What is a daily occurrence that happens between us as parents and our children that plays a significant role in their development and maturity that, if we knew we were underperforming, we’d change immediately? At or With? There is an immense difference in effective communication when mom or dad attempts to connect with a child with something of value – instruction, love, corrective discipline, or just conversation; versus when they read from whatever script exists in [...]
Parenting in the Digital Age can be challenging to navigate. In the first two parts of this series, our intention was to give you an overall understanding of the issues that come with technology and help you form a clear perspective to manage it thoughtfully in your home. This week we offer 3 areas, with specific tools and resources, to consider when implementing technology strategies and plans in your home. Communication is critical and must [...]
Last week in our Playing with Fire letter, we highlighted three areas that Moms and Dad should have awareness and understanding as they parent in the Digital Age. Health Effects – Brain Development, Melatonin & Dopamine Safety Issues – Cyber Bullying, Identify Theft, Online Predators Behavior Complications – Moods, Empathy & Relationships The research and information in these areas provides you with knowledge you need to form a healthy perspective without fearing the challenges that [...]
Do you have a 4 year old that uses a tablet or 13 year old that is glued to their phone? If so, you have a Screenager! A Screenager is any toddler, child or teen that actively uses digital media or technology. And while there are many wonderful aspects of our Digital Age, there are also many challenges that come with it! Over the next three weeks, our goal is to equip and encourage you [...]
Every one of us has been on the receiving end of being wronged, injured, bumped and bruised physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Alas, we have all too many times been on the giving end of causing harm or offense in some way, large or small, by accident or on purpose, thereby injuring a relationship. That’s just the way of it – Life doesn’t allow us to progress very far without reconciling when we cause a break [...]
Have you ever been asked a question about the very thing you just communicated and you can tell your message is not getting through? We’ve all been there and it can be frustrating. Active listening may be a “blind spot” for those we are speaking with and for us as the listener as well. If you’re honest, when was the last time you intentionally listened in order to comprehend meaning, to show love and honor [...]
As parents, it is a challenge and a blessing to provide the language that our children will use as the building blocks which forms their thinking structure. If we use constructive words, words of life, and positive reinforcement words when we encourage, then those are the concepts that will form their reality and the development of their character. Here are 2 concepts that have helped us with our children to develop their internal thought processes that affected their [...]
Grandparent involvement in the lives of your children is a blessing that must be managed appropriately so the joy is not offset by drama created by imbalance. If you have grandparents who cautiously seek time with your kids with a visit or they wait upon you to come see them so as not to impose, consider this ideal a wonderful balanced blessing. But occasionally the grandparent mix creates family drama that must be managed so [...]
Zig Ziglar said children spell love T-I-M-E. We remember how hard it was when our boys were young, to carve out time for them as we juggled work, housework, working out, errands, quiet time, kids’ activities and the list goes on. We were doing a lot of things with and for our kids, but the truth is that’s not the same as giving them time. It is important that kids know that they matter in [...]
The recent coverage of Masculinity with the Gillette ad and the released Guidelines from the American Psychological Association claims that “traditional masculinity – marked by stoicism, competitiveness, and dominance and aggression - is, on the whole, harmful”, essentially a ‘boys will be boys’ mentality is toxic. The “#me too” movement and meaningful efforts at creating a world where bullying and sexual predation isn’t acceptable is worthy of everyone’s time and attention to sort through the [...]