When kids talk about the best things about growing up, they usually mention three things: vacations, birthdays and holidays. Next week is Thanksgiving, a time for most families to gather together, play football, watch the parades, and share an extravagant meal. In all the hustle and bustle of preparations and travel, sometimes we forget what we're celebrating. Why not put the "thanks" back into Thanksgiving? ...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
I was playing the simulated military game, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 with my teenage son…and I'm really bad at it. The mission is to kill the bad guys or be killed. In real life, what do you do when someone takes aim at you and starts to fire? Fire back, right? Well, that's our instinct, but our call of duty is to receive the "friendly fire," and not pull the verbal trigger…even though everything in us...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
It's not some high-tech gadget you can pick up at a store… it's a sense of belonging. So how can you instill that in your kids? At home, let your kids know they're important to you, and to your family. Affirm their positive character traits, encourage their unique gifts, and let them know their thoughts and opinions matter. Then, when you're out in public, praise them to others – and proudly claim them: "This is...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Last night, as I stood at the kitchen sink, my son tried to push me aside, without saying a word. Well, rather than just correct him, my wife and I decided to employ a little role-play. As I stood at the sink again, she played the role of my son and said, "Dad, will you please excuse me? I'd like to wash my hands." I said, "Sure, come on in." and then moved out of the way. You see, telling our kids how to do...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
We're conditioned to react negatively to the word "no." We don't like to hear it… and we don't like to say it. We thrive on saying "Yes" to ourselves—to our own wants and desires—to a new car, the latest gadget, an expensive vacation. So why are we surprised when our kids expect instant gratification. If we can't say "No" to ourselves, how will they learn to say "No" to themselves and realize the rewards of...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Every year, Hollywood entices our kids with a flood of new films designed for their consumption. But, just like their favorite foods at the grocery store, not everything made for them is good for them. With so many movies being released, it’s tough to sort out the good from the bad. Well, we can help. Check out our movie monitor. There you can see if the release of Monsters University or The Smurfs 2 is...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
There's nothing to do! I'm bored!" Sound familiar? Wasn't it just yesterday that everyone was excited about school being out? But just a few weeks in, and you're pulling your hair out for some ideas to entertain the troops that won't cost an arm and a leg. Well, no need to worry. July is Picnic Month, so take your PB&J, and head out for a little lunch on the lawn. Better yet, try a change of scenery…load the...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
