I'm supercharged and no not because I'm all hoped up on coffee, I'm pumped about the day and weekend coming up. I had a great week, great workouts, a resting heart rate of 38 at my last physical, a great PTA event last night and this weekend I am looking forward to three days in a row of soccer games and opening day at Little League for my son. I'm telling you this not to brag, but because I try to live what I'm encouraging you to do.
So, I am ready to deliver some great content to you today. I am a huge advocate for being a back yard vacationer. Enjoying time in your local area. While BIG extravagant vacations are great, you can't partake weekly. So, why not spend this weekend visiting some of your local area attractions. You may chose a theme park, museum, favorite hiking trail, fishing hole, arts and craft store, Hobby shop, Water Front, bike track, etc, etc. The main thing is to participate as a family.
Enjoy your weekend.
Todd
PS: If you have not already marked your calender, Now is a good time to do so. May 24Th, 7 pm is the next workshop. "SUMMER PARENTING" Be ready to tackle the summertime head on.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
BACKWARDS WORK
When it comes to problem solving with our children the key is to work backwards.
Prior to spitting out answers to your children, we must first Identify what the problem is.
(NOTE: Problems don't always have to be negative. Problems can be as simple as trying to figure out an interest that your children may have and fulfilling that interest in a positive manner).
Once you are able to correctly identify the problem,(and I say correctly because sometimes, the real issue may not be what your child is sharing) you can then start to develop a plan or solution to the problem.
The fastest and most direct way to get to this point (identifying an issue) is to be having daily conversations with your children. Whether these discussions are about school, sports, friends, etc etc. you need to be involved in your child's daily life. NO MATTER what their age is.
For more on this topic, Pick up a copy of Three Step Parenting by clicking the link below.
http://threestepparenting.blogspot.com/
PS: Mark your calender!!! May 24th, 7pm Workshop in Garrison.
Prior to spitting out answers to your children, we must first Identify what the problem is.
(NOTE: Problems don't always have to be negative. Problems can be as simple as trying to figure out an interest that your children may have and fulfilling that interest in a positive manner).
Once you are able to correctly identify the problem,(and I say correctly because sometimes, the real issue may not be what your child is sharing) you can then start to develop a plan or solution to the problem.
The fastest and most direct way to get to this point (identifying an issue) is to be having daily conversations with your children. Whether these discussions are about school, sports, friends, etc etc. you need to be involved in your child's daily life. NO MATTER what their age is.
For more on this topic, Pick up a copy of Three Step Parenting by clicking the link below.
http://threestepparenting.blogspot.com/
PS: Mark your calender!!! May 24th, 7pm Workshop in Garrison.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
BACK OFF!!
You know the feeling when you see your child sad, stressed, anxious, etc etc. and your inner super parent mode kicks in that says Mom or Dad to the rescue.
If so, then you are ready to BACK OFF. Today, lets focus on letting go and allowing your child to figure out some uncomfortable situation on their own.
If you can answer YES to the below questions then you are ready to let GO and allow your child to fly or flop out of the nest.
1. Is my child able to handle this particular situation.
2.Am I able to place my parenting on hold temporarily to allow my child to grow.
3. Have I taught my child right and wrong.
4. Am I OK with my child making the wrong decision and using that as a teaching tool.
If you have been role modeling positive parenting, then your child should be able to handle a variety of situations. In the beginning of letting go, whether it is working out a dispute with a sibling or allowing your teenager to attend the movies with friends for the first time due your part by trying to set up the day for success.
Enjoy every stage,
Todd
If so, then you are ready to BACK OFF. Today, lets focus on letting go and allowing your child to figure out some uncomfortable situation on their own.
If you can answer YES to the below questions then you are ready to let GO and allow your child to fly or flop out of the nest.
1. Is my child able to handle this particular situation.
2.Am I able to place my parenting on hold temporarily to allow my child to grow.
3. Have I taught my child right and wrong.
4. Am I OK with my child making the wrong decision and using that as a teaching tool.
If you have been role modeling positive parenting, then your child should be able to handle a variety of situations. In the beginning of letting go, whether it is working out a dispute with a sibling or allowing your teenager to attend the movies with friends for the first time due your part by trying to set up the day for success.
Enjoy every stage,
Todd
Monday, April 2, 2012
WOW
When we talk about being role models and teachers to our children, It is important to first figure out what type of learner you are. In most cases, people will teach the way they learn. If your child learns that way than great. However, if they learn in a completely different manner than you have to start thinking of a new approach. The reason I'm telling you this is as adults we think our way is the best way and that often leads to unhappy people. (Adults and children) So sometimes we have to take a moment and back up and restart with a new approach. Don't get caught trying to put a square peg into a triangle slot.
For those who have children off from school this week, please be sure to enjoy the moment. Learn a new hobby or build on an old skill. Whatever it is just be in the moment.
Enjoy the day
Todd
PS:
Are You Summer Ready? Coming towards the end of May!!!
A workshop geared to parents to help prepare both physically and emotionally for the summer. Not Just Survive but actually enjoy each and every day.
For those who have children off from school this week, please be sure to enjoy the moment. Learn a new hobby or build on an old skill. Whatever it is just be in the moment.
Enjoy the day
Todd
PS:
Are You Summer Ready? Coming towards the end of May!!!
A workshop geared to parents to help prepare both physically and emotionally for the summer. Not Just Survive but actually enjoy each and every day.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Volunteer-Donate-What!! This is a must read!!
It's Friday and before I call it a week and head off to a weekend filled with traveling soccer games, basketball, gymnastics and bike riding, here is a little something to think about.
A happy family is a cohesive family - so do something as a family. This tip is a cost effective, important lesson providing activity - VOLUNTEER as a FAMILY.
This can be a rewarding experience with a life's worth of valuable lessons, that incorporates civic duty and meaningful family time, all while doing something important. The volunteer experience you choose is going to depend on many factors - so please use this list as an example and do something that would be a great fit for your family. Explain to your family the importance of the activity and how important they are to be helping such a great cause!
Example Opportunities:
*Collect canned goods from your pantry, your neighbors and friends for a local food pantry
*Clean out the linen closet and donate old towels, sheets and blankets to an animal
shelter
*Collect stuffed animals and dolls and donate them to your local fire department, police
department and rescue squad
*Have your children clean out toys and donate them to a homeless shelter or a women's
shelter
*Collect clothes that your family no longer wants and take them to a clothing drop bin.
*Have a big playdate with a couple families and make greeting cards for a local senior
center or hospital
One Note - Before collecting, dropping off, etc . . . please contact the agency to make sure they will take the items, most will, but if they don't they are usually able to refer you to an appropriate party.
Happy Volunteering and Congratulations on doing something meaningful for and with your family!
Have a great weekend.
Todd
PS: I have been getting a ton of postive feedback on my article on ezine articles.
If you have not gone and checked it out yet, head there now. Just click the link below.
Best of all, Its Free!!!
http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Step-Parenting&id=6914989
PPS: share your opions below.
A happy family is a cohesive family - so do something as a family. This tip is a cost effective, important lesson providing activity - VOLUNTEER as a FAMILY.
This can be a rewarding experience with a life's worth of valuable lessons, that incorporates civic duty and meaningful family time, all while doing something important. The volunteer experience you choose is going to depend on many factors - so please use this list as an example and do something that would be a great fit for your family. Explain to your family the importance of the activity and how important they are to be helping such a great cause!
Example Opportunities:
*Collect canned goods from your pantry, your neighbors and friends for a local food pantry
*Clean out the linen closet and donate old towels, sheets and blankets to an animal
shelter
*Collect stuffed animals and dolls and donate them to your local fire department, police
department and rescue squad
*Have your children clean out toys and donate them to a homeless shelter or a women's
shelter
*Collect clothes that your family no longer wants and take them to a clothing drop bin.
*Have a big playdate with a couple families and make greeting cards for a local senior
center or hospital
One Note - Before collecting, dropping off, etc . . . please contact the agency to make sure they will take the items, most will, but if they don't they are usually able to refer you to an appropriate party.
Happy Volunteering and Congratulations on doing something meaningful for and with your family!
Have a great weekend.
Todd
PS: I have been getting a ton of postive feedback on my article on ezine articles.
If you have not gone and checked it out yet, head there now. Just click the link below.
Best of all, Its Free!!!
http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Step-Parenting&id=6914989
PPS: share your opions below.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
TOP 10!!!
With the weather crazy here in Garrison, Rain one minute, sun the next, 30 mph wind gust and back to rain then sun, who knows what's next. 80 degrees again would be nice after making the summer switch over last week (ok, enough weather talk) I write the below for you.
After discussing topics from recreating with your children to cleaning to extended family, this tip should come to you as no surprise.Create your own TOP TEN list. Sit down with your family and find out more about each other by developing a question and answer session. Here each family member will create 10 appropriate questions geared toward anyone in their family that must be answered.
Questions may include:
1.What is your favorite place to hang out?
2.What is something new you would like to try?
3.Kids to parents, what was your favorite subject in school?
etc, etc. So what are you waiting for, grab a pen and paper and start creating your list!
BONUS:Watch the endless discussions that will arise from your list.
Enjoy,
Todd
PS: Parenting workshop coming in May, stay tuned for details.
http://threestepparenting.blogspot.com/p/three-step-plan.html
After discussing topics from recreating with your children to cleaning to extended family, this tip should come to you as no surprise.Create your own TOP TEN list. Sit down with your family and find out more about each other by developing a question and answer session. Here each family member will create 10 appropriate questions geared toward anyone in their family that must be answered.
Questions may include:
1.What is your favorite place to hang out?
2.What is something new you would like to try?
3.Kids to parents, what was your favorite subject in school?
etc, etc. So what are you waiting for, grab a pen and paper and start creating your list!
BONUS:Watch the endless discussions that will arise from your list.
Enjoy,
Todd
PS: Parenting workshop coming in May, stay tuned for details.
http://threestepparenting.blogspot.com/p/three-step-plan.html
Friday, March 23, 2012
Kick Butt Routines
If you haven't heard yet, routine and structure are amongst the most important factors when it comes to raising happy, healthy and productive children.
Whether you have a good routine or bad routine you provide your children with a certain amount of stability. (See below on how to create only good routines) When routines are well thought out and implemented they assist with setting your child up for success. Routines will also help to cut down and in most cases eliminate stress. They help the disorganized child. They create a safe haven for the out of control child. They work well with all children especially those who have ADD ADHD. I can go on and on, but I think you see the bigger picture.
For more on how to create and implement a Kick Butt Routine for any issue in your life.
Check out the article I wrote on Ezine Articles by clicking the link below.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Step-Parenting&id=6914989
Have a great weekend.
Todd
PS: please post for others some of your best routines.
Whether you have a good routine or bad routine you provide your children with a certain amount of stability. (See below on how to create only good routines) When routines are well thought out and implemented they assist with setting your child up for success. Routines will also help to cut down and in most cases eliminate stress. They help the disorganized child. They create a safe haven for the out of control child. They work well with all children especially those who have ADD ADHD. I can go on and on, but I think you see the bigger picture.
For more on how to create and implement a Kick Butt Routine for any issue in your life.
Check out the article I wrote on Ezine Articles by clicking the link below.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Step-Parenting&id=6914989
Have a great weekend.
Todd
PS: please post for others some of your best routines.
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