Click here to read my latest thoughts and recommendations from the “Parenting 101” segment on WAFB. The “Parenting 101” page is always available near the top of the right-hand column on my site. And, as always, feel free to send me any questions, ideas, or concerns you would like to Read more…
Q – How do I know if my child is ready for a “sleep-away” camp?
A – Most children can handle the away from home camp experience around age 8, 9, or 10. Certainly, your child’s personality is a big factor. Some are more independent, while others are more “homebodies.” However, one of the most important factors is whether or not YOU, the parent, are ready for your child to go away to camp. If the thought of sending your child to a camp away from home makes you nervous, consider starting him/her at a day camp at an earlier age. This can help get both of you ready for the big transition. Also, don’t start with a camp that lasts for a big chunk of the summer – one week is a reasonable length for the first big camp experience.
Q – How can I prepare my child for camp?
A – Talk about it well before the time comes, and keep the conversation positive. Emphasize the fun and the new experiences, adventures, and friendships your child will discover at camp. Empower your child by letting your child know how much you believe in her/him. The two most important skills your child needs to ensure a positive camp experience are both relational: 1. respecting and obeying authorities, and 2. treating others with respect. Obviously, these are attributes that won’t be developed overnight, and should be foundational in the day to day raising and training of children.
Q – Why should I send my child away to camp?
A – There are so many great benefits of the camp experience! Children have an opportunity to develop a greater sense of healthy independence, which will serve them well for life. Many new skills and activities can be learned at camp, from crafts to sports to group games to fun songs and skits. Kids really get to grow in new ways at camp. It is also an opportunity to expose your children to the benefits of healthy mentors – people other than parents that are willing to invest time in kids to help them grow up well. Camp offers the vital element of allowing kids to take risks – both physical and social – in a supervised and encouraging environment. Boys and girls both need the chance to take risks to help them mature and develop a strong sense of self-confidence and positive identity. Another increasingly important element of camp is the break it offers kids from electronic entertainment and gadgetry. No TV, internet, movies, or video games. Trust me, this is a really healthy break for your children and teens. And even if your camp allows cell phones, I strongly recommend keeping them at home. If there is an emergency, believe me, the camp will get in touch with you. Otherwise, you and your child could both benefit from cutting the electronic string for a week or so. Which brings me to the final camp benefit – it offers parents an opportunity to take a parenting vacation. You deserve it, and shouldn’t feel guilty for enjoying it. It is healthy for you and for your kids.
Q – What kind of camp choices are there? (more…)
I’ll be posting some more of my own thoughts later this weekend, but for now, I’ve just got to pass this along.
My good friend, Troy, just told me about this book. It’s called “The Dangerous Book for Boys” by Conn & Hal Iggulden, two brothers from the UK. It has become a runaway best seller over there, and is set to be released in the US on May 1. Following are some excerpts from an interview Amazon did with Conn Iggulden: (more…)
Check out my Parenting 101 page to see my latest interview and read the Q & A regarding children/adolescents and self-injury.
This week, my family and I will be fasting. Not just any old fast, either. This one will really hit where it hurts – it’s National TV Turnoff Week! See last year’s post to appreciate the implications of this. The good news is, my son has developed a much greater Read more…
Thanks to a client of mine, I was introduced to this amazing artist and song this week. The artist’s name is Nancy White, and the song is “Momnipotent.” Following are the lyrics. Two things struck me hard enough in this song to compel me to share it as my blog offering for the week. First, I know so many women who feel exactly like my new friend, Nancy. And, second, I am blown away by someone who can be so Real! One of my greatest desires for my clients, my church, my family, and myself is that we can learn to have the courage, honesty, and integrity to be really Real. May the words of Nancy’s song encourage you to hang in there and keep going as a parent, and inspire you to be Real about your experiences and beliefs in life! (more…)
My good friend, Blaine, the youth minister at our church, has informed me that I am the one out of the loop. MySpace is still big, but Facebook is rapidly becoming the big boy on the online community block.
If you are not familiar with MySpace, you are out of the loop. If you are a parent of children under the age of 25 or so, and you are not familiar with MySpace…Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Stop right now and take time to get educated. Read more…
Our children are watching, listening, learning, and imitating us. My secretary sent me this powerful video today, and I want to share it with you. Children See As the father of a three year old, I am becoming increasingly aware of the tremendous impact of my life on my son. Read more…
Parents, teachers, youth workers – anyone with a passion for kids: make plans to attend the mySafe Conference on April 3rd at 7pm at the Campbell Auditorium at LSU. The conference will help you understand how your kids are interacting with the internet, and how to educate, guide, and protect Read more…