Digital technology “seems to amplify the relational patterns and problems already in place: families that have healthy and frequent conversations find technology aiding that process, while families without such healthy interactions find that technology exacerbates the isolation of its members.”...
Storytelling is the most powerful form of human communication. Originally stories were passed down through storytelling before writing was developed. Before radio and TV, storytelling was the way parents taught right and wrong to their children....
It’s summer at last, and school is over. As my children say, “Now we get to read what we want.” Wonderful books abound, and finding them has never been easier....
You may be surprised, if you don’t keep up on these things, and few of us have any reason to, how tawdry and sometimes depraved are the kinds of books being offered to teenagers by the major publishers and bookstores, and even the schools. This...
By Nell Minow Nell lives in Virginia with her husband and two children, Ben and Rachel. This article was published as a special to the Tribune on July 26, 2005 and is used with permission, all rights reserved. Copyright 2005 Nell Minow. Charlie Bucket is still finding...
This collection of recent novels and standard classics—some of which have been made into movies—was well received by Grade 7-8 students as part of an independent reading program. Besides observing positive role models, students often reacted to the social justice issues embedded in the novel....
Tap into great resources to expose your teens to....
Disclaimer: These authors are excellent in their areas of expertise. However there potentially could be some statements I disagree with. I nevertheless recommend them as great resources. Use discretion. Join The Kindness Challenge by Shaunti Feldhahn This is a free 30 day daily challenge you can receive by email about how to improve...
Whether we are in the teen years or they are looming on the horizon, we are well aware that they are rollercoaster years. There are no pat answers, quick fixes or magic formulas to avoid the challenges, harness the hormones or handle the changes. Each...
How fun to have a celebration! Everyone looks forward to getting together with close friends and having a party. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or surprise party, we conjure up great memories of wonderful occasions with people we hold dear. Yet when the subject...
How would you like your children to learn about life, love, and sexuality? Who would you like them to hear it from? A child in the school yard, a teen magazine, the internet, the classroom teacher, some TV program or from you? They all have...
Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. Sometimes it is possible to gather like-minded families together to share in deepening the faith of those who attend. A family catechism program is one such initiative to support the parental responsibility....
For whatever reason, you may consider starting a club for your son or daughter. There are many benefits. You will get to know their friends. You will help them build friendships with like minded children. You will both have fun, but also learn a lot....
Summer holidays afford more time and the opportunity for everyone to lend a helping hand. ...
Structure, routines, and chain of events are very important components of your family survival kit. They help to minimize stress, create order and promote harmony. Children need structure and want it. It helps make life predictable, secure and safe. Such small ingredients make big contributions...
Six years ago, when our two oldest kids were in grades seven and eight, their school proposed an overnight trip to Ottawa, a city 5 hours away. During an information meeting held for parents, my husband and I watched a promotional video produced by the...
As parents, you are trying to provide the best possible scenario so that your children can grow into happy and successful adults. Schools collaborate with you academically, and your role as a parent gives you both the right and the duty to co-operate with schools...
Endless fretting about finances, however, can rob us of peace of mind and spirit. There are many things of value that do not cost much – or anything at all. We just need to remember where to find them....
We need to keep our children short of money. ...
Do you often feel totally exhausted at the end of the day by all the demands your children make on you? I certainly do. It sometimes seems never-ending. It is hard work raising kids, believe me. No matter how old they are, children want, they...