Positive Parenting and the Importance of Unlearning for Personal Growth — Dr. Jessica Koehler

Dr. Jessica Koehler, an Associate Faculty Member in the University of Arizona Global Campus Psychology Department, holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Maryland, where she researched teacher beliefs. Her background includes positions at Georgetown University, managing research assistants, and conducting neuropsychological evaluations in a functional neuroimaging lab. As a psychologist in diverse school settings, she conducted comprehensive psycho-educational assessments alongside roles as an undergraduate and graduate psychology instructor and social skills program evaluator. As a homeschooling parent and blogger for Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-school-walls), she is deeply invested in bridging the gap between psychology as a science and its practical applications in learning and everyday life.

In this Episode:

In this engaging episode, Brad Hook (https://link.bradleyhook.com/brad) interviews Jessica Koehler, a psychologist and educator with a deep understanding of child development, education, and well-being. Jessica's journey from traditional school psychology to homeschooling her two sons provides a unique perspective on divergent parenting and the application of psychological principles in everyday life. Her insights on customizing education to fit individual needs and the importance of positive parenting resonate throughout the episode.

Jessica discusses various topics ranging from the benefits and challenges of homeschooling to the practical application of ancient wisdom in modern life. She emphasizes the significance of focusing on what we can control and the impact of diet, sleep, and exercise on mental health. Utilizing Martin Seligman's PERMA model, she outlines strategies for achieving holistic well-being and shares personal anecdotes to illustrate her points. The importance of curiosity, lifelong learning, and scaffolding is also explored, making this episode a rich resource for parents, educators, and psychology enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways:

• Divergent Parenting: Emphasizes the importance of tailoring education and parenting styles to fit individual children's needs and family dynamics.
• Holistic Well-being: Introduces Martin Seligman's PERMA model and discusses the significance of balancing positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
• Technology in Education: Advocates for the judicious use of technology like ChatGPT to enhance learning and productivity while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Ancient Wisdom: Highlights the relevance of Stoic philosophy and cognitive-behavioral principles in fostering mental resilience and emotional regulation.
• Nutrition and Mental Health: Explores the connection between diet and mental well-being, sharing personal experiences of the benefits of a low-sugar, high-protein diet.

Quotes:

1. "All of life is learning."
2. "Figure out how we can help them use [technology] in positive ways rather than avoiding it entirely."
3. "Today my goal is to be better than I was the day before."
4. "Between stimulus and response, there is a space… and in that space is our freedom."
5. "Focusing on what we can control and letting go of what we can't is a powerful tool for well-being."

Connect with Jessica:

• Jessica's Blog on Psychology Today
• Jessica Koehler on X (formerly Twitter)
• Jessica on LinkedIn
• Jessica's Website: koehleracademy.com

Books Mentioned:

• "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday
• "Brain Energy" by Chris Palmer

Discover more about Jessica's perspective on education, mental health, and well-being by tuning into this in-depth episode. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on holistic development and innovative approaches to learning and growth.