Since today is Memorial Day, I thought I might share a longstanding family fighting expression. The saying is Kick Butt Take Names – an idiom coined by Naeem’s Godfather, Uncle Willie. Because I’m always honest with you, I’ll let you in on a little secret about the word “Butt.” “Butt” is the G-rated word I’ve chosen to use expressly for the sake of ... [Continue Reading]
Black Panther: A Guilty Pleasure
The Black Panther Without having to go way out on a limb, it’s probably safe to bet that like me you’ve seen Black Panther. I’ve seen it twice. The first time was on opening night. What a throwback Thursday experience! To quote an oft-used African American expression “all my cousins were in the audience”. Thanks to all my ... [Continue Reading]
Don’t Start With Why, Start With Who
With increased regularity, I hear people quoting Simon Sinek. Specifically, parents and educators alike are fond of telling children that they must find there “Why”. “Why” as in “why” do you want to become whatever you want to become – doctor, lawyer, scientist, teacher or professional athlete. For years, many parents have subscribed to the ... [Continue Reading]
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
The other afternoon while I was talking to a friend whose child is suffering injustice at his high school, I remembered a magazine query I responded to a short while ago. The inquiry asked, “What do you say to a child when the child doesn’t like their teacher?” In my friend’s son’s case, I suggested to him that he follow the same course of action I ... [Continue Reading]
Stand Up, The Vultures Are Circling
The last time we were together, I encouraged you to make sure your children had less Timon and Pumbaa in their lives and more Mufasa. In sum, I urged you to make sure your children are being raised to have a deep and abiding reverence for who they are so that they never lose sight of what is expected of them. During our time apart, I hope you ... [Continue Reading]
Sometimes There is Too Much Timon and Pumbaa and Not Enough Simba
If you’ve ever spent more than an hour with me, you know that the Lion King is my all-time favorite movie. (Hey Disney, are you listening? I have some ideas about building on the Lion King brand. Call me! Please!) But I digress. I’m a fan of the Lion King not only because after watching it the first time I knew that I wanted to be a father ... [Continue Reading]
If You Want Greater Focus Eliminate the Clutter Today!
A common question asked by many parents is “how can I get my child to be focused?” Even the parents whose children exhibit focus find it necessary to continually seek new and innovative ways to help their children remain focused. Wise parents understand now more than ever that in this instantaneous gratification – short-term attention span ... [Continue Reading]
Uneasy Lies The Head That Wears A Crown
In Henry IV, Part II, Act III, Scene 1, William Shakespeare wrote a line that should be forever tattooed on the foreheads of every child. Okay, perhaps “tattooed” is a bit strong. Allow me a moment to pause so that I may make it perfectly clear that I’m not proposing any form of child abuse. Nor am I advocating that parents should literally ... [Continue Reading]
Election 2016: America is Who We Thought She Was
Like most parents, I too talked to my son about the outcome of Election 2016. However, different than many would expect, our discussion of Election 2016 was not a pretentious oblivious lament about the current State of the Union. Instead, our conversation centered squarely around the fact that the outcome was the one we long expected. Contrary ... [Continue Reading]
4 Parenting Tips From Muhammad Ali
As is the case with many people, I too have a Muhammad Ali story. Perhaps, it would be more accurate to state that I have several Muhammad Ali stories. I could tell you about the overwhelming number of times my father lectured me about the greatness of Muhammad Ali. A greatness that for my dad extended well beyond the boxing ring. While most ... [Continue Reading]