by Dennis Coates | Behavior Change, Critical Thinking, Parenting, Personal Strength, Self-Esteem
My wife and I were going to visit a friend. Our route took us to a stop sign at a T-junction at an Interstate access road. We could turn left or right to get to our destination. My wife said, “Turn left.” I replied that the shorter and quicker route would...
by Dennis Coates | Adolescent Brain, Critical Thinking, Education, Mentoring, Parent-child Communication, Teen Success
As I was coaching a twelve-year-old girl, I concluded with this summary: “In the future, some of your friends will want you to conform, so you’ll need to stand up for yourself and be the kind of person you want to be.” Her reply: “What do you...
by Dennis Coates | Adolescence, Education, Health & Nutrition, Parent-child Communication, Teen Success
Getting a driver license is a rite of passage. Because of the way a vehicle empowers independence and how the license amounts to a badge of maturity, many teens look forward to this certification. And you want them – maybe you need them – to be able to...
by Dennis Coates | Behavior Change, Education, Encouragement, Inspiring Quotes, Parenting, Personal Strength, Teen Success, Youth Athletics
Here’s a quote worth reading and thinking about, from Frank Martin, head coach of the South Carolina men’s basketball team: “You know what makes me sick to my stomach? When I hear grown people say that kids have changed. Kids haven’t changed....
by Dennis Coates | Adolescent Brain, Critical Thinking, Education, Parent-child Communication, Self-Esteem, Teen Success
This weekend we’re headed to Corpus Christie to celebrate our niece’s wedding. Since our go-to cat sitter isn’t available, we found a 15-year-old young man who wanted the job. He came to our home to be briefed, and I had a chance to talk with him. Me...
