at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, Christine Carter, Ph.D. is the author of RAISING HAPPINESS: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. Dr. Carter also writes an award-winning blog, which is syndicated on the HuffingtonPost and PsychologyToday.com. Best known for her happiness and parenting advice, Carter draws on psychology, sociology, and neuroscience, and uses her own chaotic and often hilarious real-world adventures to demonstrate the do's and don'ts in action. Dr. Carter has helped thousands of people find more joy in their lives through her book, online classes, coaching, and speaking engagements. For more information, please explore this website - and don't miss the free resources! Julie Daquelente is on a personal journey to find happiness and fulfillment in her life and has made it her mission to help others do the same. Julie is currently working on several projects in an attempt to help people live happier, healthier, more abundant lives, including a free audio summit that will provide listeners the opportunity to learn tools and strategies from some of the top researchers and coaches in the subjects of positive psychology, happiness, and life in general.

I want to be happy. I want my kid to be happy. Sound familiar? Most of us want this but getting there is something else. How do we get our kids to expect to be happy? Christine Carter the author of “Raising Happiness” joins me in a Skype video visit to chat about how we can promote happiness in our children’s lives and our own.

I want to be happy. I want my kid to be happy. Sound familiar? Most of us want this but getting there is something else. How do we get our kids to expect to be happy? Christine Carter the author of “Raising Happiness” joins me to chat about how we can promote happiness in our children’s lives and our own.The greater autism community of New York State has been working on a new comprehensive autism insurance bill for two years. They gathered supporters and lobbied legislators. They had victory in sight and it all started unraveling before their eyes to become their worst nightmare. New bill less coverage. Michael Smith, Chairman and Northeast Regional Director of the Foundation for Autism Information and Research, Inc. and author of the discarded bill joins me to explain his view that Autism Speaks hired an insurance company lobbyist to replace his bill with one that is harmful to children and is designed to reduce coverage from today’s unsatisfactory levels. Is there something rotten in New York?Stan shares a discussion.

Every parent wants to learn how to raise happier kids.  Listen in this week as Mojo Mom talks with Christine Carter, Ph.D., author of Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents.  In her work wtih the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, Christine has gathered the best scientifically-validated research into her book and translated in into practical and strategic advice that parents can understand! She draws on the field of positive psychology, which studies what works in people's lives rather than what is wrong. A refreshing approach for today's complicated times. Christine's advice resonates strongly with my work as Mojo Mom, such as the Raising Happiness chapters "Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First," "Build a Village," and "Expect Effort and Enjoyment, not Perfection." We're down to the last few days to register for the free digital download of Amy Tiemann's new book, Courageous Parents, Confident Kids:  Letting Go So You Both Can Grow.  Sign up on MojoMom.com by April 18th to receive a free copy of the e-book when it's released on April 19th.