Positive Psychology: Raising Happy, Kind Children Evolutionarily Adaptive

In contrast to "every man for himself" interpretations of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychologist and author of "Born to be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life," and his fellow social scientists are building the case that humans are successful as a species precisely because of our nurturing, altruistic and compassionate traits. Christine Carter writes "Raising Happiness" (Yasmin Anwar, AlterNet, March 4, 2010)

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ADHD OR HANDS-ON LEARNING? “FOCUSED” TODDLER” BECOMES “ATTENTION-DEFICIT” STUDENT?

Active,hands-on learners are intensely interested in learning skills as toddlers. They will pay attention to the mechanics of any task, and practice, practice, practice until they can master it. How is it that this focused learner becomes labelled as ADHD, "attention-deficit," upon reaching fourth grade? Do we really offer "equal opportunity" for education if we do not provide equal access to these "non-academic," non-reading and -writing-oriented learners?

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FOCUSING AND CHILDREN: PRESERVING AND RECLAIMING TRANSPARENCY

Toddler's feelings are transparent. As we age and learn to symbolize through language, we can also "lose touch" with ourselves and become unable to express ourselves. Intuitive Focusing and Active, Empathic Listening can help children "stay in touch" and express themselves as they grow. Intuitive Focusing and Focused Listening can also help adults to "refind" and express themselves authentically.

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BOTTOM-UP EMPOWERMENT: PENNY HARVEST ENGAGES SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SERVICE-LEARNING

Apathy is avoided when each person in an organization is engaged at their own passionate, individual Creative Edge. Empowerment Organization motivates people "from the bottom up" by finding "One Small Thing" as a first step toward engagement. The Penny Harvest fund-raiser used in elementary schools nationwide is used as an example of using "The One Small Thing" method to motivate children and communities to learn about giving and helping others, life-long philanthropy.

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Ten Ways of Bringing Creative Edge Focusing into Education

For background, read previous blogs on Creative Edge Education, especially for ADHD, or visit Interest Area: Education at Creative Edge Focusing (TM)'s website. Here are ten suggested first steps for bringing…

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