Section Three: Pay Attention Monitor usage. Figure out how much time your child is using technology, where and when. Know where your child has access to technology – at school, after school, at a library, visiting a friend, which friends, at a coffee shop, through his or her phone, a friend’s phone, through another adult’s […]
Section Two: Listen and Learn Keep the lines of communication open Talk with your child about technology in a positive way. Express your interest. Ask to see favorite websites. Learn where to look for website use history and review it with your child. Talk about how to discover something new. What does your child wants to learn? […]
Get Up to Speed! Learn everything you can – You can be a credible source of information and advice for your child when you know enough to be a credible source. Talk with other parents about their experiences with children and technology use. Explore the web: The California Department of Education provides a list of […]
Persistence is a virtue, I am beginning to realize. That and patience. The two are unusual companions when rearing teens. Let’s start with patience. A wise person once told a story about learning to watercolor. During the first art session, the teacher brushed on the first layer, a wash of cobalt blue, then leaned back […]
Mentors, much like lanterns, can “illuminate dark and uncertain paths, calm and still doubts and fears with encouraging words, wise lessons, gentle touches, firm nudges and faithful actions.” These words of Marian Wright Edelman help us to become aware of our gifts as parents. We are mentors to our children and may be mentors to […]
Build self-esteem in your children… •Kids who feel good about themselves are much less likely than other kids to turn to illegal substances to get high and/or to engage in risky behaviors. •As parents, we can do many things to enhance our children’s self-image. Here are some pointers: –Offer lots of praise for any job […]
Tip #10- Take a deep breath. You will get through this tough economic time. It may take dipping into your reserves of energy, inventiveness, and stick-to-it-iveness, but it can be done!
Tip #9- Older children can understand what a downturn in the economy is. They do not need to feel that parents are in a panic, but they can learn that like life itself, there are ups and downs. Commentary by Margaret Murchan, LCSW
Tip #8- Adolescents can benefit from the direct approach. Parents can show them the family budget and, in a positive way, educate them about the changes. Teens can help out if they are able to with small jobs in the neighborhood or helping out at home with younger brothers and sisters. Commentary by Margaret Murchan, […]
Tip #7- No matter the age of your child, they can know how money works. Even younger children can learn to save money and can understand that when there is not much money to spend, it is a great idea to re-use and re-cycle. Commentary by Margaret Murchan, LCSW
