Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. --- If intelligences were based on interest alone, it would be safe to say that today’s young adults and teens may be the most music-smart generation ever. This is largely due to the iPod. It was invented in 2001 and iTunes was voted the invention of the year just two years later. Because music has always been readily accessible, this generation highly values it. They enjoy it. They prioritize it. They know it. But, when considering intelligences, ability must be factored in. Because of the quantity and variety of music on iTunes, bands on YouTube, and television shows they watch like American Idol, … [Read more...]
What Does Security Look Like? Here’s An Example from a Family in Flight
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — What does security look like? Here’s one example: The dad took the seat across the aisle from his wife and young daughter. They settled in for the flight to Mobile, Alabama, and discussed an activity they’d do when spending time with her grandparents. After we took off, the girl fell asleep. She awoke when the pilot began our descent from 35,000 feet and pressure in her ears caused pain. The mother handled her daughter’s discomfort brilliantly. For the remaining 15 minutes of our flight, she leaned over to get even closer to her daughter. She maintained close content, often stroking her hair. She regularly had … [Read more...]
Thought Provoking Discussion Starters #5: What questions would you like to ask your parents?
Every Friday, I’ll post thought-provoking discussion starters. — What questions would you like to ask your parents? Last Friday, I asked you to think about what questions you wish your parents would ask you. Today, think about what questions you’d like to ask your parents. What do you want to know? Go find out! … [Read more...]
Multiple Intelligences In Concert … Literally
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — The Sunday before Christmas, I attended a concert because my brother was part of the orchestra. It was amazing and definitely one of the most fun concerts I’ve ever attended. The concert provided a beautiful example of multiple intelligences as the performers were exceptionally talented. Picture two men and two women on four grand pianos backed up by an orchestra and choir. One of the pianists also played the full organ on some of the songs. I’m not sure a wrong note was played all night. Eight hands flowed over the black and white keys in perfect rhythm. The pianists smiled and appeared to be … [Read more...]
Old Skills Can Help With New Situations
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — The next time you’re in a situation where you don’t know exactly what to do, look back. Chances are good that you have an old skill that may be relevant. We all have old skills. We may forget about them because of lack of use, but they’re there. We don’t forget them. Just about them. I’m not sure how young I was when I first shoveled snow with my dad, but I was young. My parents had lightweight shovels specifically so Dave and I could help. Unless the Milwaukee snow was the light-and-fluffy variety, Dad had to follow us with his heavy-duty shovel in order to get down to the cement. As we grew, Dave and I … [Read more...]
Thought Provoking Discussion Starters #4: What Questions Do You Wish Your Parents Would Ask You?
Every Friday, I’ll post thought-provoking discussion starters. — What questions do you wish your parents would ask you? Especially if your parents are older, don’t wait for them to ask. They may never, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t want to know what you want to tell them. Just tell them. Don’t live with regrets. Just talk. … [Read more...]
End of Year Contributions: Help Celebrate Kids Influence More in 2012
You are the reason I blog. Believe me, it’s not because I like to write or have so much to communicate. I write because you read. Based on feedback we receive, we know you’ve grown as our influence has affected your heart and mind. You’ve been teachable, you’ve trusted us, and you have benefited. We’re grateful! Many who read my blog also connect to Celebrate Kids through my speaking and our products, email newsletter, and website. New beliefs, new ideas, new strengths, healthier relationships, deeper connections, lasting change, smarter children, fewer frustrations, more peace. Praise God! You can help us influence more parents, teachers, grandparents, teens, and children with an end-of-year contribution. We have ongoing … [Read more...]
A Grandmother’s Wisdom for Thanksgiving Conversations
If you’re like many people, you’ll get together with relatives more often these next seven weeks than during any other time of year. I hope you’ll use these times for strategic conversations. Yes, it’s possible that even young people who are used to texting will talk face-to-face. My brother and I have four cousins on my mom’s side of the family. Through our young adult years, we got together with our parents, Great Aunts, and Grandparents, for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, in addition to other times during the year. (We were blessed to all live in the same city.) When we got older and some of us went off to college, holiday gatherings became more important since we were together less often. My Grandmother … [Read more...]
Halloween Costumes, Part 2
Halloween Costumes, Part 2 (Please also read Part 1) Another Halloween has come and gone. Are children’s costumes put away for next year or designated for the next garage sale? Or, are your children still dressing up for fun? As I wrote in Tuesday’s post, imagining who you are on Halloween can be harmless. Imagining daily can be stressful. Sad. Unfulfilling. Unwise. Depressing. Defeating. Confusing. Conflicting. What can we do if children want to be who they are not (e.g., outgoing, coordinated, fast at math), but they don’t seem willing to invest to truly change? Let’s ask them why and/or observe for what their reasons may be. Then we can talk with them. Are they frustrated because what they want to change can’t be … [Read more...]
Thankfulness Lifts the Exhausted Soul
One of the most meaningful keepsakes in my shadow box is a card that accompanied flowers delivered to me on the last day of school back in 1980. It was my third year of teaching second graders and Paul was one of my students. His parents purchased the flowers as a thank you gift. The card reads, “Thank you for investing in our son, Paul. You have made a difference and we are grateful.” Thanking someone is a beautiful thing. Thankfulness lifts an exhausted soul. Gratitude is like oxygen to the lungs and clouds under tired feet. Gratitude can clear cobwebs from overwhelmed brains and calluses from hardened hearts. Thankfulness restores and heals. Paul’s parents went out of their way to notice my efforts and Paul’s progress … [Read more...]
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