Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
10 Ways to Raise Confident Kids
Confidence is a learned trait and must be nurtured. It can be very fragile at times. Some of the greatest achievers on the planet go through bouts struggling with confidence. That is not such a bad thing. It usually leads to even greater achievements. Nonetheless, the overall goal is for our kids to feel secure about who they were created to be. The following thoughts will help guide them in that direction:
Listen
A simple task it would seem. Amazing how difficult it can be to just simply listen. Not solve, not direct and not lecture. Listen. All children will tell you what is on their mind. They only want someone to hear them. Give your child the patience and time they need from you. It will do a world of good.
Pep Squad
We all need a cheering section. A fan of who we are and what we do. Do that for your kids. Encouragement is vital in the growth of children. Go to the games, the recitals and the plays. Reward good grades. Tap your feet to the instrument they are playing. Let them know how proud you are of their effort.
The Big Picture
Some children have outward abilities that are obvious and easy to recognize. Your son might be an outstanding soccer player for instance. However, that is not all there is to him. Make sure you affirm his other lesser seen qualities as well. Maybe he’s very kind and considerate. Generous. See the entire picture of what your child is and acknowledge it. You do not want to raise a one-trick pony.
Time Is Of The Essence
Your kids need you to be involved in their lives. That requires adjustments in your schedule. Two hours per night seeing you sit on the couch does not qualify as being involved. Teacher meetings. The occasional visit to school for lunch. One on one time doing whatever. Make time for each of your children individually as best as you can. It shows them that they matter to you.
Security Breeds Confidence
Papa Bear. That’s you. Cuddly and furry, but ferocious if need be when danger lurks. Children desperately need to feel secure. Home should be a loving and safe place. It’s your job to make it so. That seems like common sense, but so many children lack this security in their life. Parents fighting. Destructive habits. Drug abuse. A great many things can ruin the security of your child’s emotions and thusly their confidence. Stay alert and stay on duty Papa Bear.
Greater Purpose
There is a major difference between confidence and self-centeredness. Arrogance can also enter the picture. You do not want to raise little monsters to unleash on the world. There are enough of those as it is. We have a greater purpose in life by God’s design. We should be humble yet strong. Confident yet gracious. Intelligent yet compassionate. Teach them to see beyond their own desires and needs.
Catch Them When They Fall
Life isn’t always sunshine and lollipops. Downpours and hard times are always sure to come. They are the moments that test our character and define us as human beings. When disappointment or sadness come knocking for your child, be there to help them understand. Not necessarily to solve, but for support. They need those times like flowers need rain. Teach them the perspective needed to absorb these times and move forward.
Spokes In The Wheel
As adults, we are aware that we all have different talents and gifts to offer the world. We are all just spokes in the big wheel. For children, they may not see things so clearly. Your daughter might not understand why she isn’t a cheerleader and her best friend is. Your son might have a buddy who excels in math and he struggles. As Mom says, variety is the spice of life. It would be awful boring if we were all made the same. Help your children find their own gifts and to appreciate those of others.
The Power Of Positive Thinking
“Just what makes that little ole ant think he’ll move that rubber tree plant?” He had high hopes so the song goes. When our minds are focused and our spirits high, we can accomplish miracles. Positive thinking moves mountains as well as rubber tree plants. Allow your children to dream big and to never give up. Give them a pat on the rump and tell them to go get ‘em!
The Right Crowd
You are not always with your child. In fact, most of the time you aren’t. They are at school and you are at work. You are mowing the grass and they are over playing with a friend. So obviously other people have a great deal of influence on your child. Who these other people are matter very much. Peer pressure is something we talk about often on All Pro Dad. Get to know the important friends in your child’s life. Get to know their parents. Our circle of friends should be diverse and inspiring. Friends that help lift us up to greater heights. Friends that push us to be better.
Listen
A simple task it would seem. Amazing how difficult it can be to just simply listen. Not solve, not direct and not lecture. Listen. All children will tell you what is on their mind. They only want someone to hear them. Give your child the patience and time they need from you. It will do a world of good.
Pep Squad
We all need a cheering section. A fan of who we are and what we do. Do that for your kids. Encouragement is vital in the growth of children. Go to the games, the recitals and the plays. Reward good grades. Tap your feet to the instrument they are playing. Let them know how proud you are of their effort.
The Big Picture
Some children have outward abilities that are obvious and easy to recognize. Your son might be an outstanding soccer player for instance. However, that is not all there is to him. Make sure you affirm his other lesser seen qualities as well. Maybe he’s very kind and considerate. Generous. See the entire picture of what your child is and acknowledge it. You do not want to raise a one-trick pony.
Time Is Of The Essence
Your kids need you to be involved in their lives. That requires adjustments in your schedule. Two hours per night seeing you sit on the couch does not qualify as being involved. Teacher meetings. The occasional visit to school for lunch. One on one time doing whatever. Make time for each of your children individually as best as you can. It shows them that they matter to you.
Security Breeds Confidence
Papa Bear. That’s you. Cuddly and furry, but ferocious if need be when danger lurks. Children desperately need to feel secure. Home should be a loving and safe place. It’s your job to make it so. That seems like common sense, but so many children lack this security in their life. Parents fighting. Destructive habits. Drug abuse. A great many things can ruin the security of your child’s emotions and thusly their confidence. Stay alert and stay on duty Papa Bear.
Greater Purpose
There is a major difference between confidence and self-centeredness. Arrogance can also enter the picture. You do not want to raise little monsters to unleash on the world. There are enough of those as it is. We have a greater purpose in life by God’s design. We should be humble yet strong. Confident yet gracious. Intelligent yet compassionate. Teach them to see beyond their own desires and needs.
Catch Them When They Fall
Life isn’t always sunshine and lollipops. Downpours and hard times are always sure to come. They are the moments that test our character and define us as human beings. When disappointment or sadness come knocking for your child, be there to help them understand. Not necessarily to solve, but for support. They need those times like flowers need rain. Teach them the perspective needed to absorb these times and move forward.
Spokes In The Wheel
As adults, we are aware that we all have different talents and gifts to offer the world. We are all just spokes in the big wheel. For children, they may not see things so clearly. Your daughter might not understand why she isn’t a cheerleader and her best friend is. Your son might have a buddy who excels in math and he struggles. As Mom says, variety is the spice of life. It would be awful boring if we were all made the same. Help your children find their own gifts and to appreciate those of others.
The Power Of Positive Thinking
“Just what makes that little ole ant think he’ll move that rubber tree plant?” He had high hopes so the song goes. When our minds are focused and our spirits high, we can accomplish miracles. Positive thinking moves mountains as well as rubber tree plants. Allow your children to dream big and to never give up. Give them a pat on the rump and tell them to go get ‘em!
The Right Crowd
You are not always with your child. In fact, most of the time you aren’t. They are at school and you are at work. You are mowing the grass and they are over playing with a friend. So obviously other people have a great deal of influence on your child. Who these other people are matter very much. Peer pressure is something we talk about often on All Pro Dad. Get to know the important friends in your child’s life. Get to know their parents. Our circle of friends should be diverse and inspiring. Friends that help lift us up to greater heights. Friends that push us to be better.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
STEM FAIR
This year's science fair has been changed to a STEM fair. The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. We are excitedly anticipating the projects and what they reveal. Come check them out at 6:00 on Thursday the 17th, then hang around for the basketball games afterward.
Fighting for "The Middle"
We have defined warriors for the underprivileged, those students with special needs who simply cannot fend for themselves.
We have defined warriors for the advanced, those students who care for learning and take responsibility for demanding that they are prepared for what comes next.
But who among us is willing to fight for “The Middle,” the ones who often float through high school doing very little toward what they are capable of, but don’t cause problems either and don’t require that much of our energy. They are the kids we like, because they are easy.
Who is willing to care more than these kids or their families care?
Who is willing to push those who will do what is asked, but they’ll do the bare minimum?
Who is willing to recognize when a little more effort will make the good turn to great, then demand it?
Who is willing to not accept an assignment done half-way, and require it done again?
Who is willing to not praise mediocrity by posting it outside in the hallway, thereby promoting mediocrity?
Do we know what excellent work looks like? Can we get it from our kids?
If we are to stop even a portion of the generational poverty that we see in our community, we must change their lives now! Otherwise, their kids will be back in here with the same attitudes toward education that they have.
There are many qualities needed to have the heart of a champion: discipline, perseverance, dedication, endurance, focus and the ability to overcome obstacles. We all admire heroes who have made it to the top and have accomplished their goals. They have displayed the heart to withstand and endure. BUT the more I learn about what it takes to become successful, the more I see that there is one thing everyone must have to become a true champion-they must have a coach.
They must have someone who will not let them quit, who enables them to persevere through difficulties, someone who can see the big picture, SOMEONE WHO LOVES THEM!!! As badly as we all want to “win”, as hard as we are willing to work, we would always quit unless a coach was there to push, encourage, motivate and help.
Are you coaching your students through the tough times? Keep your expectations high! Coach them up to that level.
Who is your coach, mentor or partner that gets you through the tough times? No one can be a champion alone!
The First Attempt
We had another great day today at school. We simply try our best to "keep the main thing the main thing!" CCHS is still receiving recognition for the efforts of the students and teachers. Recently, Carroll County was ranked 28th in the state in getting our students Career and College Ready! This is an awesome feat. I'll try to post the link tonight so you can see where other communities rank in relation to us.
I had some great conversations with parents today. Raising a child in today's society is tough. Our parents are doing a great job. If you would like to read a daily blog on tips and ideas for raising a teenager during these times, check this out: www.familyfirst.net
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