The Leader in Me

A few resources for parents:

Article on The Leader in Me by Stephen Covey

Parenting Lessons from The Leader in Me program

Parent's Guide from the Leader in Me program

Chores and Our Children

This is an interesting article about why so many children do not have the responsibilities of household chores. I've been thinking about the importance of training my children to speak the love language of "acts of service." They've been doing more around the house this summer. It has been good for us; very, very good!

How about a little help here By James H. Burnett III, Globe Staff

Shielding Our Children

I must confess, I did this with my girls too . . .

When we shield our kids from scary stories, who are we really trying to protect? - The Boston Globe

The 90/10 Principle

It is recorded in Proverbs that King Soloman taught "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." To think that we might truly have control over 90% of our lives because we can determine our reactions is a powerful thought indeed~

Self-control in childhood predicts future success - Boston.com

We are a generation of parents who have the luxury of contemplating our children's self-esteem rather than worrying about their basic needs. However our discomfort with their discomfort has at times resulted in a diminished focus in their character training. This is a great article reminding us of the importance of self-control.

Self-control in childhood predicts future success - Boston.com

Happy Mother's Day

The best academy, a mother's knee.
-James Russell Lowell

Time is Irreversible

With children in their preteen and teen years, I am shocked at how time is truly speeding by. A few questions for us to reflect upon:

-Do I really need to take on this new project/assignment that will cause me to work over the weekend?
-Can I put down this chore and play this game right now because he is asking me to?
-Can I shut my laptop because she is trying to talk to me about her week?
-Is there anyway we can work out our schedules, cut back our expenses, so the children don't have to be at school from 7:15 AM to 6:00 PM?

This is a sobering song; I believe especially poignant to us who live in greater Boston. On that note, I am powering down this laptop and going to check on my girl. She wants to learn how to tie a tie for her outfit~