Sharing the Joy
This is the time of the year when we should be thinking about the ones we love, but we often get side-tracked due to its busy-ness. Make time to be with those you love, your family and friends. Here are a few ideas to try as you spend quality time with those special people.
• Make wrapping paper using butcher paper and festive stamps. Or draw and color on the paper.
• Form a kazoo band and go caroling - no singing allowed!
• Make time to visit your older relatives such as grandparents or aunts and uncles. Share a meal or just a cup of hot chocolate while you ask them about Christmases past and their favorite traditions.
• Try a holiday recipe from a different culture. They are easy to find by doing a quick service on the internet.
• Find an inactive time at your church’s sanctuary, when you can gather for quiet worship and meditation. Then sit together as a family and begin with a quiet prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings your family has received in the past year. Be sure to give everyone a chance to contribute.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Conversations with Teenagers - Part II
Almost all parents have trouble holding meaningful conversations with their teenagers (and tweenagers). Here are a few tips to help you open the lines of communication.
Almost all parents have trouble holding meaningful conversations with their teenagers (and tweenagers). Here are a few tips to help you open the lines of communication.
- Show up. You can’t talk if you aren’t there. Be sure to make time for your teenager.
- Talk in motion. Find something to do with your teenager while communicating—playing hoops, shopping, or learning a computer program, for example.
- Shock them. Say something novel every so often. Unexpected comments will definitely get their attention.
- Tantalize them. Entice them into meaningful conversations with lead-ins such as “I have something to tell you, but I’m not sure you’ll be able to handle it” or “What I’m about to say will probably surprise you.”
- Share funny stories about things that have happened to you. And avoid too many tales from your youth as object lessons.
- Ask for advice. When you’re trying to decide what outfit to wear, a vacation itinerary, or what movie to see, a book to read, ask your teenager for an opinion, and be prepared to be surprised by his or her insight.
- Talk more about the future and less about the past. Encourage your kids to tell you their dreams. Most teenagers like to talk about the future, but they dread digging up the past.
- Stay quiet. Don’t always fill in “dead air.” Silence can communicate a readiness to listen to what your teenager has to say.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Conversations with Teenagers
Those of us who have, had or work with teenagers know how hard it for adults to have a conversation with a teenager. We often perceive that they are avoiding a conversation, and usually we would be right. Teenagers, and tweenagers, often avoid conversations with adults for many reason. The top three reasons are that they fear the conversations is going to go somewhere they do not want to go; the topic does not interest them; and, the questions are not specific enough for them to understand what the adult really wants.
The best way to communicate with teens, and tweens, about important things is to help them become comfortable with conversations. Communication is important because it is the hinge-pin of any relationship. A great way to get started is for the adult and youth to sit down and ask each other questions that are interesting but not too deep - after all you down start digging a hole at the bottom. Here are some suggestions to get started
Questions to ask your youth (with a follow-up question)
What is your favorite movie and why?
What have you seen in a movie that you’ve copied?
Who are you most like in your family and why?
Who are you least like in your family and why?
Who do you wish you were?
Who are you glad your not?
Questions for youth to ask parents (or other adults)
Who were your best friends growing up and why?
Are you still close? Why or why not?
What about your childhood would you like me to experience?
What about your childhood would you like me to avoid?
Did you ever give up on something like a sport, an instrument or learning something new?
What was it and why did you give it up? Did you regret it?
Those of us who have, had or work with teenagers know how hard it for adults to have a conversation with a teenager. We often perceive that they are avoiding a conversation, and usually we would be right. Teenagers, and tweenagers, often avoid conversations with adults for many reason. The top three reasons are that they fear the conversations is going to go somewhere they do not want to go; the topic does not interest them; and, the questions are not specific enough for them to understand what the adult really wants.
The best way to communicate with teens, and tweens, about important things is to help them become comfortable with conversations. Communication is important because it is the hinge-pin of any relationship. A great way to get started is for the adult and youth to sit down and ask each other questions that are interesting but not too deep - after all you down start digging a hole at the bottom. Here are some suggestions to get started
Questions to ask your youth (with a follow-up question)
What is your favorite movie and why?
What have you seen in a movie that you’ve copied?
Who are you most like in your family and why?
Who are you least like in your family and why?
Who do you wish you were?
Who are you glad your not?
Questions for youth to ask parents (or other adults)
Who were your best friends growing up and why?
Are you still close? Why or why not?
What about your childhood would you like me to experience?
What about your childhood would you like me to avoid?
Did you ever give up on something like a sport, an instrument or learning something new?
What was it and why did you give it up? Did you regret it?
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Positive Influence
There are many studies that tell us that other people have a powerful influence on us. A few of those studies tell us that we will often become what others tell us we are. Tell a child that he or she is a good child, praise him for his positive acts, tell her she is pretty and you are proud of her, and he or she will live up to that positive self-image.
Pablo Picasso once said rather immodestly, "When I was a child, my mother said to me, `If you become a soldier you'll be a general. If you become a monk you'll end up as the Pope.' Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso." Whether you appreciate Picasso's art or not you will have to admit he had a wise mother. We become what people tell us we will become. If people prophesy success for us then success is probably what we will attain.
We all need somebody who believes in us - somebody who sees us as we could be. We all need to feel loved, accepted, appreciated. Parents and grandparents can do this for their children and grandchildren. However, ff you do not have such a person in your life, step out and make one. Develop a Christian friend who will help you become all God wants you to be. And remember that Jesus Christ loves each and everyone of us!
A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
There are many studies that tell us that other people have a powerful influence on us. A few of those studies tell us that we will often become what others tell us we are. Tell a child that he or she is a good child, praise him for his positive acts, tell her she is pretty and you are proud of her, and he or she will live up to that positive self-image.
Pablo Picasso once said rather immodestly, "When I was a child, my mother said to me, `If you become a soldier you'll be a general. If you become a monk you'll end up as the Pope.' Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso." Whether you appreciate Picasso's art or not you will have to admit he had a wise mother. We become what people tell us we will become. If people prophesy success for us then success is probably what we will attain.
We all need somebody who believes in us - somebody who sees us as we could be. We all need to feel loved, accepted, appreciated. Parents and grandparents can do this for their children and grandchildren. However, ff you do not have such a person in your life, step out and make one. Develop a Christian friend who will help you become all God wants you to be. And remember that Jesus Christ loves each and everyone of us!
A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Teenage Rebellion
We all know that teenagers are notorious for being rebellious. But is it an important, natural phase? I believe so. When I think about my teenage rebellion (not cutting my hair and wearing clothes that my parents would rather me not wear) I see how important it was in my develop as an adult. My wife also tells of her rebellion which took the form of not wearing her school uniform correctly. While these examples are clearly rebellion, they did not really harm anyone and helped us develop our self awareness. So why do teens rebel and should we let them?
1. Teenagers have a need for independence. Letting teenagers rebel in areas that are not really big deals (such as keeping their rooms clean, growing out their hair or cutting their hair) helps them begin to feel that they’re capable of self-sufficiency. This doesn’t mean that as parents we should just stop asking them to clean their rooms - it would not be rebellion if we did let them know it bothers us. Also, the less strict the parent, the more outrageous the rebellion has to be in order to get the reaction the teen is trying to get from you.
2. Teenagers need to practice making decisions. Lesser harmful types of rebellion still result in consequences that help teenagers learn to make better decisions. Home is the safest place for kids to fail and get back up on their feet again. (I finally cut my hair due to one too many people calling me a “young lady.”) However, I do believe that rebellion such as drug use or harmful influence on others does require appropriate, stricter consequences.
3. Teenagers need to know that you have confidence in them. When you offer confidence in your teenager’s decisions, rebellion may become unnecessary. Assert your support for whatever decision he or she makes, even if it’s not your choice, while encouraging your teenager to include God in the process.
We all know that teenagers are notorious for being rebellious. But is it an important, natural phase? I believe so. When I think about my teenage rebellion (not cutting my hair and wearing clothes that my parents would rather me not wear) I see how important it was in my develop as an adult. My wife also tells of her rebellion which took the form of not wearing her school uniform correctly. While these examples are clearly rebellion, they did not really harm anyone and helped us develop our self awareness. So why do teens rebel and should we let them?
1. Teenagers have a need for independence. Letting teenagers rebel in areas that are not really big deals (such as keeping their rooms clean, growing out their hair or cutting their hair) helps them begin to feel that they’re capable of self-sufficiency. This doesn’t mean that as parents we should just stop asking them to clean their rooms - it would not be rebellion if we did let them know it bothers us. Also, the less strict the parent, the more outrageous the rebellion has to be in order to get the reaction the teen is trying to get from you.
2. Teenagers need to practice making decisions. Lesser harmful types of rebellion still result in consequences that help teenagers learn to make better decisions. Home is the safest place for kids to fail and get back up on their feet again. (I finally cut my hair due to one too many people calling me a “young lady.”) However, I do believe that rebellion such as drug use or harmful influence on others does require appropriate, stricter consequences.
3. Teenagers need to know that you have confidence in them. When you offer confidence in your teenager’s decisions, rebellion may become unnecessary. Assert your support for whatever decision he or she makes, even if it’s not your choice, while encouraging your teenager to include God in the process.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Faith and Family Conflict
Sometimes it’s easy to blame or yell at God during a family conflict. But have you ever look at a conflict with your teenager as a way that God might be trying to build your family’s faith?
One way to start is by changing your prayer from "Lord, help us out of this!" to "Lord, help us to learn what you want us to." This prayer keeps your family members from seeing struggles as a state of imprisonment (something to escape from) and changes it into a way the family can grow.
Most of us know that we rarely get an answer to the question, "Why?" from God. Therefore, instead of demanding definitive answers from God, it’s more productive to ask for humility and trust in his goodness.
Also, avoid wishing that things were different or for God to change others. Remember different is not always better. Plus by asking God to make thinks different, you are sending a message to your family members (true or not) that you don’t appreciate them. Instead, remind your family of the presence of God, even during painful times. There is also the "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," to think about.
Finally, instead of pray for ways to resolve a conflict quickly, ask, "Lord, what do you want to teach me through this?"
Sometimes it’s easy to blame or yell at God during a family conflict. But have you ever look at a conflict with your teenager as a way that God might be trying to build your family’s faith?
One way to start is by changing your prayer from "Lord, help us out of this!" to "Lord, help us to learn what you want us to." This prayer keeps your family members from seeing struggles as a state of imprisonment (something to escape from) and changes it into a way the family can grow.
Most of us know that we rarely get an answer to the question, "Why?" from God. Therefore, instead of demanding definitive answers from God, it’s more productive to ask for humility and trust in his goodness.
Also, avoid wishing that things were different or for God to change others. Remember different is not always better. Plus by asking God to make thinks different, you are sending a message to your family members (true or not) that you don’t appreciate them. Instead, remind your family of the presence of God, even during painful times. There is also the "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," to think about.
Finally, instead of pray for ways to resolve a conflict quickly, ask, "Lord, what do you want to teach me through this?"
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Talking with Children about the Virginia Tech Shootings and Other Violent Events
After the recent shootings at Virginia Tech, children will have questions and concerns about this event. Compiled below is some information gleaned from several sources.
1. Listen to children. Allow them to express their concerns and fears.
2. Regardless of a child's age, the most important thing you can do is to reassure children of safety and security. Tell children that you, their school, their friends and their communities are all focused on their safety and that those around them are working for their safety. You many need to have discussions about those who protect us such as police, firefighters, teachers and other school officials, neighbors and all concerned adults throughout the community.
3. When discussing the events with younger children, the amount of information shared should be limited to some basic facts. Use words meaningful to them (not words like sniper, murderer, etc.), nor violent descriptive words (such as killed, bloodly). For younger children, do not go into specific details unless the child brings up the topics, and then give the less information you can in order not to add to the stress they may already have.
4. School-aged children will most likely ask, "Can this happen here, or to me?" Do not lie to children (because you will lose their trust). Reiterate how the community is focused on working to keep everyone safe in the community.
5. Adults should be cautious of permitting young children to watch news or listen to radio that is discussing or showing the situation. Most of them can not really process this information. Personal discussions are the best way to share information with this age group. Also, be prepared and plan to discuss this many times over the coming weeks.
6. When discussing the events with preteens and teens, more detail is appropriate, and many will already have seen or heard news broadcasts. Do not let them focus too much on graphic details (nor on the weapons and techniques). Instead, encourage them to talk about their feelings and concerns. Focus your discussions on what they share with you. Also, be careful of how much media they are exposed to - especially in this age when one can watch a news channel for hours. Talk directly with them about the tragedy and answer their questions truthfully.
7. Although preteens and teens are more mature, do not forget to reassure them of their safety and your efforts to protect them. Regardless of age, all children must hear this message.
8. Be on the lookout for physical symptoms of anxiety that children or youth may demonstrate. They may be a sign that a child, although not directly discussing the situation, is very troubled by the recent events. Talk more directly to children who exhibit these signs such as: Headaches, Excessive worry, Stomach aches, Increased arguing, Back aches, irritability, trouble sleeping, breaking from routines, withdrawal, increase in clinging behavior, nightmares, and refusal to go to places such as school.
9. Adults should often reassure children that they will be protected and kept safe. During tragedies like this one, words expressing safety and reassurance with concrete plans should be discussed and agreed upon within the family to provide the most comfort to children and teens.
10. If you are concerned about your children and their reaction to this or any tragedy, talk directly with their school counselor, family doctor, or local mental health professional.
1. Listen to children. Allow them to express their concerns and fears.
2. Regardless of a child's age, the most important thing you can do is to reassure children of safety and security. Tell children that you, their school, their friends and their communities are all focused on their safety and that those around them are working for their safety. You many need to have discussions about those who protect us such as police, firefighters, teachers and other school officials, neighbors and all concerned adults throughout the community.
3. When discussing the events with younger children, the amount of information shared should be limited to some basic facts. Use words meaningful to them (not words like sniper, murderer, etc.), nor violent descriptive words (such as killed, bloodly). For younger children, do not go into specific details unless the child brings up the topics, and then give the less information you can in order not to add to the stress they may already have.
4. School-aged children will most likely ask, "Can this happen here, or to me?" Do not lie to children (because you will lose their trust). Reiterate how the community is focused on working to keep everyone safe in the community.
5. Adults should be cautious of permitting young children to watch news or listen to radio that is discussing or showing the situation. Most of them can not really process this information. Personal discussions are the best way to share information with this age group. Also, be prepared and plan to discuss this many times over the coming weeks.
6. When discussing the events with preteens and teens, more detail is appropriate, and many will already have seen or heard news broadcasts. Do not let them focus too much on graphic details (nor on the weapons and techniques). Instead, encourage them to talk about their feelings and concerns. Focus your discussions on what they share with you. Also, be careful of how much media they are exposed to - especially in this age when one can watch a news channel for hours. Talk directly with them about the tragedy and answer their questions truthfully.
7. Although preteens and teens are more mature, do not forget to reassure them of their safety and your efforts to protect them. Regardless of age, all children must hear this message.
8. Be on the lookout for physical symptoms of anxiety that children or youth may demonstrate. They may be a sign that a child, although not directly discussing the situation, is very troubled by the recent events. Talk more directly to children who exhibit these signs such as: Headaches, Excessive worry, Stomach aches, Increased arguing, Back aches, irritability, trouble sleeping, breaking from routines, withdrawal, increase in clinging behavior, nightmares, and refusal to go to places such as school.
9. Adults should often reassure children that they will be protected and kept safe. During tragedies like this one, words expressing safety and reassurance with concrete plans should be discussed and agreed upon within the family to provide the most comfort to children and teens.
10. If you are concerned about your children and their reaction to this or any tragedy, talk directly with their school counselor, family doctor, or local mental health professional.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Easter Cookies
A couple years ago, I discovered a recipe for Easter Story Cookies. I was intrigued with the idea and decided to try them out. What a wonderful opportunity this presented to further teach our children about Easter.
The ideal time is to begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter. However, one could do this any time between the Saturday before Easter and Penecost and still be in the season of Easter. I also believe anytime is a good time to teach children about our Risen Lord, so don't worry if it is not within the Easter season.
Items
1 cup whole pecans
(For those who have tree nut allergies, one could use hard pretzels.)
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
A couple years ago, I discovered a recipe for Easter Story Cookies. I was intrigued with the idea and decided to try them out. What a wonderful opportunity this presented to further teach our children about Easter.
The ideal time is to begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter. However, one could do this any time between the Saturday before Easter and Penecost and still be in the season of Easter. I also believe anytime is a good time to teach children about our Risen Lord, so don't worry if it is not within the Easter season.
Items
1 cup whole pecans
(For those who have tree nut allergies, one could use hard pretzels.)
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Great Idea for Family Fun
Most of us parents had a favorite Saturday morning cartoon when we were growing up. With the exception of the Flintstones, cartoons could only be found on TV that one half day a week. And we all had our favorite cartoons shows (I’ve tell you mine later). But have you compared your favorite cartoons with your kids’ favorites—either those they like now or when they were younger?
It might be time for the Family Cartoon Showdown! Compare your list and your kids’ lists with the list below. Gather in front of the TV and have everyone state the case for the shows they revere the most. End the great debate with a weekend cartoon marathon.
Fat Albert—Educator-approved, so your parents had to like it!
Gumby: Must-see claymation. But what does it all mean?
ReBoot: Groundbreaking animation begets techno-savvy storylines.
Scooby-Doo: We loved those mystery-chasing teenagers...and still do!
Batman: Great animation means the legend lives on.
Smurfs: Smurfs were the cultural icons of the early ‘80s.
Freakazoid: Positively addictive misadventures!
The Tick: The cartoon for cartoon aficionados.
Underdog: The shoeshine-boy-turned-hero is all heart.
Wacky Races: Crazy characters and cars feed the short attention span.
Mighty Mouse: The singing hero.
Danger Mouse: The one-eyed James Bond of the rodent set.
Johnny Quest: Why did he always happen to be where the trouble starts?
And here is a hint for my all-time favorite cartoon show:
One banana, two banana, three banana, four
Four bananas make a bunch and so do many more.
Over hill and highway the banana buggies go
Coming on to bring you the Banana Splits show
Making up a mess of fun
Making up a mess of fun
Lots of fun for everyone
Tra la la, la la la la, Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la, Tra la la, la la la la
Yes, the Banana Splits Adventure Hour with all those great short cartoons.
There are many ways to see some of the older cartoons. A few ideas are the rental stores, especially the online ones. Also check out the schedules of the cable stations such as Boomerang and Cartoon Network.
Having a problem remembering details about a cartoon? Drop me a line and I might be able to help.
Most of us parents had a favorite Saturday morning cartoon when we were growing up. With the exception of the Flintstones, cartoons could only be found on TV that one half day a week. And we all had our favorite cartoons shows (I’ve tell you mine later). But have you compared your favorite cartoons with your kids’ favorites—either those they like now or when they were younger?
It might be time for the Family Cartoon Showdown! Compare your list and your kids’ lists with the list below. Gather in front of the TV and have everyone state the case for the shows they revere the most. End the great debate with a weekend cartoon marathon.
Fat Albert—Educator-approved, so your parents had to like it!
Gumby: Must-see claymation. But what does it all mean?
ReBoot: Groundbreaking animation begets techno-savvy storylines.
Scooby-Doo: We loved those mystery-chasing teenagers...and still do!
Batman: Great animation means the legend lives on.
Smurfs: Smurfs were the cultural icons of the early ‘80s.
Freakazoid: Positively addictive misadventures!
The Tick: The cartoon for cartoon aficionados.
Underdog: The shoeshine-boy-turned-hero is all heart.
Wacky Races: Crazy characters and cars feed the short attention span.
Mighty Mouse: The singing hero.
Danger Mouse: The one-eyed James Bond of the rodent set.
Johnny Quest: Why did he always happen to be where the trouble starts?
And here is a hint for my all-time favorite cartoon show:
One banana, two banana, three banana, four
Four bananas make a bunch and so do many more.
Over hill and highway the banana buggies go
Coming on to bring you the Banana Splits show
Making up a mess of fun
Making up a mess of fun
Lots of fun for everyone
Tra la la, la la la la, Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la, Tra la la, la la la la
Yes, the Banana Splits Adventure Hour with all those great short cartoons.
There are many ways to see some of the older cartoons. A few ideas are the rental stores, especially the online ones. Also check out the schedules of the cable stations such as Boomerang and Cartoon Network.
Having a problem remembering details about a cartoon? Drop me a line and I might be able to help.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Role Models
It’s tough when children and tweenagers (10-12 year olds) chose inappropriate celebrity role models. Here are some ideas that may help you counteract the effects of a negative influence.
- Avoid being critical. Do not demean a negative role model; simply make observations about his or her behavior or lifestyle - without condemning the person or being too sarcastic.
- Be the best influence. Keep in mind that a child’s most important influence is still his or her parents, not a sports figure or a music star.
- Encourage research. Allow your child or tweenager to get a good understanding about the details of a role model’s life by exploring magazines and Internet articles.
- Provide options. Do not focus on the TV and movies. Expose your child or tweenager to a diversity of experiences by visiting libraries, museums, plays, and non-pop music concerts. Checking with local libraries and community centers are a good place to start for inexpensive ideas.
- Share with your child. Talk about your appropriate role models when you were your child’s age.
It’s tough when children and tweenagers (10-12 year olds) chose inappropriate celebrity role models. Here are some ideas that may help you counteract the effects of a negative influence.
- Avoid being critical. Do not demean a negative role model; simply make observations about his or her behavior or lifestyle - without condemning the person or being too sarcastic.
- Be the best influence. Keep in mind that a child’s most important influence is still his or her parents, not a sports figure or a music star.
- Encourage research. Allow your child or tweenager to get a good understanding about the details of a role model’s life by exploring magazines and Internet articles.
- Provide options. Do not focus on the TV and movies. Expose your child or tweenager to a diversity of experiences by visiting libraries, museums, plays, and non-pop music concerts. Checking with local libraries and community centers are a good place to start for inexpensive ideas.
- Share with your child. Talk about your appropriate role models when you were your child’s age.
Monday, February 19, 2007
A Parent's Calling
Part of a parent’s calling is to model obedience to God and to teach his or her children God’s Word (this is also part of the parents' promise in the order of Baptism for most denominations).
So, how do we live up to this call? I would like to encourage you to make this "teaching" a 24/7/365 priority. Parenting must become intentional. Commit to a conscious and prayerful effort to seize every opportunity to teach your child, tweenage, teenager and/or young adult God’s Word. We must be there with our children. How much time are we spending with our children? We cannot take advantage of teachable moments as they arise unless we are present. There must also be planned times of "teaching". Because teachable moments do not always present themselves, it is crucial to set aside planned time for Bible study to keep your family spiritually focused.
Part of a parent’s calling is to model obedience to God and to teach his or her children God’s Word (this is also part of the parents' promise in the order of Baptism for most denominations).
So, how do we live up to this call? I would like to encourage you to make this "teaching" a 24/7/365 priority. Parenting must become intentional. Commit to a conscious and prayerful effort to seize every opportunity to teach your child, tweenage, teenager and/or young adult God’s Word. We must be there with our children. How much time are we spending with our children? We cannot take advantage of teachable moments as they arise unless we are present. There must also be planned times of "teaching". Because teachable moments do not always present themselves, it is crucial to set aside planned time for Bible study to keep your family spiritually focused.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
It’s a Guy Thing
Encouraging spiritual growth in teenage and young adult guys can be a unique challenge because they often see religion as a weakness and may rebel more than girls against parental attitudes. Keeping this in mind, I would like to share with you some information that I have found useful. According to Bill Beausay in his book Teenage Boys!, there are four important aspects to help create a spiritual home base for these young men.
1. Get Happy: Focus on the joy in your own faith rather than cornering your teenager with ultimatums.
2. Create Proximity: Expose your teenager to people who are alive in Christ, such as speakers, athletes, youth specialists, and other Christian family members and friends.
3. Be Jesus-Flavored: Bring Jesus alive for your teenager by “seasoning” your own life with Christlike behavior. If you live with Jesus’ radical faith and kindness, Jesus will become an actual presence in your son’s life.
4. Get Caught Giving: Don’t just give money. Give time, compliments, gifts, acts of service, blessings, and thanks.
Encouraging spiritual growth in teenage and young adult guys can be a unique challenge because they often see religion as a weakness and may rebel more than girls against parental attitudes. Keeping this in mind, I would like to share with you some information that I have found useful. According to Bill Beausay in his book Teenage Boys!, there are four important aspects to help create a spiritual home base for these young men.
1. Get Happy: Focus on the joy in your own faith rather than cornering your teenager with ultimatums.
2. Create Proximity: Expose your teenager to people who are alive in Christ, such as speakers, athletes, youth specialists, and other Christian family members and friends.
3. Be Jesus-Flavored: Bring Jesus alive for your teenager by “seasoning” your own life with Christlike behavior. If you live with Jesus’ radical faith and kindness, Jesus will become an actual presence in your son’s life.
4. Get Caught Giving: Don’t just give money. Give time, compliments, gifts, acts of service, blessings, and thanks.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Values: Youth and Money
With the way teenagers spend money, one would think that they would just blow a large amount of money that they suddenly won. However, research shows that this is not generally the case.
According to a recent survey, when American teenagers were asked, "What would you do if you won $100,000?" an astounding 93% of them stated that they would buy a gift for their parents. They don't plan on spending it all on this present, so other things they would spend that money on are:
New car 67%
Vacation 63%
College 55%
Charity 45%
(Source: Impulse Research for Tombstone)
Having information like this should encourage parents to continue to talk with their tweenagers and teenagers about responsibility with money. Below is a short list of some great opportunities to talk about money with your youth.
Take your youth with you when you go grocery shopping - it’s a great way to teach them budgeting.
Talk about the ads you see on TV. Talk about how these ads work or do not work on selling youth products. Use these ideas to help come up with ways to keep TV marketing from working on your youth.
Have your teenage help when it’s time to pay your monthly bills. This is a chance for you to talk about how much things really cost and learn how to meet their own financial responsibiliy in the future.
Praise your youth when they reach a financial goal such as saving for a large ticket item. Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator.
With the way teenagers spend money, one would think that they would just blow a large amount of money that they suddenly won. However, research shows that this is not generally the case.
According to a recent survey, when American teenagers were asked, "What would you do if you won $100,000?" an astounding 93% of them stated that they would buy a gift for their parents. They don't plan on spending it all on this present, so other things they would spend that money on are:
New car 67%
Vacation 63%
College 55%
Charity 45%
(Source: Impulse Research for Tombstone)
Having information like this should encourage parents to continue to talk with their tweenagers and teenagers about responsibility with money. Below is a short list of some great opportunities to talk about money with your youth.
Take your youth with you when you go grocery shopping - it’s a great way to teach them budgeting.
Talk about the ads you see on TV. Talk about how these ads work or do not work on selling youth products. Use these ideas to help come up with ways to keep TV marketing from working on your youth.
Have your teenage help when it’s time to pay your monthly bills. This is a chance for you to talk about how much things really cost and learn how to meet their own financial responsibiliy in the future.
Praise your youth when they reach a financial goal such as saving for a large ticket item. Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Consequences and Reconciliation
I was surfing the ‘net and came across an old story about how a teacher found a novel way to make students pay for their transgressions. The teacher, Bruce Janu, had students who ended up getting in trouble in school at Riverside-Brookfield High outside of Chicago stay after school in the Frank Sinatra Detention Club. There, for 30 minutes, they must sit utterly still--no talking, no homework, no snoozing - and listen to “Ol'Blue Eyes” croon songs from a by-gone era.
"The kids hate it. They're miserable," reports Mr Janu, a Sinatra fan who devised the club as a way to make detention more fun for him and less so for the students.
"It just got to where I couldn't stand it," said one senior. "It was SO BORING."
Janu isn't totally heartless though. He lets students sing along if they want - but nobody does.
It is important for people to learn that choices have consequences. In terms of their later success, it is one of the most important lessons that they will learn. Adults who are continually bailing their children out when they make mistakes are cheating their children out of one of life's most important lessons: we reap what we sow. Someone has put it this way. There are two major pains in life: the pain of discipline and the pain of regret.
And God is always ready to offer us reconciliation.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5.18)
I was surfing the ‘net and came across an old story about how a teacher found a novel way to make students pay for their transgressions. The teacher, Bruce Janu, had students who ended up getting in trouble in school at Riverside-Brookfield High outside of Chicago stay after school in the Frank Sinatra Detention Club. There, for 30 minutes, they must sit utterly still--no talking, no homework, no snoozing - and listen to “Ol'Blue Eyes” croon songs from a by-gone era.
"The kids hate it. They're miserable," reports Mr Janu, a Sinatra fan who devised the club as a way to make detention more fun for him and less so for the students.
"It just got to where I couldn't stand it," said one senior. "It was SO BORING."
Janu isn't totally heartless though. He lets students sing along if they want - but nobody does.
It is important for people to learn that choices have consequences. In terms of their later success, it is one of the most important lessons that they will learn. Adults who are continually bailing their children out when they make mistakes are cheating their children out of one of life's most important lessons: we reap what we sow. Someone has put it this way. There are two major pains in life: the pain of discipline and the pain of regret.
And God is always ready to offer us reconciliation.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5.18)
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