In their longitudinal studies, the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Institute of Justice found some daunting statistics on child abuse and neglect. Their “findings strongly indicate the relationship between abuse and neglect and delinquency and adult criminality and violent behavior.” Although no single factor is likely to account for development of criminal behavior,… Continue reading The U.S. Department of Justice on Child Abuse and Neglect
Category: Articles
Articles
How We Help Children Change
First and foremost our number one goal for kids we work with, all kids we work with, is to produce “self-efficacy”. By that we mean, “self-reliance”, “persistence”, “courage to endure adversity”, “resilience”, and “confidence”. In order to achieve this we believe we must focus on certain aspects of a child’s makeup. Primary in our focus… Continue reading How We Help Children Change
Normal Adolescent Development
Throughout history parents have been troubled by the behavior of their teens. When both teens and parents are prepared and aware of these commonly known hallmarks of adolescents, it makes the “transition years” much easier to cope with: Adolescence is a time of pronounced changes in… • Body • Emotions • Attitudes and values •… Continue reading Normal Adolescent Development
Breaking the Barrier to Change: Overcoming Our Fear
Fear: “I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” Frank Herbert “Dune” Courage: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Some… Continue reading Breaking the Barrier to Change: Overcoming Our Fear
Identifying Signs of Anger
“If you are patient in one moment of anger you will avoid 100 days of sorrow.” Confuscious Many people who have not learned to understand anger within themselves struggle to recognize it as it approaches, only becoming aware once it has exploded and become overwhelming. Learning to identify anger as it begins to escalate is… Continue reading Identifying Signs of Anger
Basic Parenting 101
A parent’s basic job is to meet your child’s needs in the following 4 categories: Physical: Doing all you can to keep your child safe and healthy Keeping them safe Good nutrition Rest and exercise Medical care Emotional: Showing love, encouragement, providing security Intellectual: Help your child enjoy learning, provide learning tools, games. Involvement in… Continue reading Basic Parenting 101
Thoughts on “Goodness”
Einstein said: “The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to our lives”. Goodness: A recent survey completed by State Farm Insurance Co. took a look at America’s “moral”… Continue reading Thoughts on “Goodness”
Assertiveness: Acting in Your Own Best Interest
The American Heritage Dictionary defines assertiveness as expressing oneself confidently. It is the balance of looking after your own needs and boundaries, while also respecting those of others There are 3 basic styles of interpersonal behavior and communication styles: 1. Aggressive: Blaming, accusing, threatening, abrasiveness. Does not respect the boundaries of others. 2. Passive: Subject… Continue reading Assertiveness: Acting in Your Own Best Interest
Do’s and Don’ts of Parenting
DON’TS: (Most overriding rules) Don’t apologize for parenting; it’s an obligation you must carry out and do your best. Don’t feel guilty when you must say no, it’s presumed the decision is well reasoned and thought out. Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep. Don’t be inconsistent with the standards you’ve chosen to raise… Continue reading Do’s and Don’ts of Parenting
The Morals of Chess
Something I read recently amazed me as to its application in what we try to impart to kids in our programs. Remarkably, it was written in 1779 by Ben Franklin: this is paraphrased from “The Morals of Chess” Foresight: Look into the future and consider the consequences. Think about the real advantages to yourself, than… Continue reading The Morals of Chess