Real Boundaries for Teens

How do you set effective boundaries that build character and establish a proper relationship with your teen? by Tiffany Stuart Teens spell boundaries: R-U-L-E-S. They’d prefer to jump over them into adulthood. But that’s not reality. Even today’s reality TV shows have rules and restrictions. The Voice of Ireland provides wanna-be…

Teaching Kids to be Content with what they have

This activity will help kids understand how advertising fuels their desire for more stuff. Use this activity to teach your children to fight the temptation to want more stuff and learn to be content: Supplies: You will need a television, paper, pencil and Bible. (Note: If you’d prefer not to…

Power Parenting

I receive numerous calls and emailed pleas for help from parents of struggling teens every day. I’d like to share a few excerpts from the messages I received in my email inbox today: Well . . . on Christmas Eve, I kicked my daughter out of my house (she is…

Parental Sarcasm is No Joke

by Paul Coughlin When I was 11 years old, a teacher called our house to deliver some exceptional news. She told my mother that I qualified to be placed in a class for gifted students. My mother replied, “Him? He can’t even find his shoes in the morning!” That swift and…

Misbehaviour Moments

Written by Bridgette Booth A child’s repeated misbehaviour can be frustrating to parents, but Ali Dent found a way to turn her child’s wrongdoing into positive learning experiences. First, Ali measures her children’s view of right and wrong. If her son Jonathan takes something from his brother, she pulls Jonathan…

Teen Identity

by Tiffany Stuart In many ways, Irish teens have never had it tougher. Perhaps a surprising statement, given Ireland’s obvious affluence compared to the rest of the world. If you’re a parent today, you know what I mean. Social pressures are more pervasive and destructive than ever before in Irish…

Help Tweens Eat Better

Help tweens eat better. School nurse Karen Scruggs suggests to: Read labels and eliminate hydrogenated and trans fats. In Karen’s area, nearly 25 per cent of children between 8-10 years of age are overweight, which is indicative of what children are eating. Avoid processed foods because they are often high…

When is it Time to have The Talk?

Written by Sheila Seifert Bob Gresh said, “Robby, I want to talk with you about sex.” His 10-year-old son said, “I learned about sex on the Internet.” Those were not the words Bob wanted to hear. “You’ve learned about sex on the Internet? Could you explain to me what sex…

Mealtime Questions

Ever struggled to engage your child in meaningful conversation? The dinner table is an excellent place to start! These topics can keep the communication lines open and allow you a glimpse into your child’s heart and mind. What are the most important elements to include in a sincere apology? If…