Helping kids develop a good work ethic

kids and careers

Tips for Teaching Kids a Good Work Ethic Everywhere I turn, I hear complaints about the lack of a good work ethic in today’s employees.  In a study of 1000 employers across the country, Josh Davies, the CEO of the Center for Work Ethic Development  in Colorado asked the top six work traits that employers look…

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Kids and tough friendship decisions

3 happy boys

Friendship Decisions and Self-Worth As a school counselor for twenty years, one of the most common problems that I talked to kids about was friendship. What do you do when a friend wants to do something that is unkind, thoughtless, or involves breaking the rules? What do you do when a friend is bossy, self-centered…

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Intention and Reflection for the Classroom

boy winning award

Intention and Reflection for the Classroom What was the most memorable and significant year of school for you? The first year you attended school? The year you starred in the class play? The year you won an award? The year you graduated? Research has shown that an important part of learning in any environment is reflecting on our…

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Kids and Rewards

Girl & boy looking at sweet jar

Kids and Rewards What motivates children to want to learn? Is it possible to motivate children without using rewards and treats? Could it be that using rewards is actually causing students to be unmotivated? Where does motivation come from anyway? Some Surprising Research In his book, Drive, The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us, author…

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Ten Engaging Questions to Ask Your Child

mother with daughter hugging and talking

Asking Questions that Make Kids Think As a school counselor, I often talked with parents who were concerned about their inability to engage their children in meaningful conversations. They’d ask, “What did you do at school today?” and get the standard response:  “Nothing.”  They’d learn from other parents or the teacher about significant events or…

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Stress Free Morning Routines for Kids

girl in bed

Stress Free Morning Routines Mom, where’s my lunch money? I can’t find my backpack! What happened to my homework?  If the dog didn’t eat it who did? Get in the car… Get.  in.  the.  CAR! Did the school bus just go by? It’s back to school here in Georgia. Have you established a morning routine…

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