Parenting Tip: Discipline vs Punishment
What’s the difference in discipline and punishment you ask? There’s a big difference, in fact a huge difference between them. Let me explain. Punishment Your son has broken the rules; he’s been caught drinking or smoking, maybe a bad report card. You must do “something,” he needs to be punished. The way to stop a child from misbehaving…
Read MoreLife is What YOU Make It!
Born the eldest of three to Russell and Doris Lessor, I grew up in a small south city neighborhood in St. Louis. On the outside we looked like a typical happy lower middle-class family, on the inside it was a nightmare of alcoholism and abuse. I didn’t grow up privileged, I grew up making a…
Read MoreParenting Tip: Peer Pressure and Your Son
It’s time for a new school year to begin. As you monitor grades, homework and schedules, don’t forget to watch for social changes that may be related to peer pressure. Peer pressure is by definition: Social pressure by members of one’s peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in…
Read MoreTime to Return to School!
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has changed our lifestyle and routines. Let’s focus on school; there are a myriad of reasons for getting back to school! In my years of research, I find this to be the most compelling.
Read More9 Reasons for Modern-Day Rite of Passage
A rite of passage for a young male is a transition, and in its simplest terms means “changing from a boy to a man.” Unfortunately today in our society we have forgotten and moved away from recognizing and honoring this time in a young man’s life. The result is Our Boys are in Trouble! If you read…
Read MoreThe Special Bond of Father and Son
Father and son share an incredibly special bond, it happens naturally! Be careful not to miss the especially important role you play in your son’s life. Father and Son Over the years working with adolescent boys in The Quest Project® I am constantly reminded of the important role dad plays in the healthy development of…
Read MoreRaising Sons? Teach Integrity
With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt. -Zig Ziglar Truer words were never spoken! Core Values So what does this have to do with raising sons? Integrity is a core value; it must be taught…
Read MoreFeelings: Mad, Sad, Glad and Afraid
These are the “BIG FOUR” feelings! Regardless of age or gender, these basic four emotions – mad, sad, glad, and afraid – are appropriate for you. Feeling, expressing and processing your feelings is healthy and highly recommended! Here’s why. Feeling Mad Feeling “mad” or angry about something? Oh no! This feeling scares everyone. I’m amazed…
Read MoreSingle Parent Mom Raising Son(s)
These days many single parent Moms are doing the best they can raising their adolescent son(s). They don’t need me telling them how hard it is, but they do need help understanding what a boy goes through as he transitions to a man. This is especially true when dad is physically or emotionally absent.
Read MoreParenting Amid Crisis
In the midst of a crisis, your first response may be to seek counseling; due to the unusual circumstances we’re social distancing and staying at home. I’ve talked to parents grateful for the time with their kids and parents that are ready to pull their hair out! Not every family who experiences crisis needs counseling. …
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