“I better get a good grade on my son’s book report.”~ recent FaceBook posting
So often, parents feel responsible for their kid’s homework and grades. This time of year, I find myself emphasizing to parents the importance of teaching accountability. While hand-holding might help your child earn high marks today, teaching accountability will help him be successful in the long run. So, with that in mind, here are some tips towards that goal.
Many years ago, I traveled to France knowing only the French word “croissant”. Needless to say, communicating with the locals was near impossible. They got increasingly annoyed at my inability to speak their language, and I became increasingly frustrated at my repeated failures to get my point across. I was aware of my thoughts; I was aware of the English words that described those thoughts; but I was helpless in conveying those thoughts with those around me. I felt completely stupid and the resistance with which people were responding to me only reaffirmed that feeling for me.
Being able to play outside is one of the perks of the beautiful weather we’ve been having lately. Recently, a mom asked what she could do to get her son to come inside when outdoor playtime was over. Here are two important tips to help kids transition from one activity and place to another.
I love this story and have been telling everyone I know about it. This is what learning should look like. Parents so often come to me concerned about their children’s academic achievement. And, I get it. We live in a world where our worth is very much a reflection of our achievements. Collectively, we have bought into the understanding that learning must be measurable. We are as smart as our test scores say we are. Anything that can’t be quantified is just ‘extra’.
Kid’s use of technology is on every parent’s mind these days. Is there such thing as ‘too much’ screen time? How much is too much? Should limits be established and, if so, what kind? What are the risks of spending so much time at a screen? These are great questions, and I will get to them in another blog- I promise. Today, I want to point out an opportunity that screen time provides for you, Mom and Dad.
Why do we, so often, say this about kids with such distain? When was the last time you felt you had someone’s full attention? Having someone’s full attention feels great. And, to a child, it serves an even greater purpose.
Valentine’s Day is the a favorite day to celebrate love relationships. When we think Valentine’s Day, we generally think romantic, extravagant dinners… away from kids. This year, I would like to suggest that you expand on that notion.
It occurred to me that, perhaps, our collective challenge with parenting stems from our choice in language when describing it. Parenting is usually referred to as a job. “It’s the hardest job in the world.” “It’s a job for which there is no training.” “She’s doing a great job parenting.” The term ‘job’ implies a certain level of expected performance. A job has a certain set of required duties. And, job performance is something that is assessed by others.
Amar is 9 years old and lives in an orphanage in India. He is one of the 20 boys at the orphanage whose ages range from toddlers to teens. Amar is a special kid. He is not only extremely intelligent, but he has also claimed a leadership role amongst the other boys, despite his young age.
Four-year-old twins had their first trip to IHOP recently. This was a family outing with extended relatives and grandparents.