Creating A Backstop At Home
Change equals stress. And teenagers are living in the middle of it. Every day, they are doing something for the first time, driving, taking finals, getting their first job, navigating friendships, experiencing heartbreak, or even just calling an Uber. They are figuring out who they are, trying things on to…
Parents, You Are Not Alone
We were in Chicago with our son’s volleyball team, dining out with about sixteen parents. Between bites of deep dish pizza and laughter over tournament stories, the conversation turned to our kids, the joys, the challenges, and the daily negotiations that come with raising teenagers. Soon, we were talking…
Should I Let My Kid Go To Parties?
We get this question all the time. Before I explain further, consider the following points. Given the notes above, I suggest holding off on letting your teen attend parties for as long as possible. The later the better. As they grow older, they can better handle peer pressure, make more…
Parenting in the Los Angeles “Bubble”
For years, parents have commented, “I don’t want to raise my kids in a bubble.” Every time I hear that—and it is often—I am perplexed. Do they really know what they are saying? There is no bubble in Los Angeles. The fact that your kids live in…
Freedom and Choices: The Land of Instability & Anxiety
When I am in social circles with high school students and other adults it is often the case that the students are asked, “What is your passion?” This is a common question asked by family friends, relatives, counselors, and even teachers. I see the panic on the students’ faces as…
The World At Their Fingertips – Information Overload
Taking a stance on everything – 24/7 – The pressure to comment. With the globe in the palm of their hands, our young adults have access to anything and everything. They can know what’s going on at the border, the streets of New York City, to Palestine…
Family Mission, Traveling Together As One
What is our family about? Who are we? What do we stand for? What are we known for? What qualities define our family? It is easy to become fully engulfed by the individualism of our culture that fragments us and disconnects us from the community. We were made for relationships…
The Family Collective – Healthy Marriages Healthy Teens
Jim and Sue Knight will be joining The FAMILY COLLECTIVE at Calvary Church to host a conversation about the impact of marriages on the teenage journey. It is well known that our kids mimic much of what they see at home. In this presentation, the…
Coming Home For Christmas – The Art of Being Together Again
Our kids typically return to the home base for the holidays. These are exciting times for the family. The connection of siblings, grandparents, and parents happy to see their kids. It is important to keep in mind that kids and parents may be feeling different things. …