A Father’s Day Message

Fathers Day is a time of reflection for some of us.  For all you new dads it’s a special day of celebration.  And for some dads it’s a wake up call, because you haven’t been present.  I always wanted to write a song, if I did it would sound like this!  Some of you will…

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Most Common Types of “Absent Dad”

Do you know a dad who is physically present, but absent?  Dad doesn’t have to live apart from his son to be absent. Many families may appear to be “intact” with dad acting as the head of household when in fact, his mind and his energy are somewhere else.

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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….

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Teach 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!

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“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.

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The Quest Project-Testimonial

There is no better compliment or greater satisfaction than receiving a testimonial from one of my past clients.  Periodically I will hear from a parent, in this case, it comes from a young man who is in his second year of a PhD program at Harvard!

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Meet “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…

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4 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…

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Mentored-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…

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