Instructions are important, especially to children doing a chore for the first time. When I was about six years old we lived in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sand was everywhere; on our floors, in our shoes and in our beds. I took it on my own to sweep up the sand now and … [Read more...] about Appreciate Children’s Efforts
Parenting Teens
Dad 101 – Ten things men should know about parenting: 5. Laughter heals…
I have noticed that sometimes as an adult I tend to take myself way to serious. There is definitely a lesson to be learned from my childhood at which time almost anything seemed funny and I was never afraid to show it. The dumbest things would make me crack up in laughter … [Read more...] about Dad 101 – Ten things men should know about parenting: 5. Laughter heals…
Chores: Let Kids Do What Works
My grandmother Mur used to say, “There is more than one way to skin a cat,” and she was right. This past weekend I came up with a new way to do my work that will save me time. I was so pleased with myself that I thought about my father and wished he could see what I have … [Read more...] about Chores: Let Kids Do What Works
Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free Cards and Peer Pressure
Peer pressure or pack mentality can stir up a lot of trouble for a child who would never think of breaking the law, hurting another person’s feelings or destroying property. A child who obeys parents and respects others may be emboldened to go against everything he knows on a … [Read more...] about Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free Cards and Peer Pressure
Ten Tools For Parents
“Just come and get this kid!” was often the plea I heard from parents as a volunteer on the Family Helpline. By the time parents made the call to the Family Helpline they had already done everything they could think of to reach their child and get them to listen or obey. They … [Read more...] about Ten Tools For Parents
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to