My wife and I were discussing vacation plans this week, so Kami (my wife) asks our daughter Ashley where she would like to go on vacation. After mentioning the typical places that we have been to before, Kami asks her if there is any place she would like to go that she’s never been to. [...]
Thirty-One Little Things Parents Can Do Differently
In the last post on Parenting Plateaus, my overall premise was that change is necessary to move off of a plateau, and any change in the household is the responsibility of Mom and Dad. I realized that I didn’t do a good job of talking about what change might look like, so I’ve brainstormed 31 [...]
Parenting Plateaus
“I can’t seem to get anywhere with my kid.” “We’re stuck in the same rut – things never seem to change.” “No matter how hard I try they just don’t get it.” Sound familiar? Are either you or your spouse saying these same phrases or something like them? If so, then maybe you’ve hit a [...]
Summer Activities For Your Child, Part 2
In my last post I explored some of the more structured summer activities that are available for kids. Many of these are very time-intensive and require a level of commitment to participate, and others can cost quite a bit of money as well. As we wrap up this two-part series in today’s post, I’ll look [...]
Summer Activities For Your Child, Part 1
It is that time of year again – the kids will be out of school in a couple of weeks and you don’t know what to do with them. They are so busy during the school year so maybe they need a break. But on the other hand, after about three weeks they will drive [...]
When Have You Had Enough?
Parenting can get tough. Take a look at the following scenarios. Which of these would cause you to give up and throw in the towel? Your child just cannot get it together in school. They continue to go but they won’t do their work. You’ve begged and pleaded with them and talked with the teachers but [...]
Want To Control Your Destiny? Become a Shipbuilder!
I’m sure that you have heard the phrase, and maybe even said it yourself – “I’m waiting for my ship to come in.” Waiting for someone to drop an opportunity in your lap almost never happens. Sadly, that ship never comes in and you’re left on the dock wondering “why not me?” When you don’t [...]
Seven Ways To Cure A Case Of The Wants
“Keeping up with the Joneses” used to be a popular phrase to describe the act of living up to someone else’s standards. While you don’t hear it uttered so often any more, that doesn’t mean it’s any less prevalent. Our kids in particular can get a case of the “I wants” at the drop of [...]
Pies or Candles?
What an absurd question. I like both, and I can have both at the same time. So why do I have to pick? If you’re literally talking about pies or candles, then it’s true that you can have both. What I’m talking about is a mindset of scarcity or a mindset of abundance. When you [...]
Why Not Now – Making Today Count
The procrastination and excuse bug can bite everyone. Parents and kids can be heard chanting the mantra “I’ll do it later” when they have plenty of time and opportunity to do whatever they’re putting off today. Why is this so prevalent in our society and what can you do about it? Let’s spend a few [...]
