Tips for Dads
Parent(s)-Is Your Family “Shame Based?”
When I begin working with a family; usually regarding their son, during an initial assessment I can discern quickly if it’s a “shame based” family. Shame based families are about controlling behavior to conform (i.e. shame more to get behavior we want). Whether intentional or unintentional it’s fundamental that we clean that up first. Here’s why….
Read MoreParenting Alert! New Normal=New Concerns
The “new normal” and its effect on kids is beginning to show very serious concern. Red flags are popping up all over the United States; stories of teen suicide and depression are heartbreaking. As a parent, in addition to the many other obligations you have, it’s time to pay close attention to signs of depression,…
Read MoreTeach Your Son Accountability
Teaching your son accountability is as important as teaching honesty, empathy and integrity. Often accountability gets overlooked as a core value; when in fact it’s one of the most important!
Read More“The Train of Life”
Periodically I am moved by a poem or quote that I have read or received. If you follow me, you know that one of those poems is by Rudyard Kipling “If.” Recently one of my dear friends, my United States Air Force buddy sent me this.
Read MoreMeet “Phoney:” The New Nanny!
Let me introduce you to “Phoney” the new reliable, relatively inexpensive nanny. Its very busy these days; responsibilities include entertaining, and in some cases educating your son. Not my son, what’s he talking about you ask? Does your son have a phone? If the answer is “yes,” you’ve likely allowed the phone (who I refer…
Read More4 Parenting Tips: Raising Young Men 17-19
It’s not easy raising boys 11-13 and 14-16 years old. However young men in the 17-19 age group are unique and I’ll tell you why. They are (or should be) young adults at this point. That doesn’t mean you stop parenting but more importantly, he needs your help “preparing for” critical next steps. The most…
Read MoreMentored-Mentor-Mentoring
In honor of National Mentor Day on October 27, 2020 I would like to share my experience as a mentor to young men, ages 11-16 who work every Saturday during the summer months in a garden. About the “Patch” The name of the garden is “Charity Patch.” Seven years ago, my wife and I set…
Read More5 Parenting Tips: Raising Young Men 14-16
Are you raising a young man 14 to 16-years-old and you are concerned because he’s pulling away from you (mom and/or dad)? He suddenly thinks he knows everything, and you know nothing! Here are some helpful tips:
Read More5 Parenting Tips: For Boys 11-13
Looking for parenting tips on what’s happening with your 11-13 year old son? I’ve worked with over 2,000 boys for more than 20 years in The Quest Project® a 10-week Modern Day Rite of Passage® program. We meet in age appropriate groups: 11 to 13, 14 to 16, and 17 to 19-year-olds. Here I focus…
Read MoreParenting 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…
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