GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

Giving Thanks for Our Families

Giving Thanks for Our Families

My grandson lives between two countries; the United States and Japan. His mom works full time in the United States while his dad works full time in Japan. The value of having parents in two countries is that my grandson is able to live and appreciate his cultural heritage as a descendent of the Japanese culture and a fifth generation American.

Favorite Activities in Japan

When my grandson visits his father in Japan, he enjoys:

  • going to baseball games
  • playing at amusement parks
  • visiting indoor children’s discovery museums
  • exercising at indoor gymnastics activity centers
  • attending entertainment centers

[Read more…]

How to Develop Leadership Qualities in Your Child

How to Develop Leadership Qualities in Your Child

When considering leadership qualities, admittedly, there are a lot of good qualities to name! How do you know what is the best quality to develop in your child? Where do you start? For young children, it is good to start developing foundational leadership skills within their circle of influence. Usually, this means starting with the self. Start developing internal qualities within your child in the context of your home. As children mature, they can add and build upon the qualities that they already possess.

1. Develop Self-Discipline

All great leaders possess this quality and it must be instilled in your child while they are young. One way to develop self-discipline is to assign chores or guidelines for keeping their personal space tidy. After playing with toys, do your kids have to make sure the space is cleaned up before dinner? What are your expectations for dirty clothes and clean laundry? Do you have a consistent routine for kids to do homework? Perfecting the skill of self-discipline takes time and repetition! Once this practice becomes a habit, your kids will be able to add other responsibilities with ease. [Read more…]

College Students Work to Explore Careers

College Students Work to Explore Careers

Last summer EJ completed an incredible job of self-discovery as a camp counselor in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) summer program at Stanford University. He worked with middle and high school students who were guided to the program through their parents’ selection or were returning campers who were passionate about the program.

What Students Can Learn Through Career Jobs

EJ found that it was easier to work with the high school students who were focused on exploring a career in S.T.E.M. occupations. These students were more engaged in the program and had more confidence when participating in various activities. Through these wonderful and challenging experiences, my son learned the following: [Read more…]

Giving Thanks This Holiday Season

Giving Thanks This Holiday Season

During the start of the Thanksgiving week and other winter holidays, I typically help my kids and grandkids prepare for the season by:

  • Organizing a toy giveaway drive for local charities
  • Baking and preparing food for various family celebrations and community events
  • Preparing food and gift baskets for those in need
  • Helping in community service activities
  • Volunteering at local school holiday events
  • Participating in church and community celebrations

[Read more…]

What Our Kids Learn Through Taekwondo Classes

What Our Kids Learn Through Taekwondo Classes

My grandson starting taking Taekwondo classes in Kindergarten. During his first year of classes, he became passionate about:

  • the kicks
  • punches
  • physical fitness games that required cognitive thinking while completing a pattern of activities

Becoming Culturally Sensitive

As my grandson worked through his program, he became more culturally sensitive when learning the Korean words for the various moves. A significant experience is the spirituality and respect the children learn for others that is reinforced in all individual and group activities. This respect is reinforced when my grandson:

  • Learns how to bow and make eye contact with his instructor and with his classmates when starting an activity
  • Is taught courtesy and self-defense when completing his kicks and punches
  • Becomes respectful of others and the environment
  • Is taught how to center himself in in relation to others and the environment

[Read more…]