by Rich Patterson | Oct 10, 2018 | Communication, Parenting, Resilience
1st Quarter Grades – Part 2 1st Quarter Grades—Part Two This week we have been discussing the tracking of kids’ grades since the end of the first quarter of school is already upon us. In Part One, we discussed ensuring that you regularly check their... by Rich Patterson | Oct 9, 2018 | Communication, Parenting, Resilience
1st Quarter Grades – Part 1 As we near the end of first-quarter grades for kids, there are several things that parents can do to give a boost to their kids and keep them going. A primary consideration is to be sure that you have all the report card dates in your... by Rich Patterson | Sep 28, 2018 | Communication, Encouragement, Parenting
Questions vs. Answers As a teacher and school administrator, I used to think that people needed answers to their questions. I wouldn’t say I liked it when people would ask me another question to the question that I asked. One day, I decided to change my... by Rich Patterson | Sep 26, 2018 | Achievement, Encouragement, Teenagers
If Only Thinking As a kid growing up in South Dakota as a young musician, I remember if only I lived in New York, where there were lots more playing opportunities. If only I lived nearer to a more prominent college. We get caught up in this If Only thinking so... by Rich Patterson | Sep 24, 2018 | Communication, Family & Relationships, Parenting
Changing Self and Others As the fall unfolds here in Colorado and the light snows begin to hit the mountains, it reminds me that life is full of changes in nature. These changes are true of ourselves as well. But who should change first? We want others to change to... by Rich Patterson | Sep 21, 2018 | Family & Relationships, Parenting
Middle School to High School Transition-Part 3 So far in this series, we have discussed the more demanding academic standards that middle face when they move to high school and the increased competition that takes place. In this final installment of this series, we... by Rich Patterson | Sep 19, 2018 | Family & Relationships, Parenting
Middle School to High School Transition-Part 2 In part one of this series Middle School to High School Transition, we looked at the more demanding academic standards students face in high school. We discussed why students might not do as well grade-wise in high... by Rich Patterson | Sep 17, 2018 | Family & Relationships, Parenting
Middle School to High School Transition-Part 1 As a high school administrator, I would hear parents say to me every week, “I don’t understand what is going on; they did so well in middle school.” Grades slip, sometimes they tend to get into trouble... by Rich Patterson | Sep 14, 2018 | Encouragement, Personal Improvement, Teenagers
Kids and Leadership In a speech that I will give to middle school kids on the day this was published, my focus will be on leadership. As adults, when we take time to discuss leadership with kids, much can be gained from both the parents and the child. I plan to give... by Rich Patterson | Sep 12, 2018 | Achievement, Character, Encouragement
Always Be Your Best On Friday of this week, I have the opportunity to speak to middle school students and parents for their school’s National Junior Honor Society program. I choose to talk about “Always Be Your Best.” I want to tell them how proud...
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