KISS Kelly Johnson was the lead engineer at the “Lockheed Skunk Works” that created such notable spy planes as the U-2 and the SR-71. Reportedly, he gave his team the challenge to design an aircraft that could be repaired by average mechanics with only a handful of tools while in the field and under […]
The Target as a Portable Model
August 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Let’s use the target as a portable model. Effective and portable models help in our understanding of just about anything and they enable us to pick them up and take them with us. A target, for instance, has a center that we refer to as the “bull’s-eye.” Any time we’re able to hit the target, […]
The Premack Principle a.k.a. Grandma’s Rule
August 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
There is a rather simple natural principle that is at the heart of many solutions to our problems. “Grandma’s Rule” is the colloquial name for the formal “Premack Principle.” It connotes a commonsense and practical natural principle…which it is. Simply put, it says that when you pair an activity of low interest and reward with […]
Intention Deficit Disorder
May 31, 2013 by 1 Comment
By now, we have all heard of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD…a very real disorder). This disorder can be a significant problem for about eight percent of our population. The specific difficulties can vary, but the overall problem is related to performance issues associated with poor regulation of attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity (poorly controlled motor activity) […]
Psychological First Aid: Returning to Balance after a Disaster
May 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Disastrous events of any kind will affect each of us in different ways. The most common affects involve a sense of insecurity brought on by heightened vulnerability and feelings of helplessness that upset our balance. Returning to balance after a disaster is a primary need for reestablishing well-being and it will, likely, require some “psychological […]
Great Day SA
April 9, 2013 by 2 Comments
Take a drive to the Texas Hill Country and come by to see me at Hastings Bookstore in Kerrville, TX for a book signing. The date is April 20, 2013 from 2-4 pm. Also, if you missed me on KENS 5 “Great Day SA” you can watch this video clip http://.ly/ZLsEkB. Thanks to all who […]
The IKEA Effect and the Labor of Love
February 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The “IKEA Effect” and the Labor of Love have great benefit for parenting. The IKEA Effect was named in honor of the highly successful Swedish manufacturer that requires assembly of products purchased. In 2009, three business professors (Harvard, Yale and Duke University) published an article in the Harvard Business Review describing results from their research […]
Profiles in Parenting
November 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Profiles in Parenting is a new and recurring post. For years, parents of the children I treat would ask, “Is any of this we’re talking about written down in a book?” In 2009, I began to write the book. I also began sampling blog sites written by parents. My daughter told me about www.thebigmamablog.com, written […]
From Grampy’s Rocker
November 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
From Grampy’s Rocker is a regular post that allows me (Dr. B) to “pontificate” like a wise old grandpa. See the inaugural post “From Grampy’s Rocker” at http://thepower-parent.com/?p=298. Recently, (seems like forever), I’ve been thinking about elections, government, leadership and public policies. Hard not to, at this time…right? I hope you chose to vote in […]