The Art of Conversation

  The Art of Conversation If you have worked with young people, you are well aware that having a conversation can be a challenge.  Often, the standard question of, “How’s it going?” receives little or nothing at all.  If you dare to ask,...

Setting Boundaries and Limits – 3

Photo by Brooke Winters on Unsplash Setting Boundaries and Limits – 3 In the previous two posts, we have discussed the value of helping kids learn how to set boundaries and limits with others.  Learning to set boundaries and limits is such an important life...

Raising Kids Ages 17-18

Raising Kids Ages 17-18 So you are on the home stretch; it feels like you’re already there, so now you can relax and back off a bit as a parent.  Careful, this is an age where kids seem like adults, often act, but still have many of the challenges that we have...

Raising Kids Ages 15-16

Raising Kids Ages 15-16 It seems that once kids reach the age of 15-16, they are ready to take risks in their life.  Their brains are now maturing, and the reward receptors are running at an all-time high.  The 15-16 year age group is when kids will do some risky and...

Raising 13-14 Year Olds

Raising 13-14-Year-Olds Summer is here, school is out, and now parents are challenged with keeping their 13-14-year-olds on track.  If you have a 13-14-year-old, you may be already acutely aware that this is an emotional time of passage for kids.  When necessary,...

Successful Conversations

Successful Conversations Fruitful conversations with anyone, let alone with kids, starts with you going to them.  You must vote with your feet and take time to approach them.  The next step is to ask a question that will give you some information on how they see...

Being a Successful Parent

Being a Successful Parent Defining a successful parent can mean so many things that it is just about impossible to offer any guidance.  It starts with some of the distinct tasks of paying attention to the child’s needs, ensuring that they have what they need as...

Perseverance

Perseverance Look closely at this lovely little girl, and you will see she has had some surgery.  She had to learn what perseverance was very early in life. A Thank-you to Melissa Labellarte on Unsplash   As I sat on my deck and watched the birds for the evening, I...