GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

Thoughts on Parenting

Thoughts on Parenting

As we come to the end of another year, I want to share some thoughts on parenting. These are my truths about parenting, which I have learned through trial and error over the years.

Lead with Love

The most important thing our kids need to know about their parents is that we love them. Love is the basis of our relationships with our kids. Communication, discipline, mutual respect and all the tasks of parenting flow from love. If love is not the basis, the relationships will not last. [Read more…]

Helping Our Children Become Problem-Solvers and School Leaders

Helping our Children Become Problem-Solvers and School Leaders

When I consider my son’s first year experiences attending college away from home, I must adjust my administrative guidance for the teachers working with college bound middle and high school students. I am learning that helping our students develop life skills is even more important for college survival than added academic skill development. [Read more…]

How Teens Use Social Media

How Teens Use Social Media

 

Common Sense Media recently published a research article on teen’s use of social media. The study is titled Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences . In this revealing national study, over 1,000 teens aged 13 to 17 shared about their use of social media.

 

Key Findings

Here are some key findings from the study.

[Read more…]

Yikes! My Middle School Child Is Becoming a Teenager!

Yikes! My Middle School Child Is Becoming a Teenager!

 

It’s surprising how fast children grow, isn’t it? Just yesterday, they were a chubby, little baby and today, they are a tall, lanky bean pole! Well, just because kids may be physically grown up, they may still be growing in their mental, emotional, and social capacity. Having taught middle schoolers for a number of years, here are some insights on how to keep the relationship with your soon-to-be teenager smooth during these growing-up years.

Independence and Responsibility

Underneath their cool face or tough façade, teenagers are beginning to come to terms with two really intimidating facts of life – Independence and Responsibility. Teenagers desperately want their independence and they may start exerting some power in this area. They may refuse or decline your ideas so that they can pursue their own ideals. For better or worse, they may even adopt some of their friends’ ideas and habits. They are growing into their own person and it is wise to give them some freedom in this area.

[Read more…]

Middle and High School Career Explorations Play Activities

Middle and High School Career Explorations Play Activities 

Materials:

  • Journal, marking pens, and artist materials for career reflection activities
  • Subscription to a career focused or professional association magazine (e.g. coding, STEM, writing, teaching, counseling, legal services, performing arts, youth development, service learning, construction, sports, business, architecture, and fashion)
  • Registration and participation in activities relevant to a specific passion or career (e.g. maker fair STEM fairs and competitions, science fairs, writing contests, performing arts contests and shows, family karaoke events, and sports recreation nights)
  • Participation and materials that support community service projects
  • Registration for online career explorations through a professional career association that supports youth

[Read more…]