It's tough. In a "me" focused world, getting your kids to focus on others is challenging. So, how do you do it? Well, last night, we took a shot at it…with a little coercion…we got our teens together. We assembled some "manna" or food bags for the homeless and hungry. We filled large zip lock bags with non-perishable items like granola bars, beef jerky, peanuts, fruit cups, and vegetable juice. Now, when we're out...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Most toys and clothes will eventually end up broken or worn out. But if you give your child a book, they'll have something to carry with them throughout life. Pick out a special book for each of your children every Christmas. Write some loving words inside the cover, date it, and sign your name. You can start when your children are young. Choose books about something they like, such as animals, sports, or choose a...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
A good listener? Hardly. But maybe a good lecturer. So what does it mean to be a good listener? Well, I'll give you a couple of hints… its more than the absence of talking… and it doesn't involve multitasking when your child is speaking to you. Listening is the active process of hearing what our child is saying, looking at their eyes and body language for clues, processing it all to determine what's really going...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Talking to your kids about sex is probably as uncomfortable for you as it is for them. But if you think it's ok to avoid that discussion—think again. The January 2011 issue of Seventeen Magazine interviewed teens for a national survey on sex, and the findings are disturbing. Teens are increasingly putting themselves at great physical and emotional risk by having pre-marital sex. And sadly, almost a fourth say...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
If they are, remember your position. You're there to be an encourager, not to be overbearing. No child wants to be embarrassed by a parent who's screaming and yelling uncontrollably. I was coaching my son's baseball game a few years ago and I got frustrated with the umpire's calls. So, what did I do? I got mad…threw my hat on the ground and walked off the field. Youth sports can bring out the best…or the worst in...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
"How was your day?" "Fine." "What did you do at school today?" "Nothing." Sound familiar? We expect them to share their thoughts and feelings on our schedule, but it doesn't happen that way. We have to be patient and we have to be available when they are ready to open up. You never know when it is coming. When it does, you'd better stop whatever you're doing and listen, because the opportunity may not come...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Several years ago Money magazine performed a tax season experiment. Forty-five tax professionals participated in preparing the magazine's tax return. The result? Forty-five different bottom-lines. That's hard to believe. Now think about all the "professionals" out there who might give you many different bottom lines on how to be a better parent. But all should agree on these three things that your kids really...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
