Jo Ann Wentzel
Articles
Simple Answer
He's filled with anger. The rage expresses itself in yelling, screaming, violence, and a lack of caring about anything. You're at your wit's end. The" professionals" have thrown labels at you to... [more]
Self - Injurious Behaviors
Self-injurious behavior among teens is not an issue many parents are willing to face. Every year, thousands of kids engage in habits that result in their seriously injuring themselves. Some of their... [more]
Mothers Destroying Their Children
I understand that some women do not get that warm, special, motherly feeling while carrying a child. I do pity them that lack of connection. It is bad enough when someone opts for abortion, but how... [more]
Kids Need Lawyers
Dealing with children for over 30 years showed me that when kids are in trouble, you could never take anything for granted. So much depends on who the child has in court with them as to the final... [more]
Respite for Foster Parents
When you become a parent, you have a period of time, usually several months to a couple of years, where you are obsessed with parenthood. After that, things mellow out a bit and you feel more... [more]
Corn Pie
It was the busiest time. It was the most broke time. It was the time of worry and invention.We were a new group foster home, housing up to 8 teen-aged boys at a time. Kids always arrived at the end... [more]
Reasonable Expectations
When a kid comes into your home and you are suddenly in charge of helping to shape his life, it is very easy to get caught up in the moment. You want to do great things for them and with them. You... [more]
Did We Know How to Parent Before Labels?
Today, it is the fashion to put labels on every child with problems. We have kids that are labeled ADD, ADHD, RAD, and hyperactive. We say the teen is delinquent, hasn't bonded, or is considered at... [more]
Document! Document! Document!
Foster parents are some of the busiest folks I know. They must assume the role of parent, confidant, friend, policeman, investigator, cook, chauffeur, teacher, and mentor. There is no wonder that... [more]
Expect Weird Responses from Foster Kids toward the Holidays
We expect holidays filled with joy and fun. Our wish is to share Christmas the way it should be with our foster kids. All we want is to feel good about being able to include kids who need the holiday... [more]
Hanging in There for the Long Haul
It seems sad that we live in a time when some parents biggest concern about parenting is what their rights are in regards to their children. They want to know at what stage are they allowed to "wash... [more]
How to Make This A Successful School Year
Schools will be open soon and the year of learning, activity, and excitement will be upon us. For kids and parents this can be a rewarding experience or a dreaded problem. Here are a few tips to make... [more]
Learning on the Job
A big part of parenting is following your instincts, and if you were raised in a loving, healthy home, your instincts should be pretty good. But, even with the best of instincts, much of foster... [more]
Reasonable Expectations of Foster Kids
When a kid comes into your home and you are suddenly in charge of helping to shape his life, it is very easy to get caught up in the moment. You want to do great things for them and with them. You... [more]
The Gift We Are Given
Did you ever stop to think about the gift you're given as a foster parent? We all know the gift you give to a child is invaluable. We are aware of the struggles, sacrifices, and trials one endures... [more]
The Gifts
Some wedding anniversaries saw long-stemmed red roses and fancy dinners in expensive places, others included my feeble attempts to prepare gourmet food and steal a couple of romantic moments in a... [more]
Yippee! Kids Go Back to School
Summer is waning; foster parents feel excitement at the prospect of kids going back to school. But should they? Summer was busy, with kids around more often, and fewer breaks and times of silence for... [more]
Thanksgiving has New Meaning This Year
Every year we are reminded at this time to be thankful for all those things we should be thankful for every day. We often pause on Turkey Day to give thanks for our family. Holidays are the only days... [more]
Can You, as a Parent, Admit When You're Wrong?
Sometimes, no matter how careful us parents are, how many books we read, or how many experiences we have, we can be wrong. This is natural. It is human nature, but instead of admitting our errors to... [more]
Don't Doubt Yourself
We as parents spend a lot of time daily making decisions concerning their children. I would be willing to guess that after they make those decisions, they spend at least twice that amount of time... [more]
Filling Your 'Tank' Up With Goodness
Just as a car must be filled up with gas to run, so a person must be filled up with goodness to be happy. Parents, as the attendants at the home filling station, must give children all they need to... [more]
For Every 'No', Let There Be A 'Yes'!
Do you constantly say 'no' to your kids? Sometimes, it seems parents have no choice but to say 'no' constantly to teens when their requests are impossible, dangerous, or just bad choices. We need to... [more]
Millennium Parenting
Well, most of us got through the first few weeks of the New Millennium without incident. Some of us have already abandoned our New Year's resolutions and everything is back to the way it was. That... [more]
Parental Attitude
With Mother's Day upon us I wonder how any mother can harm their child. How can a mother abandon their babies when it is so much a part of them? When I read of those moms who have killed their... [more]
Parents Must Care for Themselves
Most of our parenting tips are revealing secrets, stating ideas, and proposing techniques to parent better. But, we are all more than a parent. We have needs of our own that must be met if we are to... [more]
Parents Need A Life Too
We invest so much time in our children that sometimes we neglect to take care of our own needs. I spend half my time these days asking parents to put their children first and the other half warning... [more]
Preparing Our Future
With graduation approaching for many teens, I begin to wonder what kind of world we are passing on to our young folks. I worry about the condition of the world around us when we need to be concerned... [more]
Respect Must be Mutual
If parents made a list of their expectations of their teens, RESPECT would be listed near the top. Parents believe they deserve respect, and rightly so. Children are taught to defer to adults and... [more]
Setting Rules
When setting rules for your teen, remember to keep them few and simple. Some parents believe more rules make for more harmony, but it is just the opposite. We ran a group home with only 10 rules. Our... [more]
Spring Brings Hopeful Attitude
Soon the first day of spring will be here. New seasons always make me feel hopeful and renewed. The sight of the robin and those first lime-green blades of grass poking up through the snow fill me... [more]
Stay-At-Home Moms
When a mom makes the choice to stay at home to raise her children, she makes a choice that has serious ramifications. This mom is foregoing an income her family may badly need. She is sometimes... [more]
Success is Relative
A phrase I like to use and remind parents of is "Success is relative." By this I mean that sometimes we need to stop long enough to see those small steps as progress. When we look at the big picture,... [more]
Taking Stock Mid-Year
This is a good time of year to take stock of how things are going in your teen's life. We are approaching a half-way-point in the school year; we are through the holidays and looking toward the... [more]
Technology Can Add Sanity to Parenthood
The era where technology was not prevalent is gone. Even if it had been available parents many years ago would not have understood it very well. Now, most of us have joined the 90's with a wide array... [more]
Using Resources At Hand
When I hear of parents who are raising children alone, I wonder if these parents know of all the possible resources for them. Everyone may not have a parenting partner, but can avail themselves of... [more]
What My Cat Taught Me About Parenting!
Watching our young cat, which recently had kittens, reaffirmed my beliefs in how best to raise kids. She taught me about parenting and the similarities between all mothers and children whether human... [more]
Why It Takes Two to Parent
Sitting in church this morning, the fact once again came to mind that it takes two people to parent a child. The couple in front of us arrived late looking harried as they herded their three kids in... [more]
For Effective Messages, Limit Length to 30 Seconds
As a new foster parent, I thought it was my job to thoroughly discuss my reasons for every rule, consequence, and parenting plan I had in my crowded mind. I thought I should do this with my foster... [more]
Never Consequence When Angry
One rule parents should live by is to never consequence kids when angry. It is easy to forget a simple rule when your kids "mess up" and get into trouble. You are mad, hurt, disappointed, and want to... [more]
Picking Your Battles
Foster kids rarely have just one area where problems exist. Most kids, in fact, have several bad behaviors to correct, issues they must overcome, and goals they must reach. The foster parent sees... [more]
School Violence Due in Part to Intolerance
It has become obvious to many in the wake of the Colorado school killings that our children do not understand tolerance. They can neither accept those that are different, nor be unaccepted... [more]
Separate the Kid from the Behavior
Many parents, and even a few child workers we met, seem unable to separate the kid from the behavior. They speak of a bad kid, when they really mean a kid who behaves badly. They see him as a violent... [more]
The Value of Consistency
If I could give only one word of advice to parents that word would be consistency. A consistent parent gives the child a gift of always knowing what to expect. Neither, the rules, nor the... [more]
Baking Bread as Therapy
I often thought when I made home - made bread that I was indulging in a kind of therapy. The process seems to be able to change my whole outlook. Baking is a combination of mindless activity and... [more]
First Thanksgiving Theme Party
Most of you my already celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with family or dear fiends, but this day is geared especially to the adults. Why not bring home the meaning of the holiday with a theme party for... [more]
Halloween Costumes
We will soon be to the time of year when we are all scrambling for costume ideas. Often, there is little time to put one together. The following costumes can be easy enough for the times your child... [more]
How to Accommodate A Crowd
When your theme party guest list is drawn up and you find you have more friends than room, what do you do? There are many ways of accommodating large crowds. Of course, you can rent a hall or a... [more]
Patriotic Theme Party
Summertime boasts three opportunities to host a Patriotic Theme Picnic. You can choose Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day. This is a simple family party to put together since many of its components... [more]
The Easter Egg Hunt
I believe Easter is one my favorite holidays to decorate for since I adore the pastel colors. An Easter theme party or egg hunt is so easy to plan since the amount of items available to use for a... [more]
Trim-a-Tree Party
Everyone loves to entertain for the holidays. A theme party is a wonderful way to do it. One of the easiest parties to have for the holidays is a Trim the Tree party. This party needs less... [more]
Turning Everyday Items into Costumes
Many costumes take lots of research and much planning to create. These elaborate undertakings must be started well in advance of the party day. But some of you create costumes in the same manner as... [more]
Ways to Liven up Any Halloween Party
The party is planned, but you want to add even more activities and ideas to the event. A good host or hostess always has a few extra tricks up their sleeve in case the chosen games and activities... [more]
Expressions of Love
Valentine's Day is almost here, and everyone's thoughts turn to love. Most people focus on the romantic kind of love, but there is a stronger love that exceeds normal boundaries and common sense. It... [more]
Valentine's Day Parenting Tip
The holiday that brings out the romantic in all of us, Valentine's Day will soon be upon us. It is a time to celebrate love. We remember to share a special gift with our spouse, but often forget this... [more]
Marriage
If you try to figure out why some people have successful marriages and others do not, you may come up with a lot of possibilities, but few sure -fired answers. The reason, however, is usually less... [more]
Strong Families = World Peace
Keeping families strong today is one of our chief concerns as a nation. Before we can have a world filled with people who genuinely care for one another, we must have countries, states, cities, and... [more]
Parenting Column - Eating Meals Together
For our family the hub of the house is the kitchen. Time spent there has been pleasant and fulfilling. Our family loves good food. Our bodies are evidence of that fact. We love to cook, as our... [more]
Parents Presenting A Unified Front
Children need parents who at least appear to agree on rules, consequences, and parenting decisions. Even when parents have separate thoughts on these decisions and are miles apart on a compromise,... [more]
Training Kids to Care about Others Besides Themselves
Teens by nature are self-centered and sometimes selfish. I don't think they know they're self-centered; they also do not mean to be selfish. They just are. You may not think of this as a life skill,... [more]
Young and Old-Both Have Something to Teach
I strongly believe in the necessity of parents teaching their children all they are capable of teaching. Recently, I also remembered how much kids could teach us.We set rules to teach our kids that... [more]
Ten Areas Where Parents Can Guide Children To Adulthood
Teenagers have a deficiency of values and skills that prevent them from bridging the gap between childhood and adulthood. Children have not developed in areas necessary to becoming successful... [more]
Is It Better To Let Kids Fail or Never Try?
Part of growing up is accepting failure. If you think back to your teen years, they were often full of tasks that we were not sure we could do. Many times while attempting to master skills or take... [more]
Patience & Instant Gratification
To many of us, having patience is a nearly impossible goal. It is a special problem for our teens, since they not only haven't any patience, but have been taught to expect instant gratification as... [more]
Raising Children Like Growing A Garden
Talking about spring planting and gardens made me think about how many similarities there are between raising children and the process of growing anything. With any project whether it be growing... [more]
Seeds of Preparation
Looking outside, realizing the snow is gone here in Minnesota, I contemplate the muddy fields. Soon hay will be growing, then corn. But now, the fields are unprepared, empty, and fallow. I liken them... [more]
Work Ethics for Kids
All life skills should be taught to small children at an early age. If you teach them at that time, you will have much less trouble with your teens. Although, it is harder to teach life skills when... [more]
Challenging Kids
Kids with bad behaviors are often bored kids. If we don't challenge our kids enough, they get into trouble. We all remember the worry we experienced as parents of younger children when we 'wondered... [more]
Teaching Common Sense
Kids today are smart in ways we never were, or at least not until we were much older. Today's kids have grown up with many technologies that those of my generation are still trying to learn. They can... [more]
Teaching Kids to Value What They Have
It is very easy in our commercially driven environment for kids to grow up wanting everything they see. I noticed this problem being discussed on the list and thought it a good topic for a tip.When... [more]
The Journey from Rough Boys to Caring Men
Parents immediately begin to treat sexes differently at birth; that may be a mistake. If only girls receive cuddling, softness, and beauty in their surroundings and not boys, something is missing in... [more]
Party Foods
One of the most important party elements is food. Theme parties ask food to play a special role in their forwarding the theme and adding to the fun. Sometimes you are trying to recreate the actual... [more]
Teaching Boys to Cook
After seeing some of the male members of our older generation laid low by the wife's absence from cooking, I decided that teaching boys to cook is vital. These older folks are destined to starve or... [more]
Packed Lunches Need Not Be Boring
School lunches for children are a challenge. They have always been a challenge, but with a little creativity you can make lunches that your kids will look forward to eating. The goal here is to find... [more]
Who Is To Blame?
Today was a day off, but instead of spending it doing fun things and chores the day was intended for, we worked. We had to check up on, and make another visit to some very distraught parents who had... [more]
Let's Plan A Party: A Step-by-Step Guide
You've decided to give a party! Here are general directions to follow and can be used as a starting point for any party, no matter what kind. Parties are made up of several ingredients. You need to... [more]
Multiple Uses for Party Stuff
One of the nice things about planning parties is that many things you learn, make, or create have several uses. Here are just a few examples to get you started. You have decided to have a Las Vegas... [more]
Party Tips to Ensure Success
Here are a few tips to make every party you give a success, no matter what the theme.1) One person is needed to motivate your party guests to have fun. Pick an extroverted, fun-loving person to take... [more]
Celebrate the Harvest Party
For those that farm, harvest time is a very busy time, and when it is over they feel good about the work they have done and the harvest they produced. Those of us, who do not farm, may have small... [more]
Finding Theme Party Ideas
I find myself looking for more theme ideas to help you plan a variety of parties quite often. It is not a question of not enough good ideas, but too many. Open your eyes and you will find a wealth of... [more]
Garage Sales Equal Costume Treasures
It is my favorite time of the year- garage sale time. Garage sales are such a good way to spend a day for entertainment. Of course, they also yield bargains, which is why most people who are avid... [more]
Girl's Crafting Party
A great theme for girls is a crafting party. The main things to remember is that the craft should be appropriate for the age of the guests. Another important concept to keep in mind is that this is a... [more]
Little Girls' Dress Up Tea Party
A Dress-Up Tea Party combines the fun most girls have dressing up in grownup clothes with a chance to practice their etiquette. I'd plan this party for girls' aged 6-8 and limit guests to 6. Too many... [more]
Make Your Parties Memorable by Using A Theme
Hi! I'm Jo Ann Wentzel and I want to be your one-stop shopping source for planning theme parties. For years, I've planned theme parties for every occasion imaginable for both children and adults. I... [more]
More Costume Ideas
My children often requested, shall we say, unusual costumes. Even though they loved the Saturday morning TV shows and cartoon characters, they seemed to need to go beyond the norm. Maybe that has... [more]
Party Favors That Fit the Theme
Every party is made better by having all the elements reflect the theme. This includes your invitations, costumes, decorations, activities, food, and favors. What are favors? They should be that... [more]
Piggy Bank Party
This one is a good idea for a theme party for little bitty kids. The Piggy Bank Party is simple to prepare and will be just enough excitement for the tinier guest on your list. Your invitations made... [more]
Plan A Pirate Party
Ship Ahoy, Mateys! A Pirates Theme Party can be fun for many ages and for either girls or boys. I planned this party with 6 to 9 year old boys in mind and between 6 to 8 guests.As with any theme... [more]
Planning A Whole Year's Worth of Theme Parties
Some folks get the blues once the holiday festivities are finished. They feel blah with nothing but winter approaching. To alleviate that feeling, why not get a jump on your party plans for the next... [more]
Planning Your Millennium Party/New Year's Eve Party
We only get to celebrate this once, so why not pull out all the stops and have a grand party? The key for this theme is glitz. Everything must shine. Your whole party can be based on the elements of... [more]
Reporter Party
This is a theme party for kids old enough to be able to write and ideal for middle school kids. The theme is to celebrate being a newspaper reporter. Keep the concepts simple and fun and it will... [more]
Silly Critter Theme Party
For little children, traditional Halloween Parties are sometimes too scary. Christian families often want alternatives to the horror and morbid themes that usually accompany Halloween. This is a fun... [more]
Simple Driving Party for Small Boys
Most small boys, and many older ones, love cars. In fact, there is no good reason this party cannot be used for girls or mixed sexes also. The theme revolves around the love of vehicles and driving.... [more]
Stage-A-Play Theme Party
For a fun party for middle school kids, or even senior high guests, try a Staging-a-Play party. The idea of the party is of course to rehearse and then present a play. Locate an age and topic... [more]
Start with A Box Costume
For one of the simplest costumes possible, start with a box. When you think about the many costumes that could be made this way, it is amazing; some of us haven't yet done this costume.Think of... [more]
Teddy Bear Birthday Party
Most children love teddy bears and why not? Bears are soft and cuddly. Kids like to hug them, hold them, and drag them around everywhere. Toddlers use them like a security blanket and older children... [more]
Time Travel Theme Party
Almost everyone I've ever discussed this with would love to be able to travel in time, but most are afraid. Here it is- a chance to go safely, with no risk, and know that when the party ends, you can... [more]
Under the Sea Party for Any Age
Our theme parties have had many settings. This time we intend to create an undersea world. Your world can be dreamlike and mythological or a realistic representation or even a combination of both.... [more]
Family Field Trips
Parents have a unique opportunity to arrange 'field trips" for older kids. Although they may fight the idea at first, teens love to learn and experience new things. It is yet another way for parents... [more]
The Value of Play
I heard it from my kitchen. The sound of "Broom, Broom" carried up to me. Someone was 'driving' down in the family room. Speeding toy cars crossed the floor. Vehicles were parked in homemade parking... [more]
Summer
Summer is moving fast and before you know it we will be facing the new school year. It is time to take stock of your summer and what it is doing for your teens.If summertime has been boring or... [more]
'Tis the Season
This past week our job has taken us through a variety of crisis and tragic situations. We sometimes come home so drained and depleted emotionally that it is necessary to take a day off. This week we... [more]
Collecting As A Family Activity
There are many activities you can do as a family, but none so rewarding as collecting. By collecting, I'm referring to the search, acquisition, cataloguing, and displaying, of collectibles. The term... [more]
Instilling A Good Work Ethic in Your Teens
Many teens today consider "work" a bad, four-letter word. They may say, "What do you mean work? Isn't my job to goof off and have fun? Aren't you supposed to support me until my second child arrives?... [more]
Life Skills Article
Among the most important life skills teens approaching adulthood need are those pertaining to money. I am not just referring to the ability to make change, budget, and save; but also attitudes... [more]
Life Skills Column
We have reached the age where we are inundated with facts. The computer brings so much to our desktop that sometimes it is overwhelming. The Internet, although a wonderful resource, does not always... [more]
Life Skills Column
We have reached the age where we are inundated with facts. The computer brings so much to our desktop that sometimes it is overwhelming. The Internet, although a wonderful resource, does not always... [more]
Where Are the Little Children?
Lately I've noticed something startling. We have few little children. We appear to have babies and teens, nothing in between. There seems to be a deficit of little kids. Children between the ages of... [more]
School Work - Whose Job Is It?
Why is it that suddenly lines seem so muddled when deciding the right or wrong of some issues? I'm not speaking of those major ones, most of us know which side of the fence we are on when it comes to... [more]
Teach Vocational Skills, Too
Most parents try to ensure their children get a good academic education, but fail to do the same for basic, useful everyday and vocational skills.I'm not suggesting parents train their children to be... [more]
When Kids Steal
It would be ideal if all children learned the lesson early on that they should not take what does not belong to them. This behavior, unfortunately, is usually not seriously confronted until kids are... [more]
Using the Franklin List
Kids, staying healthy is one of the most important jobs we do. Sometimes when we run into problems, we cannot find a solution. This makes us worry which causes stress and stress makes us sick. What... [more]
Teaching How to Pick Friends and Significant Others
Looking out the window, you see your son approaching. He has someone with him. You never saw this kid before. Your heart swells with pride as you note your son's broad shoulders and tall, muscular... [more]
Accepting Your Kid's Friends
Your son comes home from school and by his side is someone you don't know. Your son introduces him as "my best friend".This friend meets every requirement for your worst nightmare. Maybe it's his... [more]
Widespread Apathy Keeps Solutions from Being Found
Everyday it is more evident that many people do not care about anyone but themselves. You search for people to serve on committees; it is like pulling teeth to find them. You ask for volunteers for... [more]
Influences
Today's teens are exposed to so many bad influences and parents are so busy that I believe they require more parenting than in the past. There was a time when moms could take over the brunt of... [more]
Parents Need to Be Consistent
With all our years of foster care and our work as para-professionals with street kids and families, the biggest parenting problem we encountered was a lack of consistency.Parents with problem kids... [more]
Parents Need to Be in Charge
Parents need to be in charge. Too many parents let their children decide what rules they will or will not obey. It seems so hard for parents today to take control of their own children. Why is... [more]
Rules
Most families have rules their children are expected to obey. Rules are necessary for a well-run household and safety. As foster parents we knew without rules, chaos would reign. To be effective,... [more]
Parents Must Present a Unified Front
It doesn't matter if you are birth parents, foster parents, or one of you is a stepparent: You must present a unified front to your children.I once heard it said, 'Kids are born with a divide and... [more]
What Can We Do? - Let's Build A New World!
Shock and horror has made way for a new feeling in me. This new feeling is still dotted by involuntary emotional outbursts followed by a numb feeling of disbelief. It is a combination of hopelessness... [more]
When You Get Lemons, Make Lemonade
My husband talked the other day with a teen that was just expelled from school. He, along with two friends, hacked into the school computer, just to show them it could be done. They did cause a lot... [more]
Keep It Simple
No matter what type of parenting style you use, all parents can benefit from the principle of K.I.S.S. It stands for keep it simple stupid, but I've heard it changed to keep it simple sweetie, which... [more]
What to Do When Your Child Steals
You return home form the store and start to empty bags. You remove your 10-year-old son's jacket from the table where he threw it and something falls out of the pocket. It is a brand new pack of... [more]
Did You Know This About Drugs?
Teens: I've heard you say "Just about everyone I know smokes, sniffs, snorts, or shoots up." You say, "Drugs are not addictive." You add "I can stop anytime I feel like it." If I could tell you... [more]
Your Teen Is Doing Drugs, Now What?
When parents first find out their child whom they presumed to be innocent is doing drugs, most parents freak out. The first thing you must do is to remain calm. Don't lose your head. Be sensible in... [more]
Just Say Know - Cynthia Kuhn, Scott Swartzwelder and Wilkie Wilson - Book Review
Just Say Know, a book by Cynthia Kuhn, Scott Swartzwelder and Wilkie Wilson, three Duke Medical Center professors, is a wonderful parental aid for any parent who wants to steer their child away from... [more]
Giving up Control
Each year, as a parent, we should be giving up minor amounts of control in our children's life until they are ready for complete independence. Do not confuse control with caring for them, worrying... [more]
Helping Kids Find Heroes
Growing up, I, like most kids my age, had heroes. We chose them from past presidents, inventors, great generals, women who fought for rights, and those who performed daring feats. There were many to... [more]
Parenting Teens Begins When They Are Toddlers
Your children have reached the teen years and suddenly you are confronted with rebellious, uncooperative, unhappy young people where only yesterday joyful children lived. What did you do wrong, you... [more]
Teach Kids to Appreciate Things
Many kids today take it for granted that everything they want will come to them regardless of whether or not they work for it. They go through life expecting others to care for their every need. With... [more]
Danger: Gangs and Cults
One of the dangers we must protect our teens from is the recruitment by gangs and cults. They both work in very subtle ways to target those teens they think will be most easily seduced. Teens most... [more]
What Being A Grand Mom Means Today
I've given birth to two kids and parented dozens of others in various capacities, but nothing prepared me for my role as grandmom. A grandmom must go beyond what moms have time to do. We must be all... [more]
The Family Reunion
Many people at this time of the year stage family reunions. It is a wonderful way for families that live at great distances from each other to get together. Some folks have reunions that last for a... [more]
Movie Theater Party
This is an easy party for those with little time, but as with all the ideas, you can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like. This party theme can be a party for children of most ages, or even... [more]
School Curriculum
For many decades, the discussion of schools teaching evolution, instead of creation, has been an issue. Are we closer to a decision on this subject? At times it does not seem so.The parents and the... [more]
Can You Have Compassion for Your Teen?
Parents feel compassion for all those starving children out there. We are moved by the appearance of 'crack babies.' Tears flow when we hear stories of abuse and neglect whether it is people or... [more]
Does Your Teen's Music Drive You Crazy?
There is a fine line between guiding a child to make better choices and forcing your ideals on a person. Teens usually like many things that parents view with disdain, music is one of them. A parent... [more]
The Funny Side of Life
Raising a teenager today is tough, but I've found one thing that makes these years easier: applying humor whenever possible. Parenting is such a serious business that for the sanity of all involved a... [more]
Don't Forget Gifts of Toys for Teens
This time of year everyone is racking their brains for gift ideas. While it is always wise to pick age appropriate gifts for everyone on your list; be sure to include some toys for your teens.Foster... [more]
Girls and Their Self Image
Girls come in all sizes and shapes, some have flawless bodies, and most don't. The important thing about a woman's body is not how it looks, but her perception of how she looks.Our world is a beauty... [more]
Graduation and Alcohol
A wonderful and scary time is fast approaching- Graduation! Every year families are torn apart by the loss of a child. The drinking and driving issue that occurs so frequently seems to be highlighted... [more]
Independence
July 4th is the birth of our nation and is the day we grew up and moved away from our "English parents". This holiday should serve, as a reminder that our function as parents is a bit like that of... [more]
Kids and Reading
When kids are just toddlers, they love books. Children are delighted when mom or dad reads to them. Sometimes even into grade school, these kids continue their love of reading. So what happens when... [more]
Learn How to Communicate with Teens for Effective Parenting
Effective parenting begins with an ability to get your point across when discussing issues with teens. Setting rules and consequences means little if you have not made yourself clear to your kids. We... [more]
Let's Do Lunch
The summer will soon end and with it many additional opportunities to connect with your kids. Summer months and no school often mean more family and fun time. Sudden periods of inactivity may mean... [more]
Mixed Overnight May Go Too Far
In my travels I noticed a person questioning whether she should allow a both sex, supervised overnight for 17 year olds. My answer is don't do it. I usually err on the side of giving teens lots of... [more]
Peer Pressure
Some of you have already sent your teens off for another challenging school year. The rest of us are not far behind, and our kids will soon be back to school days. With school days comes another... [more]
Planning Vacations With Teens - A Teaching Experience
When going on vacation, always include your teen in the planning. They want to be part of the excitement that goes into the process. As an almost adult, they feel they should have some say in what... [more]
Surviving Graduation
The time many parents dread is approaching- graduation. When your child has reached the final days of high school, parents begin to panic. Those of you planning big parties and events are busy... [more]
Teen Attitudes About Household Chores
Let's face it, household chores are not anyone's favorite. We would all rather be doing something more fun, so is it any wonder teens dislike them so much? Of course, like everything else in a teen's... [more]
Celebrating Teenhood
Listening to the news lately, it seems everyone has something bad to say about the teen culture. We assume a lot of teens fall into the categories we cast them in, along with the unpleasant... [more]
Teens Believe They Are Immortal
There are few super heroes that surpass teens in feelings of immortality. Even kryptonite can hurt Superman, but teens believe nothing will affect them. You don't believe me? Watch them drive too... [more]
Your Teen is Not an Island!
Many adults, as well as teens, forget that we are part of a larger group in every thing we do. You may be pleased by your individuality, and that is a wonderful and important trait, but so is being... [more]
Your Teen's Perception
Teens think different than adults do. Their problems always seem bigger, more serious. Their situations are marked by desperation and have all the traits of involving a mission impossible. Are teens'... [more]
Your Teen's Style
Teens are often very expressive in their dress and personal appearance. They might be creative in how they wear clothes or what they do with their hair. What do you do when your teen's style... [more]
Our Last Best Shot - by Laura Sessions Stepp - Book Review
Our Last Best Shot, by Laura Sessions Stepp, is the first book I read that was so true to fact concerning the pre-adolescent and early teen years. She demystifies this age group and shares what they... [more]
Keep Kids Busy to Avoid Challenging Behaviors
One of the simplest ways to keep teens under control is to keep them busy. I have always maintained that a bored teen is much more likely to display unacceptable behaviors. When teens are busy they... [more]
Nice Little Things
Recently family members who live far away came to visit. Since I haven't seen them in quite awhile, it became vital to me to observe them and learn their habits so the visit went smoothly. The idea... [more]
Avoid Power Struggles with Your Teens
Teens are experts at engaging parents in power struggles. They appear to like the game and they turn it into a competition. They are hoping that if they 'out shout' the parents they will win. They... [more]
Relationships: Our Teens and Others
One of the hardest lessons to teach our teens is relationship skills, but luckily they are the easiest to show by example. Good relationships are learned at home in families that respect each other,... [more]
Skills Every Teen Needs, Part 1
We are inundated with facts. The computer brings so much to our desktop that sometimes it is overwhelming. The internet, although a wonderful resource, does not always offer the correct information... [more]
Take Suicide Threats Seriously
Whenever a teen threatens suicide, take them seriously. Even though you believe a teen tends to be melodramatic about most things, don't discount the threat. Lots of teenagers use suicide threats to... [more]
To Communicate With Teens Know Them
Parents constantly complain that their teens don't talk to them. We claim it is because they choose to ignore us, and sometimes we are correct.Other times, we are guilty of not stopping to talk to... [more]
Toys for Teens
Never underestimate the value of toys and play for older children. All kids need play to grow and learn--play mimics life. And toys are the tools used to learn how to be an adult. Toys and play free... [more]
What is it that Makes a Woman?
What is it that makes male attention so much better than that from females? If you are happily married as I am, you should not need it. But something in our psyche seems to thrive on it. When another... [more]
Can We Talk (About Having Sex)?
I'd like to share some feelings about teen sex from a parent's point of view. You guys absolutely scare us to death when you reach puberty. The terror lasts for many years, usually till you are... [more]
Eight-Year-Old Girl Raped
Once again, we have been shocked out of our complacency. A nine-year-old lured his eight-year-old sister into an abandoned building where he, the brother, and a few of his other little friends raped... [more]
We Know What Causes That Now!
"We know what causes that now," I said smiling at her. "Huh?" she replied in her usually perceptive way. I pointed to her rather stretched pregnant tummy attached to her 16-year-old body. [more]
What Makes A Mother?
Today my parental rights were terminated. There was no courtroom, no judge, just a multitude of people crowded around a hospital bed.Earlier, my foster son looked scared as they prepared him for the... [more]
Working at Family
Whoever said being a family is easy, never was part of one. You take several people, each with their own personalities and goals. You add individual idiosyncrasies and the likes and dislikes of those... [more]
Growing Your Business Is A Bit Like Parenting
Today was another day marked by lengthy conversation and self-recrimination. The business meeting/ prayer session was more prayer than business and more "What ifs" than "Guess whats." Things moved... [more]
Easter Reminds Us Our World Needs Renewing Also
Easter will be upon us soon, the time of renewal and rebirth, a time of new beginnings. In God's world, this change takes place naturally; in man's world we must push, cajole, and speak up to make it... [more]
Father's Day
It is vital for fathers to play an active role in parenting. Today's young fathers are more likely to take on quite a lot of the responsibility with their children than our fathers were in the past.... [more]
Fathers:
Father's Day is almost here. It is a time of praise for dads. It may see gifts of bad ties and treasured, but poorly constructed crafts from children. While we may not always make all of dad's dreams... [more]
Working as a Family
Working together as a family takes practice when most people are used to only going in their own direction. A family unit implies a group of people who stay together for the good of the whole.... [more]
Does Your Teen Know the Difference Between a Problem and a Tragedy?
Working with hundreds of kids for many years taught me an important lesson: kids cannot see the difference between a problem and a tragedy. For kids, every event that is the least bit troubling can... [more]
Teens Natural Curiosity Fuels Spirituality
Teens are notorious for spending much of their time thinking about themselves. Their interests center on their friends, their future, their music, and their clothes. But, did you know teens also... [more]
Witnessing-Teens 'Gone Fishin'
As a teen, you want to be accepted by your peers. It is important to you to be like them rather than different. As Christians, we are told to separate ourselves from the world and worldliness. It is... [more]
Changed Beliefs?
Recently, it has come to my attention that beliefs have changed, not mine, but my children's. It should not surprise me as they are grown and have minds and opinions of their own. But still, I am... [more]
Tracing Your Roots
"Mom, how come I like music above everything in the world? You and Dad like it, but not like me. I would rather play my flute than play with toys. I'd rather make music than go to the movies. Where... [more]
