by Dennis Coates | Behavior Change, Encouragement, Parent-child Communication, Parenting
It’s hard enough managing everything in a life – home, meals, bills, etc. Add to that being exhausted from a stressful job or raising kids. Or both! And further, add to that the pain of frustration, disappointment, or discouragement when your child...
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 | Adolescence, Adolescent Brain, Behavior Change, Encouragement, Parent-child Communication, Rebellion, Self-Esteem
I know several parents whose child is fast approaching adolescence. Even raising a sweet child can be difficult in many ways, but after puberty the challenges change. Middle school-aged children don’t want to be treated like sweet little kids anymore. Far from...
by Dennis Coates | Adolescent Brain, Critical Thinking, Education, Encouragement, Mentoring, Parenting Books, Teen Success, Work
First, here’s what I mean by “smart.” One long-accepted understanding of “smart” involves acquiring knowledge: learning facts and basic principles. This is the primary business of middle school and high school. Kids understand this...
by Dennis Coates | Adolescent Brain, Alcohol, Drugs, Education, Encouragement, Parent-child Communication, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Teen Success
Not long ago, I had a conversation with a local physician. Happily, we didn’t talk about my health. Instead, he spoke enthusiastically about his three children, two boys and a girl, all of whom have left home. He told me something unbelievable about them: all three...
by Dennis Coates | Adolescence, Critical Thinking, Education, Encouragement, Fitness, Health & Nutrition
What does it mean to be a parent? Every spring, a pair of swallows arrives at our front porch to update their nest and nurture offspring. A month or so later, their young leave the nest to learn the fine points of flying and finding food. This cycle sometimes repeats...
