Parenting
The Fine Line Between Excellence and Obsession
4shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn I recently met a family on a road trip who epitomizes today’s society. Their three children are the center of their lives. They spend most of their money to resource those children. Both screens and sports occupy the majority of their time. Because they have some discretionary income, they…
Continue ReadingParents Say the Darndest Things to Educators
3shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Most teachers would say they collaborate well with their student’s parents. Every year, however, teachers report some of the craziest requests parents make on behalf of their kid. Some of these true stories include the following: “I had a parent (and her son) who refused to sign my rules…
Continue ReadingThe Main Reason Kids Lack Confidence
36shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn When Brandon told me he wanted to start a YouTube channel that helped people who share the same vision get together and collaborate, I asked him, “What’s stopping you?” “I don’t have the confidence,” he acknowledged. Over the next several minutes, Brandon and four of his friends joined me…
Continue ReadingThe Problem With Many Smartphone Solutions
2shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Smartphones have been around long enough for people to see both the benefits and consequences of such devices on young people. As our speaker team makes their way across the country this month to 45 school events, we are meeting educators, coaches and parents who mourn the addictive nature…
Continue ReadingWhy Discipline Is Better Than Punishment
16shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Some time ago, I spoke at an educator event in Missouri. During the Q and A period, a gentleman raised his hand with a deep concern: “Today, it seems like we’re quick to penalize (even suspend) students for wrong behavior more quickly than when I was in high school.…
Continue ReadingThe Dark Side of Alexa and Siri for Your Kids
52shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn This summer, I witnessed something I never anticipated in a young child. I was visiting a friend’s home who had three young children. They also have Alexa, a smart speaker in their kitchen. His kids are growing up with artificial intelligence around them all the time—smart phones, smart watches,…
Continue ReadingSeven Leadership Lessons from Mr. Rogers
37shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn In June, a movie was released in select theaters across the country: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” It was a well-done documentary on the life and career of Fred Rogers, the man who hosted the show we came to know as kids—Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. My entire family enjoyed the…
Continue ReadingHow to Become a Caring Yet “Free Range” Parent
1shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn A bit of a firestorm was ignited four years ago, when parents Alexander and Danielle Meitiv allowed their two children (ages 6 and 10) to play in a nearby park without their parents watching. A by-stander called 911, and police grabbed the kids and returned them to their home.…
Continue ReadingHow I Helped My Kids Decide What to Do After High School
22shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn I plan to get very personal today. I want to offer you a summary of what my wife and I did to prepare our kids for their post-secondary experience. Perhaps it will be an encouragement to you and spark ideas of your own. Both my son and daughter thought…
Continue ReadingShould Parents Be Friends with Their Kids on Social Media?
3shares Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn The answer to this question about being friends with our kids probably depends on the personality and age of your child. Some parents and kids connect well via smart phone and others do not. According to Pew Research: 53% are friends with their parents. This tends to work better…
Continue Reading