10,000 Steps- It Starts With One Foot

Maren writes primarily about younger children, but often the advise is applicable to our teens and tweens.  In this article she talks about the significance of 10,000 steps a day. Exercise is such an important part of our lives and building it into our kids lives is crucial.



'"The idea of 10,000 steps began as a marketing slogan in the 1960’s for cardio-vascular fitness using a pedometer.  10,000 steps is a catchy phrase to help us remember that we need a minimum amount of daily activity in order to maintain a basic level of health." Maren Schmidt

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Praising Kids & Teens

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.


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Understanding the teen aged brain

Ever say to your teen ' What were you thinking?" Well chances are, they are not thinking with the rational part of their 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. 


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SEX...hmm..let's deal with it

Talking about sex makes some people feel very uncomfortable, but this is a crucial conversation.

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 Talking about sex