Make It Contributors
I’ve studied over 200 kids—these 7 ‘magic phrases’ can calm any tantrum instantly
When your kid is in the middle of a tantrum, logic and lectures don’t work. I’ve studied over 200 kids and worked with hundreds of families, and one thing is clear: Tantrums aren’t about defiance. Research shows that during emotional overwhelm, a child’s prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and language) essentially goes […]
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I’m a Japanese nutritionist and I’m ‘obsessed’ with fruit—I eat these 5 for longevity and brain health
I grew up in Nara, Japan, surrounded by fruit trees, farms, and generous neighbors who would bring us baskets of freshly picked strawberries, watermelons, persimmons, figs, and pretty much anything that was ripe on their farm. Fruit was part of the seasons, traditions, celebrations, and even medicine. As a nutritionist, I still believe that fruit […]
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I retired in the No. 1 country Americans want to move to most—I don’t regret it: ‘We save about $5,000 per month’
In 2011, I walked away from a six-figure law career and retired at age 41. I thought I was prepared financially. But emotionally? Not so much. After decades of working, I was used to the sense of purpose that came with a career, and I assumed I’d have to give that up once I stopped […]
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I’m a psychologist who studies couples—here’s the No. 1 thing people fight about in relationships
When people ask me what couples fight about the most, they expect the usual suspects like money, sex or parenting. But after years of research, and from real-life experience in my own marriage, the answer is much simpler: tone of voice. That’s right. It’s not the dishes in the sink or the unpaid credit card […]
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I’ve studied over 200 kids—the ones with ‘exceptional’ social skills have parents who do 9 things early on
Many parents think kids develop strong social skills from memorizing phrases like “please” and “thank you.” But the real foundation is built much earlier, at home and through everyday interactions. I’ve studied over 200 parent-child relationships, and I’m a mother myself. I’ve found that kids learn to communicate and connect by watching how their parents behave. […]
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I’m a psychologist who studies couples: People in the happiest relationships talk about 5 things every day—that most neglect
One of the most common myths about long-term relationships is that couples eventually run out of things to say. It’s easy to believe: Life gets busy, routines take over and conversations become more about logistics than connection. As a psychologist who studies couples, and based on my own experience being happily married, I know how […]
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I’ve helped hundreds of Americans move abroad—this is the No. 1 overlooked country in Europe: ‘It checks a lot of boxes’
Like many Americans, I had always dreamed up moving to Europe. And in 2015, at 35, I decided to leave Texas for Spain. Two years later, I founded She Hit Refresh, a community that helps women over 30 take the leap abroad. Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of women build new lives in countries like […]
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I’ve studied over 200 kids—parents who are ‘really good’ at handling tantrums use 7 ‘calming’ phrases
Every parent knows what it’s like to face tantrums, meltdowns, and emotional outbursts. They can make everyday life feel impossible. But after years of studying over 200 parent-child relationships (and from practicing healthy habits with my own child), I’ve found that parents who are really good at handling tantrums use language that soothes, validates, and guides. They […]
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I’m a travel expert who has visited 70 countries—these 7 phrases make you sound like ‘an obnoxious American’
I know what it’s like to have inconsiderate houseguests — the kind where you can’t wait for them to leave. I don’t ever want to be that person when I’m in another country. I’ve been traveling almost as long as I’ve been alive. I’ve made it to all seven continents, 70 countries, and 47 U.S. […]
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I went to a Costco in Japan—the variety of foods was ‘incredible’: Here’s the stuff you don’t really see in the U.S. stores
As a Japanese nutritionist living in the U.S., I love shopping for traditional foods that I grew up eating, such as seaweed, beans, matcha, multigrain rice, and sweet potatoes. I sometimes go to Costco to buy those staples in bulk. But during a recent trip to Japan, I had the chance to shop at the […]
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