Mary Reckmeyer

Mary Reckmeyer, Ph.D. is Executive Director of the Donald O. Clifton Child Development Center, which has received national attention for excellence in early childhood education. She has written books for children and parents. Her most recently published book Strengths Based Parenting: Developing Your Child's Innate Talent empowers parents to embrace their individual parenting style by discovering and developing their own — and their children’s — talents and strengths.

Mary is a former preschool and elementary teacher who holds degrees in educational psychology and education. Her research focus is on youth strengths development, educational programming, and lifespan development.

Articles by Mary

The Strengths-Based Parent: Every Kid Needs a Champion

What does living a life well-lived really mean? It means using your talents to create an environment that sustains and motivates you. It’s having champions who support and coach you throughout your lives to use your talents.

When our children are born, we can’t wait to learn about their personalities. Will they be more like me or my partner? Maybe they’ll be strong-willed like their grandma or gregarious, like their grandpa. Even at an early age, people show their individuality.

When your kids come to you and tell you they want to quit — whether it’s soccer, debate, guitar or ballet — it’s pretty disappointing. Let's face it.

How can we, as parents, really know how our kids are doing emotionally and socially if they won’t talk? And what questions should we ask to strengthen our connection with our children while they are growing up and becoming more independent?

First Previous (Page 1 of 1) Next Last

Mary Reckmeyer

Articles by Mary

The Strengths-Based Parent: Every Kid Needs a Champion

6 Ways to Spot Your Toddler’s Natural Talents

Should I Let My Kid Quit?

10 New Ways to Ask Your Kid, “How Was School Today?”

Site Links

Articles