Empower Kids by Giving Them ‘Keys to Peace’

Well-Meaning Parents Often Fail to Teach Vital Values, Author Says

by Rachel Albert

Parents and educators are always trying to spark student participation whether it’s in the classroom, in the local community, or throughout the world.

When middle-school students at Allison Academy in North Miami Beach were asked what they could do to improve their country, they focused on what they understood – bullying, violence and racism.

Those problems are all rooted in the same issues, says Rachel Albert, author of Quest to Telos, a young adult novel where fantasy meets reality and even world peace is possible.

“They stem from a lack of personal integrity and absence of social responsibility,” she says.

“Children who choose to put those values into practice are actively working toward peace. But they can only put into practice what they’ve learned; instilling those values may seem simple, but many parents miss the mark and actually model the opposite.”

Setting Expectations for our Kids even When they’re Hurting

Sad Child and Mom

Ask Amy: When We Hurt for Our Kids

 

by Amy Egan

It may be impossible not to hurt when our kids are hurting, but maybe just being aware when we experience it would be helpful.  There is almost nothing more painful than watching our kids hurt: most of the time we’d rather do their suffering for them.  I am sure it is the “Mama Bear instinct” that takes hold of us when we see our kids in any kind of pain – whether it is physical or emotional, and whether they are the cause of their pain or not at fault.

There are situations when their pain needs to be our business – and there are also plenty of situations where their concerns need to be their own.  The focus of this article is not about whether to step in: it is about bringing to light the serious ramifications we can create simply by approaching the child’s concerns with our own perspectives.

Bias Against Boys

Mom and Son with Nail Polish

Raising boys without gender bias

by Jennifer Barling

I feel like I’ve always been very progressive and open-minded in the way I raise my kids, but something happened recently that really disturbed me.  In fact, it completely shocked me and stopped me dead in my tracks.

Are you Causing Stress for Your Child?

Stressed Daughter and Parents Fighting

Your Child’s Well Being Can be Affected by Your Reactions

by Sandy Gluckman

Every time I share a particular fact with the parents in my workshops and talks, I hear the audience gasp:  I see the shocked look on their faces.  What is it that I say to elicit this response?  I tell them this:

“The way you interact with your children can affect the chemistry of both their body and their brain.”

6 Ways to Coach Kids on Making Friends

Playdate with 3 girls

Coaching Kids on Friendship Building

by Dr. Caron Goode

Providing opportunities for peer interaction and playtime  nurture connections that blossom into friendships. Building friendships isn’t something that every child learns how to do naturally. In fact learning to be a friend and cultivating a friendship are learned skills that promote good social, mental and emotional health as they grow and develop.

Sleepy Time Meditation for Children

Sleepy Time Meditation - Child Sleeping with Teddybear

Sleepy Stream:

Sleep Time Meditation for Children

 

by Jeff Cannon

For older children the following is a sleep and relaxation meditation.  It will help them become aware of their bodies as you help them put each part of their body to sleep.

Have your child lie down to make them as comfortable as possible.  Go slowly and speak in a soft, lulling voice as you move down their body from their head to their toes, and begin with the following script: