Want to know what happens to our nervous systems when all we do is check things off our task lists? Rona and I talk about a major happiness killer: busyness. If you feel too busy, or even overwhelmed, this podcast is for you.

Happiness Matters Podcast

An Ancient Practice for Modern Ailments

Research shows that mindfulness and meditation counter depression and anxiety—and the stress of our crazy busy lives. Listen to this week’s podcast to learn a simple “loving-kindness” meditation you can do alone or with your kids.

Happiness Matters Podcast

How to be a More Patient Parent (2012)

Tired of kids fighting? Wishing you weren’t feeling so edgy? Wanting a little peace in a world that is CrazyBusy? Especially if you are new to mindfulness, this podcast will give you some tips to get started being a more mindful—and patient!

Happiness Matters Podcast

How Good Are Your Habits, and How Strong is Your Willpower?

You may know what you need to do to be happy, but do you know how to do it? Rona and I discuss (and sometimes disagree) about the difference between intending to change, and actually having the skills and the brain power to do it.

Happiness Matters Podcast

Are We Too Critical?

We all sometimes want others to change--especially our children. But does it work to criticize ourselves and others? Rona and I discuss the approach that research shows works best.

Happiness Matters Podcast

Does Ambition Make us Happy?

Our children are increasingly pushed to achieve, achieve, achieve. Will this make their lives successful, happy, and meaningful? Rona and I discuss the ways that ambition brings happiness, and how to foster both in our children.

Happiness Matters Podcast

Does Your Child Have “Problems”?

Teachers often come to parents when their children have problems, but sometimes their framing can lead kids to believe that they can't do something, or that they are failing. Are problems better framed as opportunities and challenges?

Happiness Matters Podcast

Is Happiness Selfish?

Do happy people focus on being more selfless than selfish? Rona and I discuss how self-love and self-compassion differ from selfishness, and how kids' natural self-centeredness can detract from their happiness.

Happiness Matters Podcast

Gratitude v. Entitlement

Want to know what my #1 strategy for raising happy children is? It is the conscious practice of gratitude. Learn how and why to raise kids who are more grateful than entitled.

Happiness Matters Podcast

Forgive and Forget?

Is the old adage "forgive and forget" still good advice? Rona and I talk about the relationship between forgiveness and happiness, and we suggest some things we can do with kids that will help teach them the skills they need to forgive and move

Happiness Matters Podcast

Is Divorce Always Bad for Kids?

Rona and I are both divorced; we've both considered the issue deeply both personally and professionally. When is divorce better for kids than staying together?

Happiness Matters Podcast

Parenting in a Media Age

It seems like kids many kids know much more than us adults about the technology around us--a friend of mine just discovered that her 11 year old daughter is very active on Instagram, when my friend didn't even know what Instagram was. But just