ANXIETY & KIDS

Anxiety and Kids! Check out this helpful pod cast
from Edward Plimpton.
Especially episodes 2, 5, & 13.  Great strategies for difficult situations


To listen to this pod cast
Click Here

MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS

Sharing a great Mother - Daughter  book on how to keep a strong bond during the teen years.



"What if teenage daughters could see their mothers as a great ally as they grew up and became independent? What if mothers could create safety for a teen daughter's experience of herself, consciously guiding her to be who she was born to be? Sil and Eliza Reynolds are leading a revolution, smashing conventional wisdom on mothers and teenage daughters. With Mothering and Daughtering, they offer two breakthrough guides in one."




For more info on the book,    Click Here

PRAISE & ENCOURAGEMENT

To be meaningful praise needs to be real, we are striving to have our teens be independent, self aware and achieving people who understand what it takes to accomplish a task or project.


Kids and teens are often dismissive of praise from their parents. I am sure that parents out there can relate to this, as we have been all been told at one time or another by one or several of our kids, "stop it mom" or even, "you're just saying that because you are my parent and you have to say that." I can assure you, though, that they are listening. They will probably not thank you for this praise until they are in their twenties, but don't let that stop you from praising them during their childhood and teen years. Just be careful how you praise them. A little praise may go a long way -- especially if it is the right kind of praise.  
Barbara Greenberg 


For the full article click here

IS EDUCATION ABOUT LEARNING?

 Helping our kids to understand the value of education - truly

  Kids cheat in school because they think grades are more important than what they learn. They take short-cuts because they believe the longer, harder path has no value or because they are afraid of stumbling or of being seen as someone who stumbles.  Michael Mulligan

 To Read the complete article
Click Here

CONNECTING WITH TEENS

Jennifer Wagner wrote a great article an specific strategies  for connecting with teens; especially helpful as we launch into the holiday season.  Here are some great suggestions for finding time to connect with your kids

 
 
At least in my home, having long conversations with my teens never began with “How was your day?” or “What happened in school today?”  Those questions were actually conversation stoppers, not starters. However, I found that if was well versed in things they liked, such as their favorites in pop culture and technology, I could talk to them about those things for hours. Once you open the door to conversation, you never know what else might come out. Here are some examples of how to connect with your teens through pop culture and technology

Click Here to check out the full article

At least in my home, having long conversations with my teens never began with “How was your day?” or “What happened in school today?”  Those questions were actually conversation stoppers, not starters. However, I found that if was well versed in things they liked, such as their favorites in pop culture and technology, I could talk to them about those things for hours. Once you open the door to conversation, you never know what else might come out. Here are some examples of how to connect with your teens through pop culture and technology: - See more at: http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2010/11/5-ways-to-connect-with-your-teens-2/#sthash.WCoRnPda.dpuf

At least in my home, having long conversations with my teens never began with “How was your day?” or “What happened in school today?”  Those questions were actually conversation stoppers, not starters. However, I found that if was well versed in things they liked, such as their favorites in pop culture and technology, I could talk to them about those things for hours. Once you open the door to conversation, you never know what else might come out. Here are some examples of how to connect with your teens through pop culture and technology: - See more at: http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2010/11/5-ways-to-connect-with-your-teens-2/#sthash.WCoRnPda.dpuf

NEGOTIATION!

Teaching our girls (and boys) to be better negotiators puts them on a path for more personal and professional successes in life.  We need to help our kids understand that to ask for what they want, they will need to know what they want!  These are skills they can learn.

The recent research about women and negotiation isn’t pretty. Often, women don’t negotiate for what they deserve. But they also face obstacles like a widespread pay gap and even backlash when they do negotiate.     But what if we raised girls to help them both master negotiation skills and navigate the challenges? Would that help us raise a generation of women who are more likely to succeed by the time they need to ask for what they’re worth?




To read the article
Click Here

DRAMA FREE PARENTING?!?

Here are some great suggestions from Dr. Marcum

Parents often ask me how to get along with their suddenly volatile preteen daughter. It’s a shock when your previously sweet little girl starts throwing tantrums again. Twelve year old girls can be moody, over dramatic, self-centered, focused almost solely on friends, close-mouthed, surly, back-talking and condescending to parents.  They can, of course, also be mature, affectionate and delightful, but at their worst they’re a cross between the most challenging aspects of toddlers and teens.

Click here for full article 

PARENT UNIVERSITY

I will be presenting a workshop at Parent University on Saturday, November 15th. Come join the discussion and discover helpful tools to improve relationships. This is an open event, all you need to do is register!

For more information, here is the link

http://youthagency.org/parent-university/

PARENTING PRETEENS

Trust, independence, middle school, learning skills, hobbies, nutrition and health, peer pressure.  Excellent suggestions

Preteens are children ages 9-12, and although the age range is small, the amount of changes taking place during the time period is not. These kids will probably become more involved with school and social pressures will be a more important factor in their lives. Confusion may arise as parents can be pushed away by their children as often as they're called upon for help. Entertainment media will begin to have a stronger importance in their lives, and their interest in hobbies will begin to flourish. All of these things combined can make parenting a complicated and constantly changing task.

To read the full article   Click Here

CONFERENCE TIME

5 tips for a better parent-teacher conference

For many parents and teachers, it’s the first opportunity of the school year to sit down face to face and discuss everything from curriculum to issues that arise in the classroom.  Here are some tips from both sides of the desk on how to make the most of a parent-teacher conference.

Do Your Homework
Join Forces
Open Lines of Communication
Aim for Action
Keep in Touch

 For the full article Click Here

PROTECT vs PERMIT

Finding the balance.  We need to allow our children to begin to figure things out for themselves so that they grow their self reliance and build their self esteem. As parents, we should strive to be warm, firm and supportive to give our kids the most benefit. 



 Great article by Jessica Lahey  in the New York Times

 Raising Teenagers: Protect When You Must, Permit When You Can

Read the article   Click Here

RAISING KIND CHILDREN

We want to raise kind children. We want them to be a good friend and have good friends. Our children learn so much from our interactions with others (see previous post about Accidental Teaching). This article speaks specifically about girls, but the message applies to boys as as well. 

 
To Read the full article    Click Here

DARK SIDE OF ANONYMOUS APPS

I was recently interviewed for this article in Ad Week.  Interesting discussion on the connection between cyber bullying and anonymous apps

Critics maintain that anonymity is a double-edged sword. While it lets the public frankly discuss issues they might not otherwise in an open forum, cloaking one’s identity leads some to believe they can tease and troll others at will.     
For the full article written by David Gianatasio

Click Here

RUDE vs MEAN vs BULLYING

As the school year kicks off, you may find this article of interest



Rude = Inadvertently saying or doing something that hurts someone else.

Mean = Purposefully saying or doing something to hurt someone once (or maybe twice).
  

Bullying = Intentionally aggressive behavior, repeated over time, involving  imbalance of  power.  

For full article click here

For more on bullying from Signe Whitson, click here

HOW WAS SCHOOL?

Often parents will ask me how to get their kids to share things about their day...it could be the questions we ask.  Here are some great suggestions that work with many ages.

And everyday I get an answer like “fine” or “good” which doesn’t tell me a whole lot.

AND I WANT TO KNOW A WHOLE LOT!!!!

Or at get at least a full sentence.  So the other night I sat down and made a list of more engaging questions to ask about school.  They aren’t perfect…but I do get at least complete sentences…and some have lead to interesting conversations…and hilarious answers…and a few insights into how my kids think and feel about their time at school.

 To read the full article
click here

THINK YOU'RE RAISING KIDS RIGHT?

Continuing the conversation about teaching the importance of empathy and true caring. Amy Joyce does it again..
 

Only 20 percent of kids interviewed say caring for others is their top priority. Greater than 50 percent of girls ages 7 to 12 reported at least one incident of sexual harassment in 2010-2011. And 96 percent of parents say moral character is “very important” yet 81 percent of children say happiness or achievement is their parents’ top priority.

Read the full article  Click Here

Excited to Share

I am pleased to launch the Tool Box video.  It will give you an introduction  to the tools and approaches discussed in the

Book (available at click here)
Web Based Parent Coaching Program (for more info, click here)
Workshops ( for more info, click here)


To view the video   click here

DRAMA FREE PARENTING

Tips to make parenting your tweens (girls and boys!)  less dramatic, and more delightful





“Parents often ask me how to get along with their suddenly volatile preteen daughter,” writes psychologist Laura Markham. “It’s a shock when your previously sweet little girl starts throwing tantrums again. Twelve year old girls can be moody, overdramatic, self-centered, focused almost solely on friends, close-mouthed, surly, back-talking and condescending to parents. They can, of course, also be mature, affectionate and delightful, but at their worst they’re a cross between the most challenging aspects of toddlers and teens.”

To read full article click here

TEACHING EMPATHY

Crucial life skill for our kids - kindness, understanding and the impact of 'accidental teaching'.

Weissbourd and his cohorts have come up with recommendations about how to raise children to become caring, respectful and responsible adults. Why is this important? Because if we want our children to be moral people, we have to, well, raise them that way.

“Children are not born simply good or bad and we should never give up on them. They need adults who will help them become caring, respectful, and responsible for their communities at every stage of their childhood,” the researchers write.

To read full article     Click Here

PRAISE & ENCOURAGEMENT

How we praise and encourage our kids has a direct impact on their self esteem. In Chapter 9 in The Tool Box: The Glue, Self Esteem and self Confidence, we talk about praise.

To be meaningful praise needs to be real, we are striving to have our teens be independent, self aware and achieving people who understand what it takes to accomplish a task or project.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barbara-greenberg/how-to-praise-your-kids_b_2862815.html?utm_hp_ref=parents-teens

THE BOILING POINT

Helping your teen avoid a melt down. There are specific skills that we can teach and share with our kids that give them a better chance of managing their emotional ups and downs!

Being a teenager can feel like living inside a pressure cooker. The combined challenges of excelling in school, participating in extracurricular activities, putting in community service hours, working a part-time job (for some), negotiating relationships and managing hormonal changes could all be ingredients for disaster.

for full article click here

THE EXPANDING TOOL BOX

Special Offer

25% Program Discount

The Tool Box: Building Better Relationships with Teens 

Now available as an interactive, web based program, based on the strategies of the popular book and workshop. The program will individually coach parents through many issues of raising tweens and teens.

For More Info      Click Here

TIPS FOR SUMMER

As we head into the summer months, here are some excellent suggestions.

Trust, Dollars and Sense, Technology, Tracking vs Spying, Curfews - Lots of good advice




For more Info click here

Father's Day

In honor of Father's Day
We have an opportunity to change the conversation.
We have the power to teach boys to be men of character.
Please watch, share and act.

Click here

LYING

Lying is an issue that most parents deal with while raising kids.  Annie Fox does a great job coaching parents through this challenge.


"It doesn't help to think of your son as a "liar".  The kid made a mistake and he needs a course correction.  That's what you're there for. So take a slow deep breath...."

To read the full article  click here

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Upcoming workshops: Sarah Lawrence College and the Junior Boarding School Association. I am so excited to share the Tool Box info with these great groups. 

Here are some of the offerings:
 
“What I Wish I Knew Before My Kid Turned 13!”
Empowering The Parent
Coping Skills For The Classroom
The Tool Belt
Metis
Boarding School Strategies
  
 For more info on available workshops check out the website click here

If you are interested in hosting a workshop contact us  here

PRAISE vs ENCOURAGEMENT

The difference between praise and encouragement is profound.  Understanding the difference has  significant impact on building our kids' self esteem.  This article from the Blog : Understanding Teenagers explains this with clarity.

To read the full article    Click Here

Everyone knows positive messages are important, especially for young people. Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings to  your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t always as obvious as you might think - See more at: http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf

Everyone knows positive messages are important, especially for young people. Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings to  your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t always as obvious as you might think - See more at: http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf

Everyone knows positive messages are important, especially for young people. Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings to  your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t always as obvious as you might think - See more at: http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf

Isn’t encouragement just another word for praise?  Unfortunately many parents think the words are interchangeable and believe they are encouraging their teen by given them praise. This is unfortunate because in many cases praise will have a discouraging impact on a young person - See more at: http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf

Everyone knows positive messages are important, especially for young people. Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings to  your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t always as obvious as you might think. - See more at: http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf

Everyone knows positive messages are important, especially for young people. Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings to  your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t always as obvious as you might think. - See more at: http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf

SOCIAL LIVES OF NETWORKED TEENS

What is new about how teenagers communicate through services such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Do social media affect the quality of teens’ lives? In this eye-opening book, youth culture and technology expert danah boyd uncovers some of the major myths regarding teens’ use of social media.

She explores tropes about identity, privacy, safety, danger, and bullying. Ultimately, boyd argues that society fails young people when paternalism and protectionism hinder teenagers’ ability to become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens through their online interactions.


Click Here

A NEW APPROACH TO "GROUNDING"

 Here is a creative new way to approach the challenge of consequences and grounding.  Kids earn back their freedom and social privileges - check out this idea

Whoever came up with the idea that grounding kids meant sending them to their rooms clearly wasn't thinking big. Lynette, a mom whose blog typically chronicles her incredible adventures in cake making, posted a photo of what looks to be a chore chart. But instead of monetary incentives, the kids must earn 500 points to get "ungrounded." Chores such as "load dishwater" and "cook dinner" can earn them anywhere from 10 to 100 points.

 For all of the details
 Click Here

Resiliency, Competency & Self Esteem!

Life coping skills are essential for our teens. It is so important for us to help our kids become more self resilient.  The resiliency creates competency which grows self esteem!

This is a good list to aim for. Many of the tools in The Tool Box can help us help our kids Chap 3: Nuts & Bolts, Communication; Chap 4: The Level, Emotional literacy, Chap 6: 3-in-1 Oil, The Art of Compromise and Chap 9: The Glue, Self Esteem and confidence.

Even during the best of times, parents wonder whether their teens are developing all the skills they need to be successful in life. A problem in this “appraisal” process is that parents see their teens in some of their most regressed and infantile states—when they are at home with their families! Furthermore, new neuroscience research indicates that the human brain does not reach maturity until a person reaches their early twenties. So, how do parents of teens know what to look for in the development of life skills?


 For full article click here

THE WILD WONDERFUL TEENAGE BRAIN

 

The Wild, Wonderful Teenage Brain: Hardwired to Test Parental Patience?

 

Understanding the teen aged brain.... Science is giving us insight into how the brain is wired and how it matures. This is valuable information as we try to stay connected with our teens.

 

 

Are you fuming with anger, sick with worry or just plain bewildered? You’re probably living with a thrill-seeking, risk-embracing teenager, simultaneously capable of precocious wisdom and incredibly foolish choices.  Although teen transgressions, such as driving too fast, skipping curfew or choosing delinquent pals, may seem like personal affronts, this behavior actually may have very little to do with you, says Temple University psychology professor and researcher Laurence Steinberg, Ph.D. According to Steinberg, teens act differently because their brains are, in fact, different.
 

For full article  click here

ARE PUNISHMENTS AND CONSEQUENCES DIFFERENT?

Are Punishments and Consequences Different?  YES!


"Cause and effect are fundamentally different from a child doing something, and the parent (or school) giving them a "consequence." That's not a consequence at all, but a punishment. The result of this is that our children don't learn a valuable lesson. Instead, the result is that they resent us. And resentment leads to further acting out on the child's part."

To Read full article  click here

CREATVITY AND FAILURE

Creativity and Failure... Why they go hand in hand!


"Sometimes, the ideas fail and they move on. They have to learn to adapt and I love that...How can you not love something that makes your kid enjoy going to school?"
Sara Born

 Check out the full article
click here

HOW LONG TO NAP FOR THE BIGGIEST BENEFIT

Back in the saddle- workshops were great with wonderful feedback! 

Here is an article that is pertinent for all - sleep (and napping) are important and it is good to understand how to get the most benefit.  

Taking a nap, we’ve seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain.  Everyone likes to get a quick nap in every now and then, but napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. The Wall Street Journal offers recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when.
The sleep experts in the article say a 10-to-20-minute power nap gives you the best “bang for your buck,” but depending on what you want the nap to do for you, other durations might be ideal.  For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch. 

For the full article click here (and take 2 minutes to watch the embedded video)

 

How Long To Nap For The Biggest Brain Benefits

Taking a nap, we’ve seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain.  Everyone likes to get a quick nap in every now and then, but napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. The Wall Street Journal offers recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when.
The sleep experts in the article say a 10-to-20-minute power nap gives you the best “bang for your buck,” but depending on what you want the nap to do for you, other durations might be ideal.  For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.

- See more at: http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/how-long-to-nap-for-the-biggest-brain-benefits/#sthash.uCFRppG7.dpuf

How Long To Nap For The Biggest Brain Benefits

Taking a nap, we’ve seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain.  Everyone likes to get a quick nap in every now and then, but napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. The Wall Street Journal offers recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when.
The sleep experts in the article say a 10-to-20-minute power nap gives you the best “bang for your buck,” but depending on what you want the nap to do for you, other durations might be ideal.  For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.

- See more at: http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/how-long-to-nap-for-the-biggest-brain-benefits/#sthash.uCFRppG7.dpuf

Taking a nap, we’ve seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain.  Everyone likes to get a quick nap in every now and then, but napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. The Wall Street Journal offers recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when. - See more at: http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/how-long-to-nap-for-the-biggest-brain-benefits/#sthash.uCFRppG7.dpuf

Taking a nap, we’ve seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain.  Everyone likes to get a quick nap in every now and then, but napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. The Wall Street Journal offers recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when. - See more at: http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/how-long-to-nap-for-the-biggest-brain-benefits/#sthash.uCFRppG7.dpuf

Taking a nap, we’ve seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain.  Everyone likes to get a quick nap in every now and then, but napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. The Wall Street Journal offers recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when. - See more at: http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/how-long-to-nap-for-the-biggest-brain-benefits/#sthash.uCFRppG7.dpuf

Off Line

I will be off line for the next two weeks while I am traveling to California and New Orleans presenting the "Tool Box: What I Wish I knew Before My Kid Turned 13! workshop".

Did You Argue with Your Sister This Morning? There’s a Fee for That

While this might not be everyone's style, it is a great example of making expectations clear, rewarding effort while teaching accountability and self responsibility.

In this family's household, allowance was not only earned, but adjusted according to behavioral faux pas.

A Redditor Stephanie Chappe posted this funny memo her father Richard drew up when she and her sisters were little, which outlined what slip-ups could get their allowances reduced, and conversely, how they could get those dollars back. The contract was signed by both parents and all four sisters.


To read full story click here

SIX WORDS....

So often we focus on the end result and miss the pure pleasure of the process.  Finding the joy and appreciation of the moment is a gift to ourselves and our kids!


Very rarely does one sentence have immediate impact on me.
Very rarely does one sentence change the way I interact with my family.
But this one did. It was not from Henry Thoreau or some renowned child psychologist. It was a comment from kids themselves. And if I’ve learned anything on this “Hands Free” journey, it is that children are the true experts when it comes to “grasping what really matters.”
Here are the words that changed it all:
“… College athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame. Their overwhelming response: ‘I love to watch you play.’”
To read the full article, 
click here

MEAN KIDS

Tips to Help Kids Survive Mean Girls or Guys

We’ve all been to school. Chances are we’ve had our own run-ins with a kid who seemed determined to make our life miserable. If your son or daughter is currently dealing with one (or more) of these kids, here are some positive messages you can offer. These aren’t magic bullets. But if you a) empathize with what your child is going through, b) make sure he knows he doesn’t deserve bad treatment from anyone, and c) become your child’s #1 advocate, then you will help the situation.

To read entire article click here

QUIT KVETCHING!!

Quit Kvetching and Conversations that Count

We all need a good venting session every once in awhile, but ongoing negativity is difficult to handle. Annie Fox addresses the issue with clarity and good suggestions.



Do you know the Yiddish word to Kvetch?  On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up.



To read the entire article click here

On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Do you know the Yiddish verb, to kvetch? On the surface it simply means: to complain. As in, “Just get your homework done and stop kvetching already.” But actually, kvetching goes beyond complaining into the realm of eternal dissatisfaction where nothing is ever good enough and it becomes one’s mission in life to let everyone know exactly where and why things don’t measure up. - See more at: http://blog.anniefox.com/2013/01/23/quit-kvetching-tips-for-getting-teens-to-stop-complaining/#sthash.CiEkuICq.dpuf

Becareful What You Say...

What we say and how we say it truly matters.  We need to think about how we describe ourselves and others, our kids are listening from a very  young age.


Dear Mom,

I was 7 when I discovered that you were fat, ugly, and horrible. Up until that point I had believed that you were beautiful—in every sense of the word. I remember flicking through old photo albums and staring at pictures of you standing on the deck of a boat. Your white strapless bathing suit looked so glamorous, just like a movie star. Whenever I had the chance I’d pull out that wondrous white bathing suit hidden in your bottom drawer and imagine a time when I’d be big enough to wear it; when I’d be like you.
But all of that changed when, one night, we were dressed up for a party and you said to me, ‘‘Look at you, so thin, beautiful, and lovely. And look at me, fat, ugly, and horrible.’’
At first I didn’t understand what you meant.
‘‘You’re not fat,’’ I said earnestly and innocently, and you replied, ‘‘Yes I am, darling. I’ve always been fat; even as a child.’’
In the days that followed I had some painful revelations that have shaped my whole life. I learned that:

1. You must be fat because mothers don’t lie.
2. Fat is ugly and horrible.
3. When I grow up I’ll look like you and therefore I will be fat, ugly, and horrible too.


To read full article click here

Things to consider for our up and coming 20 year olds

Time is Not a Limitless Commodity...You’re Talented, But Talent is Overrated...Social Media is Not a Career .....Pick Up the Phone 

I [Jason Nazar] employ an amazing group of 20-somethings.  Call me a curmudgeon, but at 34, how I came up seems so different from what this millennial generation expects.  I made a lot of mistakes along the way, and I see this generation making their own.  In response, here are my 20 Things 20-Year-Olds Don’t Get. 

To read more click here 





Another interesting read (she also has a tedtalk) is Dr Meg Jay's book The Defining Decade.
The book is featured on our "Resource Spotlight" page - check it out    click here

Drawing from more than ten years of work with hundreds of twentysomething clients and students, Dr. Jay weaves the science of the twentysomething years with compelling, behind-closed-doors stories from twentysomethings themselves. She shares what psychologists, sociologists, neurologists, reproductive specialists, human resources executives, and economists know about the unique power of our twenties and how they change our lives. The result is a provocative and sometimes poignant read that shows us why our twenties do matter. Our twenties are a time when the things we do–and the things we don’t do–will have an enormous effect across years and even generations to come

The Important Thing about Yelling?

Yelling is a guttural response and it rarely helps us achieve our goal of communication and change.  Whether our child is 6 and has spilled her cereal or is 16 and broken her phone - if we can resist the urge to scream we might just find a valuable teaching moment.


 So here's to New Year's resolution:

In the midst of my highly distracted life, I started a new practice that was quite different from the way I behaved up until that point. I became a yeller. It wasn’t often, but it was extreme—like an overloaded balloon that suddenly pops and makes everyone in earshot startle with fear.
So what was it about my then 3-year-old and 6-year-old children that caused me to lose it? Was it how she insisted on running off to get three more beaded necklaces and her favorite pink sunglasses when we were already late? Was it that she tried to pour her own cereal and dumped the entire box on the kitchen counter? Was it that she dropped and shattered my special glass angel on the hardwood floor after being told not to touch it? Was it that she fought sleep like a prizefighter when I needed peace and quiet the most? Was it that the two of them fought over ridiculous things like who would be first out of the car or who got the biggest dip of ice cream?


Read the full article- click here