It seems like there is something for everyone in this Winter Olympics, and it’s easy to become an addict. The entire event is packed with heart-racing excitement as well as examples of natural talent, acquired skill, and athleticism. Don’t you just sit on the edge of your chair? But there is more. While I am a believer in limited screen time for children, especially commercial television, the Olympics are providing our children (and us) with important lessons and messages that are hard to … [Read more...] about Olympic Idols
Values
Talking about Tiger
For the great majority of young children, the headlines about Tiger Woods will pass right over their heads. But for the child whose parents or older siblings are hyper tuned into sports, who overhears the news or casual conversation, for the child who is focused on sports and sports news or who is a budding golfer, he just may hear that another hero has fallen. What the heck does a parent say? We have been through this kind of revelation too many times before. With sports stars and … [Read more...] about Talking about Tiger
Taite’s Tutorial at Target
Recently my friend Brent shared with me a story about his 11 year old daughter, Taite, He said, “I know you are going to love this story.” He was right. Taite was given two birthday gift cards to Target. Coupling those with a little additional cash, she was eager to spend her booty on several different items. Accompanied by her dad, she relished her journey around Target, perusing her many choices, carefully collecting coveted items in her cart, and painstakingly keeping a running tab. … [Read more...] about Taite’s Tutorial at Target
Putting the thanks in Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, most of us firm up plans for "the feast." At whose house will it be? What will I bring? What's the best sweet potato recipe? Then the day comes and it's all about rush-rush, clean the house or clean the kids, cook the food, set the table, get everyone dressed...and then it's over. Maybe the kids talked about Thanksgiving at school. They told the story (remembering the Mayflower, the pilgrims, the Native Americans--Indians is not pc). They planted corn, made … [Read more...] about Putting the thanks in Thanksgiving
Knowing if a movie is okay for your child..and for you
In my last post, I addressed balancing a child's media diet--how much and when. As challenging as that issue is, it is almost easier to address than the question of content-- what media is okay for your child. In today's world of so much, so young, deciding what is okay and what isn't can be daunting. Remember how many of you thought Baby Einstein was a good idea? Now parents are scrambling for a refund. Who knew? (By the way, I did, and I have been steering parents away from Baby … [Read more...] about Knowing if a movie is okay for your child..and for you
The Proof is in the Pudding
I really truly believe in the power of parents. I wouldn't be doing what I do if I didn't, right? I've written two books about it; I teach classes about it; I lecture about it, preach about it, consult about it. Parents who are deliberate in their parenting--who give thought to and discuss the ways they want to raise their kids--are on the track to raising pretty darn great kids. Yesterday I had one of those belief affirming experiences. I attended the Bat Mitzvah of a now young woman, … [Read more...] about The Proof is in the Pudding