From spectating a sport to attending a performance, more and more parents are depending on technology to entertain their children instead of having them watch what is on the stage or on the court. Not only has the influence affected the sports and fine arts arenas, the digital tools have ...
Read More »Does grounding a teen work?
“You’re grounded!” Angry voices, hardened hearts and slammed doors often punctuate the punishment. How effective is grounding a teen? A better question focuses on the goal of the grounding: punishment or discipline. Is the grounding a reactive response to undesirable behavior? Or is it a forewarned consequence with proactive aspects? ...
Read More »Dad, Can I have ten bucks?
The kids may be grown, but there is a scene played out in many homes on a regular basis: Caller-id told me who was on the other end. Experience told me what the caller wanted. “Dad, I really hate to ask. BUT is there anyway you could let me have ...
Read More »Persistence Through Resistance
Louder and louder the cries and screams of my two-year old’s rebellion came. This time the noon showdown was over a cracker, a tortilla chip, and my firm persistence. “Son, eat your cracker first, then you may have a tortilla chip.” A glare that could knock any mamma dead and ...
Read More »Cheers! You, Your Teen and Holiday Alcohol Consumption
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care… …and Dad passed out beers without so much as a care? With holiday festivities well under way, many partygoers will be drinking and toasting the season—teens included. And believe it or not, many of those teens will get the liquor from ...
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