For some, to make a friend takes time, effort and energy. Thinking about this can be a daunting task. An effortless way to get around what you may perceive as an energy drain is to be a giver. What do I mean? It takes mental effort when meeting someone to craft a way for you to be interesting to the person you are meeting. You ask yourself, “How do I act?” and “What do I say?” all the while feeling stress on the inside.
Instead of taking that approach, how about focusing on being more interested than interesting? Take the spotlight off yourself and sincerely be interested and curious about who they are, what they do and how you can help them. From their perspective it will be so refreshing to meet a person who is not trying to make themselves look good, but rather is interested in them.
If you think about it, creating a relationship is based on the person, liking, trusting and respecting you. What better way to facilitate this happening than to unselfishly allow them the spotlight to share what they want about themselves with you.
How to bring more gratitude into your child’s life without them even knowing
Posted: November 27, 2019
Part 2
During the month of November we are all reminded through the Thanksgiving holiday about the importance of being grateful. We know it is important, but we continually feel like our children just don’t get it. Here are additional 5 tips that you can integrate to bring more gratitude into your home without your children ever even knowing it.
6. The difference between rights and privileges - As adults, we know the difference better than most children do. A little education in this area can go a long way. It is a right to have clothing to keep your body warm; it is a privilege to have designer outfits. It is a right to be able to communicate; it is a privilege to have the latest smartphone. It is a right as a citizen of this country to have an education; it is a privilege to be able to participate in all of the extra-curricular activities.
How to bring more gratitude into your child’s life without them even knowing
Posted: November 21, 2019
Part 1
During the month of November, we are all reminded through the holiday of Thanksgiving about the importance of being grateful. We know it is important but you continually feel like your children just don’t get it. Here are the first 5 of 10 tips that you can integrate to bring more gratitude into your home without your children ever even knowing.
1. Speak often about being grateful – Nothing will beat a consistent message played over and over again. Have you ever caught yourself repeating a saying your parents used to say? I think we all have. When children continually hear you give your reasons for why you feel grateful it’s no surprise over time they will do the same.
Part 4: How to Handle the Bully at School
Posted: November 06, 2019
A Parent’s Guide by Christopher Rappold
It’s OK to Ask for Help
Everyone needs help from time to time. Though it’s awesome to feel like you can slay the dragon on your own, often it’s much easier and quicker to ask for assistance. The game is safety and personal happiness. To get there and stay there, your child must value that over the desire to handle it on his own.
Part 3B: How to Handle the Bully at School
Posted: October 31, 2019
A Parent’s Guide by Christopher Rappold
Three simple steps to use when your child experiences bullying behavior at school
Without this unpleasant experience happening, you would only be able to hazard a guess at your child’s ability to handle this. Now you know where he/she stands in a situation of "push back."