As a child and young adult, I thought I understood the spirit of thanksgiving. What I know now that it took me almost three decades to learn was that I might have understood the definition for the word ‘thanksgiving,’ but I had no real appreciation for the meaning. It wasn’t until I heard those auspicious words, “it’s plus, it’s plus” ... [Continue Reading]
It’s Not Too Late…You Can Do More!
Although it’s been a few weeks since I last posted, I can assure you that I haven’t been slacking. Nope, I haven’t been sitting on an exotic beach sipping on fruity drinks with little umbrellas. Nor have I been traveling with my son continuing our father-son tradition. And as difficult as this might be to believe, I haven’t attended any FSU home ... [Continue Reading]
If You Don’t Want Humble Pie, Don’t Eat The Arrogance Cake!
A couple months ago, I wrote about having to endure the insufferable taste of humble pie. The vividness of the event remains so agonizing clear that I can still recall every single excruciating digestible second. It’s as if a steaming heaping helping of humble pie is being served to me right now. Lest you forget, humble pie is like that yucky ... [Continue Reading]
Four Things a Child Must Know to Keep Moving Forward
The other afternoon, I decided to pay my mother a surprise visit. I hadn’t been home in a while and I sort of knew that it was time to go north. So doing what good yet guilt ridden children do, I decided to go home to visit my mom. I must tell you that my mom is a bit old fashion. She’s not big on surprises. She wouldn’t admit it openly but she ... [Continue Reading]
Insights on Restorative Practices After Visiting Bethlehem
Not long ago, I made the trek to Bethlehem. No, I didn’t go the Holy Land, Bethlehem in Judea. I went to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Traveling with Dr. Z, I was able to pull off something that Joseph and Mary were unable to do. I was able to find room at the inn. And although, there was no room for me at The Historic Hotel Bethlehem, the good folks ... [Continue Reading]
FACE IT YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN ARE AVERAGE
The other afternoon, I had the good fortune of chatting with a friend whom I have known for more than thirty years. During our discussion, he was lamenting his dissatisfaction with parents. Specifically, he was irritated by the number of parents who have children who merely strive to be average. My response to his parental annoyance – which you ... [Continue Reading]
Guess Whose Child Will Be The Next World Famous Billionaire
Imagine for a moment that an omnipotent, extraterrestrial, or some being of your choosing – who is of course more benevolent than you – sent you a gift. Further, imagine that the gift you receive weighs approximately 8 pounds and is around 20 inches in length. Upon receiving this gift, you notice immediately that this highly sophisticated ... [Continue Reading]
Things I Think About Parents But Rarely Say Out Loud
A week or so I was interviewed by George Kilpatrick of New Inspiration for the Nation. During the interview, Mr. Kilpatrick asked me a question that I had never been asked. George asked, “Is this a hobby for you or is this a lifestyle?” My response which surprised even me was that writing, speaking and advocating for children is a revolutionary ... [Continue Reading]
Is Your Child Happy and Healthy?
Chances are that if you ask any expectant parent what their hopes are about their pregnancy the overwhelming odds are that they will respond – “all we want is a happy and healthy baby”. In fact, the phrase happy and healthy is so common that it should be catalogued as part of the standard and universally accepted expecting parent lexicon. Yet ... [Continue Reading]
The iPhone And The Case For Experiential Learning
A little over eight years ago, my then eleven year old son asked for an iPhone. Today, this might seem an ordinary request for one so young but eight years ago, I thought his request was outrageous. In 2007, owning an iPhone was a luxury item even for adults. For that matter, owning an iPhone was a luxury item even for working adults. Yet, somehow ... [Continue Reading]