by Dr. Gil | Parents & Grandparents Articles, Parents/Grandparents, Articles
Parents and grandparents often wonder whether the little conversations they have with children really make a difference. They do. Children are constantly forming ideas about honesty, kindness, responsibility, respect, gratitude, friendship, and how they should treat...
by Dr. Gil | Parents & Grandparents Articles, Parents/Grandparents, Articles
Most children eventually learn familiar instructions: Be kind. Tell the truth. Respect others. Share. Say thank you. Be responsible. But knowing the rule and understanding the reason behind the rule are two very different things. That’s where parents and...
by Dr. Gil | Articles, Parents/Grandparents, Parents & Grandparents Articles
Parents and grandparents sometimes think teaching values begins when a child is old enough to have a serious conversation. In reality, it begins much earlier. Children are remarkable observers. They notice whether we say “thank you.” They watch how we treat someone...
by Dr. Gil | Articles, Parents/Grandparents, Parents & Grandparents Articles
Parents and grandparents sometimes wish they could protect children from every negative influence. We can’t. Children will encounter opinions, attitudes, behaviors, entertainment, friendships, and messages that we didn’t choose for them. But perhaps our...
by Dr. Gil | Articles, Parents/Grandparents, Parents & Grandparents Articles
A child becomes angry. Words are exchanged. Perhaps there are tears. Eventually everyone calms down. Parents and grandparents sometimes breathe a sigh of relief and think: “Thank goodness that’s over.” But that may actually be when one of the most valuable...
by Dr. Gil | Articles, Parents/Grandparents, Parents & Grandparents Articles
Families schedule time for many things children need. Homework. Sports. Music lessons. Reading. Appointments. Activities. But what about character? That doesn’t mean families need to add another formal lesson to an already busy week. Quite the opposite....