John Wooden was famous for saying that the most important thing in the world is family and love. I would like to go a little deeper. Let me ask you this: What would you do differently if you truly loved your family? This has been the question I have been pondering throughout 2019. How can I truly demonstrate love? But then the question became, "What is love?" There are so many various definitions and expectations, and oh so many hurt feelings based on unfulfilled sentiment and promises … [Read more...]
Let Your Own Light Shine!
According to popular LinkedIn research, 80% of people "do not enjoy" or "strongly hate" their jobs. In 2010, the research said that 80% of people were "dissatisfied" with their jobs. The word “hate” seems really strong in light of doing something on a daily basis. In fact, I feel like a freak when I read this statistic because I love my job, as a Mediator. Let me demystify what mediation is. It is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism where the goal is to resolve a conflict - but not … [Read more...]
Growing Grateful Children
It's about time to wrap up the 2018-2019 School Year and put it in the books! What is a parent to do with the many mysteries that your child will bring home at the end of the year? I would like to suggest that you help them store all of their projects and papers in a box. This box can be a paper box that your child decorates, or it could be an Evernote folder of pictures on an electronic device. The options are endless, but the key is to contain any messes that could take over your … [Read more...]
These Are a Few of My Favorite Books
I live by the motto that a room without books is like a body without a soul. So I would like to recommend several books that have made a marked difference in my life, and I would hope would enhance your thought life too. I have included some great resources for your growth and development for 2019: Prioritize Personal Growth & Development For Children: The Oak Inside the Acorn Parenting of Children: Boundaries with Kids: When to Say Yes, When to Say No to Help Your … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Grow in Intimacy with Your Children
I am sitting in a coffee shop this morning, and the barista has engaged each person for the past hour with questions about what they plan to do this summer. Good thing she changed the subject and she asked me about Mother’s Day, as I have not done much planning other than my “project” cabinet is getting full with items to do this summer; from books, to seeds to plan, to a new coffee roaster. Meanwhile, I am meeting with quite a few non-custodial parents who have extended parenting time with … [Read more...]
6 Ideas to Change Your Circumstances
If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. - Maya Angelou Let's consider together a couple of experiences where we could live in uncertainty: Marital status changes: becoming engaged, getting married, separated, divorced, or death Job changes: starting a new position, transitioning from full-time to part-time, volunteering, paid status, winning the lottery Financial changes: when income fluctuates up and down and sideways, moving to a new … [Read more...]
What Am I Entitled to in Mediation?
Create a new peaceful way of communicating. No name calling No interrupting No yelling No physical or emotionally intimidating gestures or threats No violence No generalizations (you always, or you never) Plus, no walking out without agreeing to a follow up time. Schedule your mediation appointment at Wise Choice Educational Solutions, Inc. Book Now … [Read more...]
What Do I Do With My Out of Control Child?
Over the past few years I have had many parents talk to me about their children having meltdowns. The parent is usually not sure what to do especially when the emotional pleas take place in public. I would like to suggest that many of these meltdowns could be reduced if the parent would think about how they can live as a “champion parent,” as opposed to being a victim of their child’s behavior. That sounds quite harsh, but I am suggesting that parents join me in cutting some of their own … [Read more...]
Stop Juggling & Start Living
Each year in the United States approximately 1.5 million children are transitioning due to changes in their parents’ marital or relationship status. We have all seen the ramifications of so much change. And we all wonder why some children appear more greatly affected than others. We have all told our own children to be kind to the child who is going through “a rough patch”. However, what can we as the parents do to help our own children fare better? Helpful Tips for Parents: Be … [Read more...]
Key Components of Active Parenting
What words would you use to describe your relationship to parenting? Is it... a privilege, a responsibility, hard work, a drag, being crazy in a sea of chaos, overwhelming...? I would like to suggest that you have the privilege to affect the future by parenting well. You have the opportunity to offer leadership to your household. Yes, sometimes it is chaotic, overwhelming, sad and frustrating - but then other times, it is rewarding, joyous, funny, and very fulfilling. Parenting is a role … [Read more...]