WEEK 1-PGP-Article-Small Conversations Today Can Become a Child’s Inner Voice Tomorrow
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...
WEEK 2-PGP-Article- Children Need to Know Not Just What Your Family Values—but Why
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 grandparents...
WEEK 3-PGP-Article- Before Children Understand Your Words, They Are Watching Your Example
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...
WEEK 4-PGP-Article- You Can’t Control Every Influence But You Can Strengthen a Child’s Compass
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 job isn't to...
WEEK 5-PGP-Article- The Conversation After the Storm May Matter More Than the Storm
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...
WEEK 06_PGP-Article- What If Character Time Became Family Time?
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....
WEEK 7-PGP-Article- Character Cannot Be Downloaded
Today's children have extraordinary access to information. Want to know how something works? Search for it. Want to learn a new skill? Watch a video. Need help understanding a difficult subject? Technology can provide an explanation almost instantly. But some of...
WEEK 8 – PGP- Article- The Greatest Gift in a Family Conversation May Be Listening
Adults often think meaningful family conversations are about finding the right words to say to children. Sometimes the more important skill is knowing when not to say anything at all. Ask a child a thoughtful question. Then wait. Listen. Children need opportunities to...
WEEK 9-PGP-Article- What Will Your Child Need When You’re Not There to Give the Answer
When children are young, adults provide many of the answers. We tell them what's safe. We explain what's right and wrong. We remind them about responsibilities. We help resolve disagreements. But childhood doesn't last forever. Eventually children face situations when...
WEEK 10-PGP-Article- Teach Children That Listening Is a Form of Respect
We often encourage children to speak clearly and confidently. But one of the most valuable communication skills requires no speaking at all. Listening. Listening tells another person: “What you're saying matters enough for me to pay attention.” Children begin learning...