Are you surviving or thriving this summer? Do you have a child who always wants to know the plan? Do your kids know when their free time will be? I ask because, kids thrive on structure and routine. As parents, we can help them by loosely scheduling their day during their free time, weekends, holidays, and summer time. It helps them to eliminate unknowns and surprise. Schedules also lessen anxieties and worries. Can we have boundaries and still be flexible? Sure! Maybe when your … [Read more...]
Summer Reading: Graph 1000 Minutes
Summer Reading Motivation - am I right?! Are you looking for a fun and different way to motivate your kids with summer reading? Kids love, love, LOVE to chart their progress and visually see their success. It might seem strange, but there is value in visually seeing your progress improve daily. This graph to 1000 minutes might be just what your child needs. The graph also a visual reminder to hit the books! I've shared with you Summer Points, DIY Summer School, different books to read, … [Read more...]
Summer Challenge
Are you ready for a Summer Challenge? I am always impressed by moms who take an idea and run with it. In this case, this was a personal friend of mine. She developed a Summer Points system for her 3 children. I find it hard enough to figure out a basic summer plan, but she does everything... times three! Not only did she develop reasonable "Survive the Summer" goals, but she also motivated other moms around her to do the same thing. Pretty soon, everyone was asking her for a copy. They … [Read more...]
Motivate Your Kids for Summer Learning
Trying to motivate your kids to learn over the summer? It seems like a lost cause sometimes. I get stressed out knowing that I'm responsible for my kids learning all.summer.long, In fact, as early as April I get "PTSD" (Pre Traumatic Summer Disorder). I start signing up for camps, swim team, and Vacation Bible School.... like a crazy woman. Those activities only go on for a period of time, the rest is up to me! Is it all about me? Sure seems that way when I read what I just wrote. :) What … [Read more...]
The Teen Brain: Is My Teenager Normal?
The Teen Brain: Is My Teenager Normal? Trust me, I've started to ask myself this question, "Is my Teen normal?" or "Why is talking to my teen like talking to a toddler?" They remember the first part I say, but not the last. They're growing like weeds and we're buying shoes all the time. What in the world is going on?! I asked Kathy to share her thoughts and notes from a seminar we recently attended called "The Teen Brain" with Neil McNerney. She describes the teen brain as cake … [Read more...]