Part 3 in the series on becoming “tech-wise” The first two posts in this series laid down a philosophical framework … More
Category: Self-Discipline
Becoming Tech-Wise: Philosophy of Use
Becoming Tech-Wise: Philosophy of Use (Part 2 in series) Technology continues to improve, but is our use of technology improving? … More
3 Skills + 1 Passion
For young people to achieve success in their career, it is no longer enough to have a college degree. New … More
Parenting is Regulating
Every parent should regulate their children’s behavior until they are ready to regulate their own. It will likely be a … More
The Power of Kindness
Josh was a normal teenager whose father died. His mother moved them from their home in the country to the … More
Advice for Middle School Kids
Recently, I asked my Facebook friends to give me advice for my 7th graders. Here’s what my friends have learned … More
Teach Your Kids Sportsmanship
If more parents focused on character over performance, then we would not need signs like this.
Musical Instruments Build the Brain
Consider the many benefits of playing a musical instrument. Every child should try to play some sort of instrument to … More
The Distance Run
I coach middle school cross country, which is not a glamorous job, but it is uniquely rewarding. For young distance … More
Tips for Motivating Young Teens
It takes more than a poster to motivate kids. Ask any schoolteacher. Early in their careers, young teachers will spend … More
Motivate. Don’t Manipulate Your Kids.
Once again, his room isn’t clean, not by any standard. Her backpack, jacket, and shoes are scattered about the floor … More
Why Young Kids Should Learn to Use Dangerous Things
A friend recently posted on Facebook a picture of her three young children helping their dad build a deck. The … More
Raising Resilient Children
Resilience is the capacity to recover from adversity and return to well-being. Paul Tough, in his book How Children Succeed, … More
The Connected Family
2014 is the first year in American history in which everybody has a mobile device. We are at the saturation … More
The Peril of Productionism
My wife and I struggle with what I call productionism. It is a variation of perfectionism. It is the … More
Connect With Your Young Teen
First Connect, Then Guide The best parents are the ones who are deeply connected with their children and offer support … More
Prepare for Happiness
Lately, I have been pondering the question, “What are some things that I can do to put myself in a … More
Living in Crisis
Our family is in crisis. It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last. Three weeks ago, … More
Storm Preparation
A Creeping Crisis Some crises develop gradually. Some are excruciatingly slow. Perhaps it is the approaching death of a parent … More
Preparing for the Storm
If you have ever sat with a weather radio in a dark basement or closet during a tornado warning, or … More
What Does it Mean to Grow Up?
This is the time of year when I start to see some signs of maturity in my 7th grade students. … More
A Scholastic Tuneup
Many teachers will tell you that it’s the middle of the school year when most learning takes place. So, let’s … More
Growing Up Too Fast
Our culture tends to throw kids in the deep-end of the pool without teaching them how to swim. Kids are … More
I Wish You Failure
Once again, I offer an article from NPR’s This I Believe. Jon Carroll started at the San Francisco Chronicle editing … More
The Power of No (Part 3)
Young teenagers often “cross the line.” It’s inevitable, so it should not surprise us. Yet, we should not just acquiesce … More
The Power of No (Part 2)
Sometimes a bad example is as motivating as a good one. I had just such an experience last Saturday: Guitar … More
How to Negotiate with Children
In a recent panel discussion about parenting on National Public Radio, “When No Means No” (11 minutes of audio), some … More
Failure’s Top Ten List
1. Not Everybody Gets A Trophy Somewhere along the line we became a society that preached instant gratification. Like a … More
Prepare Them for Life
Protection and provision are not enough. “Here’s the paradox: If we protect our children too absolutely, we actually end up … More
Lousy Starts and Strong Finishes
I’m grading papers on the second to last day of the school year. I’m grading fast, trying to finish ASAP, … More
