Author Archives: Administrator

Does a parenting style even matter?

Posted on October 2, 2011 by Administrator

Permissive, strict, emotional or stoic — there’s a lot of hype about what is the best or most effective ‘parenting style’. No matter what you call it, the key to effective parenting is a solid foundation of principles, and the … Continue reading →

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Plant an air conditioner… I mean, a tree.

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Administrator

New Jersey.  Tuesday, June 7.  The heat wave began today.  At 9:30pm it is still 80 degrees and humid.  The last thing I want to do is walk the dog.  But out we go, into a wall of hot air. … Continue reading →

Posted in environment | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Parenting your teen: let go and let them grow

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Administrator

Child psychologist, Dr. Haim Ginott, says that our teenagers struggle between needing us and needing to break away.  This struggle is just as real for parents, as roles and responsibilities change for everyone during adolescence. Why is separation so difficult … Continue reading →

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Perfection: why the ideal image isn’t ideal

Posted on May 22, 2011 by Administrator

Are you uncomfortable with that statement?  It’s understandable. After all, we are pushed to perfection in the media, in books, and by the “experts”.  It’s good to strive to make things better.  But that ideal image can also steer you … Continue reading →

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A ‘gooder’ day? Where have the role models gone?

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Administrator

Some time ago I saw an ad for Gain laundry detergent.  It was all right until the words ‘gooder day’ were spoken.  Have a ‘gooder day’?  I would have had a better day if the English language hadn’t been deliberately … Continue reading →

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From high school to 4-year college? Think again.

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Administrator

An article appeared in Education Today by Suzanne Schaffer, “Taking the non-traditional route after high school graduation”.  Schaffer offers several options besides the four-year college plan:  take a gap year, go to a community college, consider starting a business or … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Life skills, Parenting | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Helping Teens Learn to Problem-Solve

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Administrator

Do you find yourself fighting the urge to say to your teen,  “Been there, done that.  Let me show you how it’s done”?  I do, too… although looking back to my younger days, I can honestly say that I learned … Continue reading →

Posted in Parenting | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments