Family meetings are opportunities for parents and children to discuss important issues, strengthen communication, reinforce values, and nurture positive relationships. Often, parents and kids are reluctant to adopt family meetings because they don’t understand their purpose and structure. Some parents fear it will lessen their authority. Conversely, children may view […]
Compass-Inspired
Integrity quotes help children recognize that standing for what they believe is important for achieving a meaningful life. Integrity is the ability to act in ways that are consistent with the values, beliefs, and moral principles we claim to hold. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one […]
Integrity
How is self-esteem related to unconditional love? How do parents show approval for kids as human beings even as they must often show disapproval for children’s behavior? In the article, Does Self-Esteem Function as an Emotional Immune System?, Guy Winch, PhD, asserts that a variety of studies have begun to […]
Resilience
School bullying has become a serious public health issue for children of all ages. In a new book by Dr. Michele Borba, recognized educational psychologist and school bullying expert, insight and advice are readily at hand. Weeks prior to the Columbine High School shootings in 1999, Borba made a presentation […]
Integrity
Positive youth development is the practice of nurturing core internal strengths and abilities in children and teens. It is about providing opportunities for youth to believe in themselves and their abilities to influence their lives and the world around them. As families, schools, and communities, we share one goal. We want […]
Compass-Inspired
What is emotional intelligence? How do parents and teachers nurture it at home and in the classroom? What methods are working? Emotional intelligence (EI for short) has become a popular term since Daniel Goleman authored his book with the same title in 1995. Several decades of research not only confirms the […]
Sociability
We live in an age where integrity often takes a back seat to power and material success — where “the end justifies the means” is a mantra for too many adults who influence children. Nowhere has this mantra played out more publicly than in U.S. politics, where deceit, dishonesty, and […]
Integrity
Successful kids get excellent grades, right? They play at least one sport very well. Successful kids do regular community service and, of course, take Advanced Placement courses. They attend the best colleges and attain great-paying jobs. Wait. If you’ve ever envisioned this fairy-tale definition of kids’ success, it’s time to […]
Compass-Inspired
Parental relationships can be messy and confusing for kids, even in the best of circumstances. Children learn about intimate relationships from their parents. So it’s not too surprising that negative patterns can be repeated from one generation to the next. What should parents know about their own intimate relationships that […]
Sociability
What is collective impact? And how can it make a difference for children and teens? Collective impact is a relatively new term and strategy for helping communities effect positive social change. For example, most communities offer a variety of support to young people through after-school programs, services, internships, etc. But […]
Compass-Inspired
I hear many complaints these days about the younger generation’s lack of civility. And indeed, times have changed. But where do we draw the line when it comes to respectful behavior in children? How do we teach them to live considerately of others? While driving through Seattle recently, I saw […]
Sociability
Don’t you love the excitement an unexpected gift brings to a child? I remember the way my daughter eagerly anticipated the arrival of Santa Claus and how each gift brought joy to her face. Some toys or stuffed animals became favorites for many years to come. But most gifts brought […]
Compass-Inspired
