Teaching Kids the Value of Work
Getting kids to learn the value of work is no easy task. When you throw in a couple of parents who most likely were raised with varying views of chores, allowances, and the appropriate age to start working at an…
Category Character
Teaching Good Manners
I grew up with a brother who was less than two years younger than me. We were raised by our hard working, single mother, along with equally hard working grandparents. I never really remember being taught “manners.” We kinda just…
Respecting Your Elders and Respecting Authority
The legendary coach, Vince Lombardi, once said, “Football is like life – it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority,” and most from the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations would agree. However, in the past…
Say You’re Sorry: Teaching Forgiveness
“Say you’re sorry.” Many parents instruct children to express regret for thoughtless actions to another using these words. Head down, face frowning, the child mumbles “Sorry.” In return, he may hear, “Sorry too” or “That’s alright.” It’s really not alright.…
Connecting With Your Kids (Even When Their Interests Differ From Your Own)
As a kid growing up in a small town, I loved to play sports. I began playing baseball at a young age, then football, basketball, bowling and track. I not only enjoyed playing, but watching sports on TV or in…
Climbing Mountains
I keep a stone from the summit of a mountain on my desk. On it is written, “You can’t get the mountaintop experience unless you are willing to climb the mountain.” One thing I have been able to enjoy with…
The Whisper of Fatherhood
If ever a story, a relationship, a social infrastructure, or a magical phenomenon been more under emphasized than the importance of a child’s need for their father’s love and attention, I cannot imagine what it would be! My own experience,…
It’s Mine!
What parent hasn’t heard those words? A red-faced child plants both feet firmly, sticks out the lower lip, and what can charitably be called a “hissy fit” erupts. Ownership is at stake! As children we are not natural givers. We…
Competition VS Cooperation
“In what areas of life do you find yourself most competitive? At work? In athletic activities? In card or board games? Debating controversial topics? “ That’s what the men at this week’s Good Dads lunch talked about around the tables…
Four Ways to Help Your Child Try New Things
“What’s that?!” “It’s good. You’ll like it.”“Yuck. No I won’t.” “How do you know you won’t like it if you haven’t tried it?” “It looks gross.” “Well, it’s not, and your mother worked really hard at making a nice dinner…