Whether you're dealing with adults or children, the first step in helping someone move on and adopt a cooperative mindset is listening to them until they feel good and listened to.

If more of our students--heck, if more people in general--could work toward achieving this level of mental well-being, our world would be in a much better place. This is why I'm a mental health warrior.

Observe mindfully. Reflect kindly. Respond flexibly. These are the pillars of mindful relating. Learn more in this special video episode of The Sandbox with Diane and Rebekka!

This isn't just about behaviors. This is about values.If our children feel appreciated, they will come to be appreciative. If they sense that we are grateful, they will cultivate gratitude. If we can teach these values with our embodied actions, and with no small amount of kindness and humor, we are nurturing the seeds of humility, empathy, and relatedness.

Difficult conversations are, well, difficult. Well, when intense feelings abound and are calling at us, daring us to steer toward the rocks, the first thing we must do is hold on tight!