April Newsletter

Mental health, well-being, neurodivergence, education, and parenting strategies that actually work.

Image: Photo sent to the author

Greetings!

Despite the chaotic political environment here in the U.S., I hope you can still relish the warmth of Spring and the longer daylight hours. Making time to relax, play, indulge, and pay attention to the present moment is a necessary antidote to daily stress.

Here is my question for the month: What inspires your reading choices —whether in a novel, essay, non-fiction book, or articles found online?

As someone who never developed speedreading skills, I take my reading time seriously! I am sometimes overwhelmed by the amount of great selections (including amazing articles here on Substack). But I quickly put down a book or article if it doesn’t grab my attention.

I don’t spend my time reading something unless it does at least one of the following:

1. Entertains — it must be well-written, engaging, interesting, meaningful, funny, or compelling. Rhythm, pacing, and the ebb and flow — like what is found in music — make it come alive.

2. Educates — it must teach me something or shed new light on something I already know.

3. Inspires — it must enlighten, stir my emotions, enlist my imagination.

I would love to hear your thoughts about reading that grabs you and why certain books or articles make an impact. Let us know in the comments section below!

Thanks, and have a good month!

First, a few of my recent articles:

This commonly used form of discipline is harmful and ineffective. The Real Truth About Spanking.

April is a tough time for high school seniors sweating out their college decisions. Here’s what parents need to know — both now and when planning ahead throughout the high school years. College Admissions Day: Don’t Let the Uncertainty Derail You.

The NIH is much more discerning when funding research than is assumed. Here’s what the data says about it, along with my personal experience with an NIH grant proposal. Misguided Views About NIH and Recent Funding Cuts Hurt Us All.

Recent changes at the VA are frustrating to clinicians and a disservice to military veterans seeking treatment. More Assaults on Mental Health Treatment.

The following are some great articles I have stumbled across this month:

Is it ADHD… or just typical behavior? Signs of ADHD in Preschoolers: Misinterpreted Symptoms and Effective Interventions. (ADDitude)

Inconsistency also can be considered an adverse childhood event, according to this study. How Early-Life Stress can Reprogram the Brain . (Futurity)

Homeschooling options take on urgency for some families. Why Parents of ‘Twice-Exceptional’ Children Choose Homeschooling Over Public School . (The Conversation)

Many ‘influencers’ are selling you a narrative… and also their wares. Don’t Believe Everything You See About ADHD on TikTok. (New York Times)

Useful advice when practice is required. The 70% Rule: Why Practicing Shouldn’t Be Too Easy. (Bulletproof Musician)

An impossible task for teachers… and a disservice to students. Differentiation is a Myth. (Medium)

Another example of how those most in need are being overlooked. Teens with Disabilities Were Getting Help with Life After High School. Then DOGE Started Cutting. (Chalkbeat)

An excellent overview for parents when the going gets tough. More Discipline That’s Actually Backed by Research. (Substack)

A new position paper from the National Association for Gifted Education. NAGC Opposes Efforts to Abolish the Department of Education. (NAGC)

Wishing you safe travels through these complicated and difficult times!

Please share with others, hit the “like” button, and let me know your thoughts, opinions, or ideas in the comments section below!

My question again for you: What inspires your reading choices —whether in a novel, essay, non-fiction book, or articles found online?