“I know my teacher gave me a present, but she’s getting paid for being nice.” “Why should I write Grandma a thank you note?  I told her ‘thanks’ already.”  “But it takes too much time! Can’t I just text a thank you?” If those comments sound familiar, know you’re not alone. While kids love receiving [...]

The family is the first school of virtue, make sure you’re schooling your child in the lessons of character. Here are 36 simple and proven practices that boost a child’s character. If you want to enhance your children’s moral development, choose one a month or a few for the year and commit to adopting them into [...]

Parenting advice to help kids learn to do household chores, boost responsibility muscles, and lend a hand without bickering. Really! Years ago I learned an important parenting secret from my girlfriend that I’ll never forget. My friend Cindy and I were busy chatting away when she glanced at the clock and suddenly announced to: “Chore [...]

Advice to help you pick your battles, upgrade your strategies,boost a stronger relationship and keep your teen safer  Let’s face it, parenting a teen is sometimes like walking through a minefield. They’re usually moody, stressed and sleep deprived. Then add those hormones kicking in, and it’s enough to throw up your hands. Well don’t. The [...]

Simple ways to boost gratitude in kids and learn to count their blessings 365 days a year!  There’s something about the Thanksgiving season that tunes up my “reflective switch” and makes me think a bit more about our children.  I worry that over the years we’ve removed ourselves a bit as a society from the [...]