Parenting by Strengths

Coaching And Montessori: The Power Of Mentorship

By Steve Coxsey 

Last December when the elementary classes at my son’s Montessori school went to Mainstay Christmas Tree Farm for a field trip, I was one of the fortunate (or is it naïve?) parents asked to drive the group. We roasted marshmallows, played on piles of hay, watched goats climb up wooden ramps (guess you had to be there), played in wooden forts and mazes, and slid down a corrugated pipe. We also had a hayride behind a tractor driven by farm co-owner Marianna Wilson. What a special experience!

Circles of Sexuality

by Amy Johnson, MSW

When most of us think about sexuality education, we think about learning about reproduction, or "the birds and the bees."  With Valentine's Day on the horizon, I wanted to share a more comprehensive look at what all plays into sexuality.  Read on to learn about the Five Circles of Sexuality.

Are you feeling all a Twitter?

by Mary Ivory  

I remember when twitter was a term in a  phase to ask if someone was happy with nervous energy! Now, don't worry, we will get through  this one, but it is now a tech term. Twitter is a real-time short messaging service that works over multiple networks and devices. It is a social networking service that lets you keep in touch with people through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? The answers are usually very short and are known as 'tweets'. It is what is happening in the texting world of teens and those in the active know about social networking....But what does it mean to you as a parent?  Well take a deep breath, it is 'progress' in the world of cell phones and computers and yes it is something you want to know a little bit about. We will say it is creating another possible teachable moment. Here is the opportunity to have a discussion with your kids about privacy and stranger danger.  Or you can have a discussion about distraction.  Don't worry, I said it can be done. Read on for some links to resource information about how to talk to your kids about the web.

Back in September 2008on this blog I wrote about some of the reasons to talk with your kids about computer safety regardless of your comfort level with the discussion. You don't have to know how a computer works to know that personal privacy and safety are important in your family. It can seem boring to a teen, but don't give up. You need to feel comfortable to share and teach your values in spite of the technical terms. Here are two links to more information to help you out.  The University of Michigan has put together a great source of basic information about technology and your kids. Check it out!

A more interactive web site and one you can look at comfortably with your kids is Get Net Wise.  This is a web site that is updated frequently and offers a variety of sources to learn more and talk with your kids about what they know. Remember our children are interested in the fact that we are interested in them. Teens might not 'act like' they care, but they do. Use these web sites to have some moments where they can teach you what they know about how they are making social connects! Make it fun and everyone will learn!