Back Talk

Many of the parents I talk with these days are upset about the nasty, disrespectful way their kids sometimes talk to them.  “Where do they learn to talk like this?” some ask.  “We don’t talk that way to them!”
If you take a bit of time to tune into some of the popular TV shows for [...]

Dumbed Down Parenting

Lots of parents tell me they rely on screen activities such as GameBoys, DVD players, and computers to entertain their kids when they are traveling, waiting for appointments, or sitting in restaurants.  “It’s so easy,” they tell me, “it really keeps them quiet.” Yes, the screens do engage kids, for sure.  But are there ways [...]

Taking the Long View

Recently our extended family, which included several of my grand children, took a trip together.  I delighted in spending time with all the children, and got to know five-year-old Antonio, one of the cousins, much better over the two weeks we were together.
One evening when we were getting ready for a big family party, Antonio’s [...]