Posted by: coachingparents | June 20, 2009

10 Points for Planning Successful Birthday Celebrations

By
Dr. Caron B. Goode
www.academyforcoachingparents.com

When it comes to party planning, there’s more to consider than who to invite. Each child is an individual and their birthday celebration should be a reflection of their personal style, temperament and personality. For example, my daughter loved a challenge, and each year involved the newest version of a Treasure Hunt that we dreamed up. On the other hand, my neighbor’s she daughter loved to watch movies with her friends.

To plan a customized celebration that your child will truly enjoy, take these 10 points into consideration.

1.       Consider your child’s age. An age appropriate party assures that everyone will have fun. While having a clown or a costumed character may sound like a great idea, children younger than four of five, who can’t yet distinguish between what’s real and what’s not, could easily become frightened by  masked man. Instead, consider a puppet show, music performer or age appropriate games for your entertainment.

2.       Consider your child’s temperament. Some children love to be the center of attention and would be ecstatic to have a party, complete with colorful decorations and games in their honor, while others may feel overwhelmed by the idea. Pay attention to how your child embraces different environments. If he consistently clams up when in a loud crowd, it may be best to have a small, low-key gathering of family and close friends.

3.       Consider your child’s ideas. Even preschool aged children may have their own vision of what their birthday celebration should be like. If your child expresses interest in his or her upcoming birthday, ask questions to understand their vision. For younger children, ask a question and provide two choices. “I’m thinking about your birthday cake. Would you like Elmo or Big Bird on your cake?” For older kids, ask open ended questions like “Can you tell me what you’d like on your cake?”

4.       Consider your guest list. For young children, the general rule of thumb is to invite the number of children that matches your child’s age in years, plus one. Children older than 8 or 9 can better handle a larger crowd. You’ll also need to think about the children’s parents. If your child is younger, you may want to coach the parents to stay for the duration of the party by suggesting they enjoy coffee or tea.

5.       Consider having a theme. Having a party theme can make the whole planning process a lot easier. From your invitations to your activities, a theme will help your guests easily transition from one activity to the next. If you’re having a jungle theme party, for example, your invitations and paper products could have animals on them, your activity could be making animal masks or singing animal songs, and your menu could include jungle juice and animal crackers. 

6.       Consider a location. The more kids you have, the more space you’ll need. If your child and his or her crew are active, you may wish to have the party outside, in a gym or in other places where the kids will be able to move around without breaking things or bumping into each other. If the guests are younger, your family room at home may be fine. Wherever you choose to have your party, be sure that the environment is safe to play in and explore.

7.       Consider the timing. Consider your child’s daily schedule when planning his or her celebration. Planning the celebration around your child’s normal schedule help assure your child is well rested and ready to celebrate. Some kids are naturally more energetic in the morning while some seem to do better in the afternoon. Be sure to take the time of day your child is most centered, alert and interactive into consideration when party planning.

8.       Consider the menu. In addition to taking allergies and intolerances into consideration, you’ll want to choose easy, age appropriate foods to serve your guests. While pizza is an easy standby, sandwiches cut into creative shapes to match your party theme, fresh fruit salad, raw veggies and cup cakes are also great menu ideas for young kids. Preschool age kids and older may enjoy making their own mini-pizzas or frosting their own cup cakes. 

9.       Consider your budget. While parties can be expensive, they don’t have to be. You can save money by making your own invitations or sending electronic ones, shopping at discount stores for paper products and having family and friends bring a dish to share.

10.   Consider your conversation. Talk about the party planning with your child. For kids who prefer to be informed about everything, walk your child through what will happen at their party in advance. Role-play situations that may occur and coach your child how to communicate to you if things get too loud or too wild. If you can’t meet your child’s party expectations, talk about it in advance and brainstorm other things you can add to the celebration.

Birthday celebrations are a great way to celebrate your child and to let him or her know how special and precious they are. With a little planning, you can put together a celebration that your child will truly enjoy by embracing his or her personal style.

Posted by: coachingparents | June 18, 2009

Being Right

There are great debates being raged in households across the country. These debates are between husbands and wives and between parents and kids.

The prize in all of these debates involves who is right. Sadly, there are people who would rather be right and who would rather feel justified in blaming their loved ones than having successful relationships with them. For fathers, wanting to be right can be especially challenging.

So the next time you want to be “right” with your children, remember that you do have choices: You may not win as many arguments, but you’ll be a more effective father.
Warmly,

Mark Brandenburg

Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC
mark@eqnow.org
http://www.markbrandenburg.com

Posted by: coachingparents | June 16, 2009

Changing Face of Homeschooling

The Changing Face of Homeschooling USA Today newspaper published an update yesterday (http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-05-28-homeschooling_N.htm) on the current profile of families who choose to home-school their children.

•3.9% of white families home-school, up from 2% in 1999.

•6.8% of college-educated parents home-school, up from 4.9% in 1999.

Reasons for homeschooling used to be to provide better character and moral development or better academic preparation and performance. However, now families also believe that their children thrive better socially by mixing with children of all ages and participating in social events through the home-schooling networks. The increase of bullying in schools as well as more aggressive behavior from peer groups may influence why parents are home-schooling more girls. The current ratio of girls to boys in homeschooling is 58% to 42%.  Just this week, Tara Paterson, my coauthor for Raising Intuitive Children has chosen the homeschooling option for her son, Caden, who feels deeply the emotions around him. By the time he gets home from a 7 or 8 hour school day, the swirling feelings inside of him spin too fast for words and a meltdown can happen. Tara observes that he can be “in a flurry.” These flurries day after day wear down her son and slowly grind down any enthusiasm for learning, paying attention, being with friends or achieving. I admire parents with the intuition to know whether or not an academic setting like a school classroom is appropriate for their child.  I admire their courage to champion their child’s physical and emotional well being. Sensitive children seem to easily go on overwhelm, and without changing the classroom environment for interactive sharing and creative discovery, parents need to find options. For children with one of the six types of intuitive intelligence, a home schooling option can serve them well by providing a safety net to let their curiosity lead the way and fuel their expressive gifts.

Posted by: coachingparents | June 14, 2009

10 Ways Fathers Can Get Their Kids to Talk

“Hi buddy, how was school today?” “Fine,” my son offered unenthusiastically.

We’d been here before, and I knew enough not to push any further. For the moment, I’d have to visualize what “fine” might look like.

There are times for all parents when getting information from your kids is challenging, but for fathers the challenge is often greater. Many fathers don’t share emotions with their kids the way their mothers’ do, and many fathers struggle to support and listen to their kids, wanting to give advice instead.

For those fathers looking to connect with their kids, here are ten ways for them to get their kids to open up and talk with them:

1. Don’t try so hard to get them to talk.
The harder you try to get them to talk, the more they’ll resist you. When you relax the pressure a bit, they’ll sense it, and be more ready to talk.

2. Slow down your own life and be available.
Kids have a keen sense of how busy you are. If you’re providing enough down time for you and your kids, they’ll be more likely to feel comfortable talking to you.

3. Engage in a physical activity that they enjoy.
Some kids are more comfortable when they’re moving, especially boys. Shooting baskets, playing soccer, or a game of catch may have your child chattering away. Moving the body can serve to move the mouth as well!

4. Share your own life with them, and be as non-judgmental as possible.
Many fathers don’t share much of their lives with their kids. If you don’t share your own life, they’ll feel less safety in sharing theirs. And, if your kids feel they won’t be judged when they talk with you, they’ll have no reason to hold back.

5. Use open-ended questions.
Questions that begin with “why” tend to create defensiveness, and yes or no questions won’t get much of a response. Learn to use questions that stimulate conversation. “What did you notice about that picture?” works better than, “Did you like that picture?”

6. Use the car as a place for conversation – don’t let them escape!
You’ve got them and they can’t get out! Don’t allow video games or music to interfere with your opportunity to talk with them. Far too many kids can “tune out” today rather than becoming more connected to their parents.

7. Reflect back what you hear from them.
It’s still the best way for your kids to feel heard, and the best way to encourage them to expand on the subject.

8. Talk to them while they’re coloring, painting, or drawing.
Using these activities to allow your kids to express themselves can help them communicate to you as well. And joining in on the activity yourself can produce an even greater sense of connection and sharing.

9. Provide opportunities for fun and excitement.
When your kids are doing something they love to do, they’ll want to share it with you. Provide these for your kids, and listen to them talk about it afterward!

10. Be a parent, but be a friend as well.
While you must be a parent first, being friendly with your kids will help them to want to share with you. Don’t overdo the strict parental stuff.
 
 
Mark Brandenburg

Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC
mark@eqnow.org
http://www.markbrandenburg.com

Posted by: coachingparents | June 12, 2009

A Father’s Love

As a personal coach for men and the publisher of a newsletter, I’m sometimes blessed with personal stories from readers that touch my heart. This story sent in from a father helped me to remember why I’m doing what I do. I’d like to share it with you:
“As a father of two teens, I’‘ve enjoyed your insight on fatherhood. I was raised in a loving family environment, but just as you indicated, my father was the primary breadwinner and the “backbone” of the family, not an emotional type. As a child, I never saw him cry or appear weak, nor did he ever utter the words “I love you”. It was just not in his vocabulary, though I never doubted his love for any of us.

It was not until his last hours on this earth, nearly 9 years ago, that I saw him cry for the first time. Suffering from the side effects of leukemia, I was visiting him in his hospital room.

As I sat on the side of his bed feeding him ice chips and jello cubes by spoon, it occurred to me that we had reversed roles. He was no longer caring for my needs, but I was there to help him with his basic needs.

We talked about things that we’‘d never discussed previously, and as I was preparing to return home to my family for the night, I turned to him and said “I love you.” He smiled and nodded his approval as I exited his room for the last time.

Unfortunately, he’‘d been experiencing internal bleeding, though he never complained or mentioned it to me, and he expired some three hours after I left.

I feel fortunate to have spent those last hours with him and that I could express my love to him, though I felt out of character in doing it. I only wish that it had occurred years earlier.

As a father myself, I’ve broken the male mold. I freely express my love not only for my wife but for each of my children. Rarely does a day pass that I don’‘t talk with my kids, always ending the conversation with an “I love you”.

I’‘ll be the first to admit that life is not always a bed of roses, and that developing strong family ties requires patience and perseverance. But I’m incredibly proud of the family relationships that we’‘ve developed and nurtured in our children.”
Millions of today’s fathers grew up with fathers who were unable to express their love directly. And yet so many of these fathers have been able to express their love to their own children in a more direct fashion.

They’ve done it because they know the pain of not receiving that direct love. They know how absolutely vital their expression of love and acceptance is for their kids. And they’ve moved past the discomfort of expressing their love for their kids so their kids may thrive.

This is an acknowledgement to the courage of all the fathers that have ”broken the mold.”

If our world is to change, it won’t be without a lot more molds being broken. Have you broken yours yet?

Warmly,

Mark Brandenburg

Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC
mark@eqnow.org
http://www.markbrandenburg.com

Posted by: coachingparents | May 28, 2009

EVERYDAY GREATNESS

By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

As a society, we seem to be obsessed with “greatness.”  We call a person “great” if he or she has performed a single skillful act (e.g. Captain “Sully” safely landing his airplane in the Hudson River).  We call a person “great” if he or she survives a life-threatening situation (e.g. Captain Phillips surviving his ordeal at the hands of “pirates”).  Now, I’m not diminishing the greatness of an unusual or highly skillful action.  I am saying there is another way of defining “greatness” that is more useful.  It is what Stephen R. Covey calls, “Everyday Greatness.”

We often associate greatness with notoriety, fame, prestige, wealth or position.  We often fail to associate greatness with the character or personality of a given individual.  Covey writes, “Everyday Greatness is a way of living, not a one-time event.  It says more about who a person is than what a person has [or done].  [It] is portrayed more by the goodness that radiates from a face than the title on a business card.  It speaks more about people’s motives than about their talents; more about small and simple deeds than about grandiose accomplishments.”

Covey goes on to say, “Occasionally the world witnesses a heroic feat or discovers a person with rare talent… Such singular events and accomplishments often appear in sizzling media headlines under the banner of “greatness.” But most people know there is another type of greatness that tends to be more quiet by nature, one that generally escapes the headlines. Yet it is a greatness that in my opinion is deserving of higher honor, even more respect.”

You don’t have to be the next Martin Luther King Jr., or the next Abraham Lincoln or Mother Teresa in order to demonstrate everyday greatness.  You do have to have certain timeless character qualities within your personality to be described as “great.” 

In an earlier book (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), Covey distinguishes between what he calls the “personality ethic” and the “character ethic.”  The personality ethic includes the skills and techniques one may learn and display as their public image, their “personality,” or attitudes one may have that result in temporary success.

The character ethic assumes that there are some absolute principles that exist in all humans, upon which all true and lasting greatness is built.  According to the character ethic, it is more important to focus on integrating those timeless principles of effective living into one’s personal character.  It is the nature of your character that makes you great!…or not.

What are some of those “timeless principles?”  They include qualities such as: Truthfulness; Compassion; Integrity; Perseverance; Dependability; Generosity; Gratefulness; Humility; Responsibility; Justice and yes, Love.

We all have the potential to become great in character.  The question of “greatness” then becomes, “Are you living your life in harmony with these timeless principles?”  If you have incorporated them into your personal character, and your actions are rooted in them, certainly you can be truly considered “great.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dr. Thomas is a licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and life coach.  He serves on the faculty of the International University of Professional Studies. He recently co-authored (with Patrick Williams) the book: “Total Life Coaching: 50+ Life Lessons, Skills and Techniques for Enhancing Your Practice…and Your Life!” (W.W. Norton 2005) It is available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com.

Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. has 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and Licensed Psychologist.  He is available for coaching in any area presented in “Practical Life Coaching” (formerly “Practical Psychology”).  Initial coaching sessions are free.  Contact him: DrLloyd@CreatingLeaders.com

Posted by: coachingparents | May 26, 2009

Outside Fun: Growing Your Own Veggie Garden

by Dr. Caron B. Goode
www.acpi.biz

Unfortunately, many children today do not know where their food comes from. Many would even draw a blank if you pointed to a jar of canned veggies and asked them how they ended up on the store shelf. The good news is you can change that! With the nice weather on your side, you can coach your kids to play an active role in growing their own fresh produce.
 
For parents who are struggling with getting their kids to eat veggies, growing a vegetable garden may provide for more than summer fun. In fact, when kids feel like they have an active role in growing their own produce, they may be more interested in eating it.  One case in point was my family’s move to a new home in Virginia. My mother-in-law loved to plant, and at 75 years of age, she had vigor that embarrassed the rest of us. In our desire to help her plant snap peas and beans, spinach and melons, my two children and I found a bond to share with our wise elder. Two hours in a garden one afternoon turned into months of sharing the watering, picking and cooking our produce.
 
Gardening also provides an opportunity for children to learn many valuable life skills. Children can learn practical, hands-on science lessons and can learn about caring for living things, simply by planting and tending to a garden. Growing fresh vegetables also encourages healthy eating habits, which is critical during a time when childhood obesity is a national epidemic.  And with the prize of fresh produce at the end, these are lessons kids won’t soon forget!
 
To get started producing your own produce, gather the kids and try planting these no fail veggies in your garden. If you don’t have space to start a garden in your backyard, these veggies will even grow well in a pot on your deck.

Leafy Lettuce.  Plant lettuce seeds in shallow soil, covering them with about ½ inch of soil. Water until soil is moist. Be sure to check the seed packaging so you can allow enough space in-between seeds for your lettuce to grow. Lettuce is usually ready to harvest about 80 days after planting the seeds. With leafy lettuce, simply remove the outer lettuce leaves when you’re ready to eat it so your lettuce will continue to grow.

Carrots. Sprinkle carrot seeds on top of the soil and gently water them into the soil. Carrots need to be planted in sandy soil mix that drains well and is free from stones and debris. You’ll need to weed around your carrots often, to prevent overcrowding. Carrots also require lots of water and are ready to be picked 65-75 days after the seeds are planted.

Radishes.  Radish seeds should be planted about three inches deep, one and a half inches apart. Water your radishes until the soil is moist. Radishes are ready to eat in about one month’s time.

Crookedneck Squash.  Till soil until crumbly and fine.  Squash grow best in rich soil that drains well. Make a small mound with the soil and plant 4 to 5 seeds, each one inch deep. Water seeds regularly to keep soil moist. Summer squash is ready to be harvested 45 to 50 days after planting.

Sweet Peas.  Space sweet pea seeds one inch apart and plant two inches deep in a mound of soil. Place your peas in direct sunlight and water only when the soil is dry. Sweet peas are ready 55-70 days after planting.

If you don’t mind putting in a little extra effort, most plants will benefit from adding compost or organic fungicide to the soil.
 
Once your produce is ready to pick, you can have a grand time creating custom made salads and snacking on fresh treats. If a love of gardening takes root, coach your kids to develop entrepreneurial skills by setting up a farm stand and selling fresh grown vegetables to family and friends. You can even coach them to barter with other gardening neighbors for veggies they haven’t yet grown.
 
The dirt on gardening with kids is this. More than veggies will grow when you garden with your kids.  Your children will grow in their abilities to care and tend to things of the earth and in their sense of personal and global responsibility.  Their sense of self-worth will also bloom with pride from a gardening job well done.  Good fun in the sun! You can’t beat it.

Dr. Caron Goode is an inspirational speaker, spiritual coach, and prolific author of fifteen books. Gifted with compassion and a deep desire to assist others in expressing their passion and potential, Dr. Goode has become a well-respected leader in the parent coaching industry. She directs the Academy for Coaching Parents International that trains students in Heartwise™ parent coaching. Dr. Goode is called on by the media as a parenting and coaching expert. Most recently she has appeared in Women’s World (01-09) and Fort Worth Child magazine (01-09). Dr. Goode has shared her holistic approach to achieving parenting success and negotiating relationships. Dr. Goode holds the titles of National Certified Counselor and Diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association.

Posted by: coachingparents | May 24, 2009

Coaching Kids Through Cleaning Chores

Dr. Caron Goode
www.acpi.biz
 
On the surface, coaching kids to do chores seems like no more than getting children to pick up around the house, Coaching kids to pitch in regularly with household maintenance instills important values, teaches life lessons and basic domestic skills. Each skill listed in this article has an italicized affirmation for you and you child to put on index cards and read together each day to reinforce the team work of a family.

Children feel like they truly belong to their family unit. Having kids do chores helps a child feel connected to their family. Assigning chores allows each member of the family to share responsibility in the day to day operations of home life, which sends these messages

We value you as a family member.
You matter; you contribution matters. 
You are unique and important to the overall success of the family’s day.
 
From teaching responsibility to encouraging independence, chores instill important values in children, such as…

Responsibility. Chores teach kids that they are responsible for their personal items like clothes and toys. If I don’t pick up my things and put them in their place I may lose track of them. 

Teamwork. Chores teach kids that a group of people with a common goal can accomplish much. When everyone does their share of tidying up the house gets clean quicker.

Self-reliance. Chores teach kids that there are some things you must depend on yourself to do. If I want a neat bed and I don’t make it, no one is going to make it for me.

Confidence.  Chores teach kids to have an “I can do it” attitude. Completing age-appropriate tasks can be fun!

Community. Chores teach kids the importance of community living. If I know how to be an active member of my family community, I will be able to be an active member of my school or work community.

Independence.  Chores teach kids that they are capable of doing some things on their own. As I get older, there are more things I can do without a grownups help.  Chores also teach kids important life lessons that are best taught in the safety net of home.
 
Organization.  Chores teach kids that when everything has its place, it’s easy to find things.  When I know where things are I won’t have to waste time searching for them.
 
Structure. Chores teach kids that specific things must be done specific ways.  When I do it right the first time, I won’t have to do it again.
 
Prioritization.  Chores teach kids that sometimes we have to do the things that aren’t fun first. If I want to have a friend over, I need to pick up my play area first.  Chores also help kids teach life skills, basic domestic tasks that all adults must learn to master.  Basic life skills that can be taught through chores include:
 
Cooking. Chores teach kids how to prepare meals and snacks. I can make my own snack when I am hungry.
Cleaning. Chores teach kids how maintain a healthy home. When I see crumbs on the floor I should pick them up so that bugs don’t eat them.
Laundry. Chores teach kids how to care for their clothing. My clothes don’t magically appear clean. 

And the great thing about chores is that even the youngest member of the family can do their part. 

Children as young as one can:

 Help put small toys in a large bin for clean up
 Help make a bed
 Help put clothes in hamper
 Put cup on table or highchair (rather than floor when done)

Children as young as two can:
 
 Clean up small spills
 Put books on a shelf
 Help sort laundry
 Carry small items from car to house
 
Children as young as three can:

 Help set the table
 Empty paper trash cans
 Fold socks
 Put spoons and forks away

Children as young as four can:

 Clear table
 Rinse dishes
 Help vacuum
 Dust

Children as young as five can:

 Set table
 Help prepare meals
 Make a bowl of cereal
 Help feed a baby
 
So as you take part in the annual rite of passage we call Spring Cleaning, get your kids involved.

To motivate your children to do chores:

Consider posting a Spring Cleaning chore chart.  Make a grid and list each family member’s name across the top and chores down the side. As a chore is completed, allow your child to place a sticker or checkmark next to it. After the Spring Cleaning is complete, carry on with a weekly chore chart for the family.

Make chores fun. Have chore races or make up silly songs to sing as you do your chores. The cleanup song has been known to motivate even the most uncooperative toddlers to pick up their toys.

Offer a family reward. Once everyone’s done their job, prepare a favorite meal, play a favorite family game or go on a family outing or adventure.

Spring Cleaning provides the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to chores. Cease the moment! You’ll be thankful you did!

Dr. Caron Goode is gifted with compassion in assisting others to effect lasting transformation through spiritual coaching, books, classes and seminars. Caron’s continuous education, experience in psychology and professional writing makes her a great resource for parents wishing to create and maintain a nurturing relationship their children. She has positioned the Academy for Coaching Parents International (www.acpi.biz) at the forefront of the parent coaching movement to disseminate the coaching model of empowerment for parents. Newest book – Raising Intuitive Children by Goode and Paterson.

Posted by: coachingparents | May 22, 2009

Coaching Kids to Put Some Spring in their Step

10 Super Backyard Games that Equal Family Fun

Dr. Caron Goode
www.acpi.biz

Days and becoming longer and staying lighter. Families have more time to reconnect after an otherwise disjointed day. Winter is officially over and the sounds of spring are beckoning families to the great outdoors. What better way to de-stress, than to run around with the kids in your own backyard and spend quality time with the family. If you play hard, you’ll even work off those extra lattes you were sipping to stay awake during those cold winter months. In addition, what better way to encourage a love of being active and outdoors? If you’re ready to enjoy the warmer weather and have some backyard fun, grab the kids, head outside and play a few of these super fun, family-friendly games.

Hide and Seek. An oldie, but goodie, set up the backyard boundaries and have at it. Choose one person to be the seeker and have him count to 20 while everyone else hides. The last person to be found becomes the seeker.
 
Pick Pocket Tag. Stick a strip of fabric into the back pocket or waistband of each family member. Everyone chases each other, trying to grab the strip of fabric, without getting their own fabric strip taken. The person with the most fabric strips at the end of the game wins.

Hide the Bones.  This is a favorite game of parenting author, Michelle LaRowe, 2004 International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year. Purchase some small, plastic bones from your local party store and hide them throughout the backyard. Give each person a pail and let them collect the bones. The one who has the most wins. While bones add a bit of humor, plastic eggs are a great seasonable substitute if bones aren’t available.

Hop Scotch. Let the kids choose their favorite color of chalk and draw the hop scotch layout in your driveway.  Draw 3 single squares, 1 double square, 2 single squares, 1 double square and 1 single square. Remind the kids that one foot goes in each square. If you’re feeling creative, have the kids find sticks to create your hop scotch board on the grass in the backyard.

Freeze Dance. When the music starts, have everyone do their silliest dance. When it stops, freeze. The last person left in their frozen position wins!

Off to the Races. Race by hopping, crawling, or running to the other side of the lawn. The first one to reach the finish line wins.

Shark Attack. Place hula hoops on the ground to serve as dens for the fish. Select one person to be the shark. When the shark calls out “Fishies, fishies, cross my ocean” the fish move out of their den and try to make it to another den.  If the shark tags the fish while outside of a den, the fish becomes a shark.  The last fish left becomes the shark.

Team Tag. Let the youngest family member be “it” first. Once he tags someone, they join hands and keep tagging people until everyone has joined hands.

Capture the Flag. Divide the lawn into two sides, with a team of family members on each side. Both teams have three minutes to hide their flags. The goal is to capture the other team’s flag without getting caught. If you get caught, you have to go to jail, where you can only be freed by getting tagged out by a member of your team. The first team to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to their side wins.

Duck, Duck Goose.  Everyone sits in a circle, facing inwards, while the ducker taps each person lightly on the head, saying either duck or goose. When the ducker says goose, the person who was tapped gets up and chases the ducker. If the ducker gets all the way around the circle and back to the goose’s spot, without getting tagged, the goose becomes the new ducker. If the goose catches the ducker, the ducker continues being the ducker.

Now that Spring is really here, coach the family to have some big, backyard fun. Now is the time enjoy the weather and to enjoy each other outside.

Dr. Goode is gifted with compassion in assisting others to effect lasting transformation through spiritual coaching, books, classes and seminars. Caron’s continuous education, experience in psychology and professional writing makes her a great resource for parents wishing to create and maintain a nurturing relationship their children. She has positioned the Academy for Coaching Parents International (www.acpi.biz) at the forefront of the parent coaching movement to disseminate the coaching model of empowerment for parents. Newest book – Raising Intuitive Children at www.raisingintuitivechilren.com

Posted by: coachingparents | May 20, 2009

Dr. Caron Goode discusses how to raise Intuitive Children

Intuitive Intelligence is the new kid on the block. Reminding us that each person is born with intuition, Dr. Goode views it as an inner compass that connects us to our world. She emphasizes the body-mind-spirit connection and how to access it, telling parents how to create and maintain a nurturing relationship with their intuitively aware children. Caron Goode, Ed.D., a psychotherapist, serves on the Expert Advisory Board of Inspired Parenting magazine. A seminar leader and inspirational teacher and speaker, Dr. Goode is quoted often as a parenting expert.  Hear Dr. Goode talk about ways to guide your children to know and trust their intuitive gifts at  http://emotionalpro.com/archives/673.

For a Limited Time:

Psychotherapist Caron Goode teams up with parenting expert and Coach Tara Paterson to share explanations, stories, and examples many from Tara’s own family in this ground-breaking guide.
For the next 48 hours, get your free chapter of Raising Intuitive Children at www.raisingintuitivechildren.com.

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