You can help your child increase their attention span and grow academically by connecting them with nature. Many children in urban environments do not get the oppportunity to explore nature. Take a walk at school and pay close attention to the trees around the playground. Bring in picture books that include photos of oceans and […]
Connect your Kids to Nature Read More »
I believe I missed blogging last week as I was way too busy! Good stuff though. Last week we began taping the new mentor training video for KHUSA Mentors. It’s going to be more interactive than the current training model. I can’t wait to see how excited new mentors will be. Last week also had
Here’s a very simple idea for you to try during your mentoring session…go outside and play catch with your child. This will give you a chance to make eye contact with each other, to communicate together, to practice skills, to be outside, and to have fun. Grab a nerf football, a soft baseball, a tennis
We’re between book studies so this week we are going to reflect on the importance of anticipating transitions in our lives. This past Tuesday a man I do prison ministry visitation with passed away. I knew he was terminally ill for several months but put off making a visit once I returned home from Florida.
Saying Goodbye Takes Time Read More »
Autonomy leads to greater communication with children. Faber & Mazlish have 6 guidelines that encourage autonomy in children. They are: 1. Let Children Make Choices – Child selected choices reduces their need to express resentment. 2. Show Respect for a Child’s Struggle – Adults can be most helpful to a child when they give useful
Encouraging Autonomy Read More »
Mazlish is right when she says real listening is hard work. You have to concentrate with children so you don’t just give them pat answers to questions they may have. So here are five tips to being a better listener and helper; 1. DESCRIBE — to the child what YOU hear them being concerned about.
How to Become a Better Listener Read More »
Mazlish suggests we avoid the following adult tendencies if we are to become good listeners of children; Don’t ask too many questions. – Kids open up when not bombarded with “20 questions.” Don’t rush to answer questions. – Answering a child’s question with a question encourages them to find their own solutions. Don’t take away
How to Listen Effectively Read More »
Do you mentor a child who loves a good challenge? If so, click on this link to get information about a PING PONG BALL contest that is currently happening through KIDS HOPE. http://www.kidshopeusa.org/ping_pong_video_contest.aspx It’s more than just getting a ball to land in a cup….it’s all about having FUN with your child! Enjoy!
Don’t Break the Chain is a great game that challenges the memory and gets you moving! Imagine my surprise when I found it in a Hallmark store! Hallmark stores across the country will be selling it this spring for $12.99. To play, the first player pics a card (“link”) and follows the instruction. For example,
Don’t Break the Chain Game Read More »
We’ll be spending the month of April listening to what Faber & Mazlish have to say to us in their book How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk. I often get concerns from mentors about their student who either will not talk to them or will not listen to
How to Talk So Children Will Listen Read More »
