It may be true that the ‘Go outside and be back by dark’ ship has sailed, but might it be possible to rediscover the value of neighborhood communities?
Neighbors and Neighborhoods
Do the Next Right Thing
We are forced to make hundreds of decisions every day; commit yourself to making the right decision every time, every day. Although a perfect record is not possible, you will eventually develop habits that will allow you, your family, and your community to flourish.
Managing a Busy Family Schedule
If we are not careful, our lives can become poorly controlled chaos where we see each other in passing as we are running out the door or jamming some fast food down our throats in order to check off the next thing on the list. So, how do we as parents re-take control of our lives and our family’s peace of mind while still exposing our children to a broad spectrum of experiences and activities? The key is to know that you have choices, you are in control of your schedule, and most importantly, your kids are depending on you to protect them from the chaos.
The Competitive Edge
Make no mistake – life today is not easy, and we must do all in our power to equip our children with the skill sets they will need to survive and to thrive both as young people and as adults in an unknown future.
Watch Little House on the Prairie
Perhaps we can help our children to rediscover their amazing human potential and their purpose. Perhaps we need to look back to shows like Little House on the Prairie, or the Waltons, or listen to the stories of those who have lived lives of heroic selflessness.
What Might Have Been
What if a school district were to replicate the format of the Summit and create a similar list of action items; what if a school district was sincere about highlighting and solving the most critical issues in education in their community; what if a school district would continue to assemble the community group to address these challenges head on. If we all worked together, what solutions could we come up with to welcome and encourage parents to re-engage in their students’ education?
Finding Purpose
Our young people are battling a crisis of purpose. Moms and dads, grandparents and mentors, we have the power to help our young people to rediscover their true purpose and to begin to thrive again.
Integrity
Who am I and what makes me who I am? This is a question as old as humanity itself but is still as relevant as ever for our young people today. External characteristics define us to a certain extent, but society tells us that that we can and should continuously re-invent our outward appearance. Western … Continue reading Integrity
Community
Mike and I were blessed to be able to send our children to the Catholic grade school in Kaukauna (now St. Ignatius). Because the school was smaller – approximately 200 students – and because the school budget was very tight, parent involvement in the school community was a necessity. If new playground equipment was needed, … Continue reading Community
The Greatest Bedtime Story of All
Luke Ch. 3; Matthew Ch. 1 and 2. Now, this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, an upright man unwilling to expose her to … Continue reading The Greatest Bedtime Story of All