One of the biggest threats to children in America isn’t violence, cancer, or germs. It’s childhood obesity. Yes, some children struggle with their weight because of genetics, but most often the link can be made to sedentary behavior such as waching too much TV or playing video games all day. What can be done to get children out of this dangerous lifestyle and into healthy habits? Many say the answer is karate...

Many times in life we are required to just do hard things. In today’s society, doing hard things is becoming more increasingly unpopular. Instead of going outside to play, which burns calories and helps to maintain proper muscle tone, children stay inside to play video games. Instead of earning enough money to invest in a car of their own, teenagers beg for a brand new car. Instead of plodding through challenges in their marriage, adults often quit within the first five years of the relationship and start over with someone else.

But how does one develop the perseverance of the ancient samurai...

Establishing routines and patterns of behavior are important aids for children. Much of family conflict revolves around getting from one place to another or from one activity to another. Parents come for counseling because their children resist getting up in the morning, feel anxious over homework, dispute parent’s instructions, or delay in getting ready when the family needs to get somewhere. These difficulties can last into the teenage years and can leave the emerging young adult incapable of coping with independence and responsibility.  Some household adjustments can help remedy the challenges in the present and prevent future problems.

 In our swift paced world, everybody is busy and has a full schedule. Besides the fact that you and/or your husband work all day, your youngsters probably also have a schedule after school for extra curricular activities. Three o’clock ballet for your youngest one, four thirty soccer practice for your son and six o’clock picking up the oldest from the library and then dinner? Sounds nuts, but when you have a few children, how can you balance all the schedules without running crazy and without leaving out anybody?

What makes one child excited and another fearful about trying new experiences?

What makes one child put forth extensive effort toward something and another give up easily in discouragement?

What makes one child intensely curious and another closed down to new learning?
 

It is their set of beliefs - their way of thinking - that determines their behavior and outlook. Their beliefs determine their frame of mind, their approach to life, their attitude about themselves and their abilities...

According to the American Heritage Desk Dictionary, the word apprentice is defined as “one learning a trade under a skilled master; or a beginner.” I find both of these definitions to be relevant to the work I do each day, as well as the way I think about apprenticeship in relation to the remediation of autism spectrum disorders or related neurological disorders. Apprenticeship in job training has been around for hundreds of years, dating back to the middle ages. The idea of apprenticeship itself has been around much longer than that, since the dawn of history. Humans have been learning from “masters” forever, and it is what allows the human race to survive...

Parents don't have to break their bank account to provide their children with top quality toys. While parents want the best for their children many toys can be very expensive, but that doesn't necessarily make them better for their children. With the struggling economic times spending money efficiently and wisely has become a major priority for many families. Functional, educational, interesting, and generally enticing toys do not have to be expensive. What they must be is serve to educate as well as entertain those they are intended for, children...

Although I intend this article for children, I have to admit that many adults may still learn from my message. Teaching responsibility is not just for kids. It’s pressing to pass on this important trait while young—when the mind can still be molded and when the heart is still thirsty for change...