Figuring out how children are smart and helping them use all their smarts benefits them and us in numerous ways – primarily because it can help them believe in their abilities to learn and they can choose to invest more energy in school/learning, therefore being more successful. Would it surprise you to know we can apply our understanding of how children are smart to the theme of gratitude? We can. At the beginning of this school year, I taught a group of teachers and parents in South Carolina how important gratitude is to children’s character. One of those teachers has decided to use “gratitude journals” with her children this summer. She’s doing one, too. Each day, they’ll write or illustrate something their grateful for … [Read more...]
Kathyism #21 – 5 Core Needs – “Belonging: Part 2″
The defining question of our third core need of "Belonging" is, "Who Wants Me?" In today's video Dr. Kathy explores very practical ways for us to help children answer this question as a part of their natural need for friendship. Dr. Kathy explains, in very clear and practical terms, how to identify healthy friends, initiate conversations, evaluate friendships, and even how to honor other children your child determines they need to end their friendships with. So check out today's video and let us know what you think. If you find this video helpful, please "Like" and "Share" it with your social networks. We greatly appreciate you! … [Read more...]
Kathyism #29- “Show Me Your Friends and I will Show You Your Future”
One of Dr. Kathy’s friends and a hero to her because he chose life after a horrible event, Brad Hearon, says “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” He’s right. Therefore, parents you must be alert to who your children are hanging with. You must have meaningful conversations about their choices and guide them to better ones, when necessary. (Check out Brad’s story at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrfjmNqtHWc) If you find these videos helpful please "Like" and "Share" them on your social networks. Thank you! … [Read more...]
How Do You Sift, Sort, Synthesize, and Share?
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — As a teacher educator and someone who also helps parents raise their children well, I’ve been teaching frequently about how digital technology effects people’s beliefs and behaviors. Especially many people under the age of 30 have been drastically influenced because they’ve never known life without technology. Because of the plethora of websites, blogs, online videos, Facebook posts, podcasts, print resources, and the ease of finding information with search engines, we’re inundated with knowledge. I’m not surprised when young people don’t know what to do with it all. They’re young and haven’t been … [Read more...]
Kathyism #28 – “It’s Never too Late …”
Dr. Kathy has grieved with many adults whose gifts and interests weren’t fully appreciated when they were children. As a result, self-rejection can occur and they still don’t know who they could be. Listen with an open mind and remember, it’s never too late to discover more about yourself. If you find these videos helpful please "Like" and "Share" them on your social networks. Thank you! … [Read more...]
Kathyism #27- “Raise the Children You Were Given”
Today Dr. Kathy exhorts parents to, "Raise the children you were given, not the children you wish you had." Check out today's video which emphasizes the importance of parents empowering the discovery of who their child truly is as a gift from God. If you find these videos helpful please "Like" and "Share" them on your social networks. Thank you! … [Read more...]
Kathyism #26 – 5 Core Needs: “Christian Answers”
In today's video Dr. Kathy shares about her personal A+ answers to the questions surrounding our 5 Core Needs of Security, Identity, Belonging, Purpose, and Competence. If you find these videos helpful please "Like" and "Share" them on your social networks. Thank you! … [Read more...]
Do You Extend Hope to Others?
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Do you extend hope to others? If you have some, I hope you do. We shouldn’t keep it to ourselves. Does it have to be a big deal? A time consuming conversation? The giving away of something you value? No. Might it be? Yes, and it would be worth it. Can it be a smile shared as you walk past a coworkers? Yes. a genuine question, asking someone how she is, and showing with body language, eye contact, and facial expression, that you do want and care about a real answer? Yes. an anonymous gift of money to someone who needs it? Yes. asking someone for practical help so a need you have is met, but more importantly … [Read more...]
Kathyism #25 – 5 Core Needs – “Competence: Part 2″
Comparing ourselves to others can be very discouraging, but competence isn't based on other's competencies, it is based on yours. It's great to have role models, but we have to understand who we as individuals are becoming. When children ask the question, "What Do I Do Well?" we want to help them have an answer based in their positive character qualities, healthy self-confidence, and a well-reasoned decision making process. Dr. Kathy explores this topic even further in today's video. So check it out and if you find these videos helpful, please "Like" and "Share" them with your social networks. Thank you! … [Read more...]
Live long. Die old.
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — I’m not sure when it started, but it’s continued. At some point in almost every program with middle school and high school students, I have them repeat it after me. “Live long. Die old.” “Live long. Die old.” “Live long. Die old.” “Live long. Die old.” “Live long. Die old.” “Live long. Die old.” Suicide is way too common – it’s the third leading cause of death for 11-19 year-olds. There are no words strong enough to express my grief every time I think about this. Today’s young people are overwhelmed by the amount of information available to them. Be a solid source of truth for … [Read more...]
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