Parenting K-8
DESCRIPTIONS of TOPICS (useful for creating on-site advertisement)
The core issues in Formative Education are recommended in this order:
- #1- Development of Self-Esteem / Soul Formation / Positive Identity
- #2- Understanding Needs and Behavior / Fostering Self-Discipline
- #3- Conscience / Character Formation / Moral Development
- #4- Family Formation Issues
CORE ISSUE #1A-- SELF-ESTEEM / SOUL FORMATION / POSITIVE IDENTITY
Authentic self-esteem is the foundation for life success. If helping children to develop self-control, self-esteem, good character and a strong conscience is an interest close to your heart, do not miss this presentation. Guiding the lifelong process of soul formation is the primary responsibility of parents. It is also the mission of teachers. Both parents and teachers contribute vitally to the soul formation of a child when they communicate genuine affection and foster lifelong development of security, autonomy, initiative and industry. Together we will reflect on these core elements and consider practical advice that was gathered from teachers and from parents of children in grades K through 12 who were recognized for positive self-esteem and character.
POSITIVE SELF-ESTEEM is crucial to Formative Education. Understanding the issues presented in this topic is fundamental to understanding or applying any other child-rearing topic. Possible TITLES for this topic include, but are not limited to, the following:
- (1) Factors of Home and School that Foster Authentic Self-Esteem
- (2) Parents and Teachers — Partners in Formation
- (3) Parenting for Life Success
- (4) Home, School, and Student Success
- (5) Home: The Birthplace of Self-Esteem
- (6) Raising Children of Character in a Materialistic World
CORE ISSUE #1B -- RESILIENT AND SELF-RELIANT CHILDREN: BORN OR FORMED?
A self-reliant, resilient character is not the result of a birthday. It is the by-product of daily life practices that nurture security, autonomy, initiative, and industry on a consistent basis. When parents and teachers apply these practices with consistency, repetition, and continuity, positive identity formation takes root in the child. Over time resilience, self-reliance, and positive self-esteem evolve as byproducts.
This presentation will “unpack” these elements and communicate practical advice that was gathered from parents of children in grades K through 12 who were recognized for positive self-esteem and character.
CORE ISSUE #2 -- UNDERSTANDING NEEDS AND BEHAVIOR / FOSTERING SELF-DISCIPLINE
Misbehavior? Name it, Claim it, Tame it, or, Prevent it from the Get-Go!
Self-mastery and self-esteem are two sides of one coin! If helping a child to grow into a person who is responsible, self-disciplined and respectful is a recurring theme in your heart, do not miss this presentation. Parents lead children to develop self-discipline when they:
- • understand the basic needs that motivate children
- • identify how to avert misbehavior
- • know how to "read" the danger signs
- • determine responses that lead to conversion and re-connection
- • exercise a pro-active style of authority
These dynamics of self-discipline are learnable skills and they are the focus of this presentation.
CORE ISSUE #3 -- CONSCIENCE / CHARACTER FORMATION / MORAL DEVELOPMENT
(option 3.1) Moral Growth Through Ages and Stages
Did you know that moral foundation is established by age 3? How does that occur? Did you know that moral education actually begins in early childhood and then grows through ages and stages throughout life? Did you know that moral development is motivated by a person's sense of "What is right?" and "What is my reason to be good?" Do you know what is age-appropriate behavior for children and how to evoke it?
If these questions interest you, do not miss this presentation. You will find validation of your parenting style and you will receive free resources for fostering moral growth at every age and every stage of child-rearing years.
(option 3.2) skills of Moral Character – Taught & Caught
Character is both taught and caught, and the home is the primary place for formation. Simply stated, a moral life is a life of love. Moral development requires three teachable skills: (1) emotiona/affective practices, (2) reasoning ability, and (3) a decision-making process. This parent presentation will define these essential elements and suggest parent practices that develop these core habits.
(option 3.3) from character to christian conscience
Christian conscience is formed and informed through relationship with Jesus Christ. Parents sow the seeds of conscience (1) through example, (2) by teaching their children principles of decision-making, and (3) by readying their children to develop conscience based on objective criteria rather than emotional reasoning or reaction. This presentation will provide a digest version of Christian conscience formation while validating your parenting style.
(option 3.4 -- (A 4-hour Day of retreat)
MOMS & POPS -- MORAL MENTORS
Character is both taught and caught and the home is the primary place for formation. This family retreat will identify key issues related to moral development and Christian formation. Via presentation, time for discussion and personal reflection, participants will explore six topics:
Treat yourself to a digest version of moral development. Find validation of your parenting style and hear practical suggestions for fostering moral maturity within children at every stage of life.
Core Issue # 4: family formation issues
(Option 4.1) BULLY-PROOFING THE FAMILY
Bullying is a non-issue when we recognize that we are all members of one family. Bullying, putdowns, hurtful teasing, and emotional isolation are non-issues when parents foster a healthy sense of autonomy that results in self-control, self-regulation, and positive self-esteem. Bullying is a non-issue when children know and practice the dynamic of forgiveness. This presentation offers formative support in five areas:
(Option 4.2) Catholic Parents - Keepers of the PROMISE
If you were on trial for being a CATHOLIC PARENT, would there be sufficient evidence for a jury to pronounce a verdict of guilty? At your own baptism you accepted the call to imitate Christ -- the priest, prophet, and servant-king. At the baptism of your child you promised to be that example within your family. Suppose the prosecutor examined your children on how well you are fulfilling your vocation as the "first teacher; the primary educator" who leads them to grow in knowledge, love, and service of God? Is there sufficient evidence to be found guilty as charged? Also, when they brought their child to baptism, they promised to give constant care in training that child in the practice of the faith. This presentation offers insights that support parent efforts to be effective as the "first hearlds of the Gospel" to their children. Don't miss this opportunity to learn what really works in building a home environment that helps children in the lifelong process of soul formation.
Specifically, participants will consider:- • How "priest, prophet, king" translates into daily family life
- • Ways that parents can create a spiritual climate in the home
- • Ten core indicators of Catholic parenting
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(Option 4.3) RAISING CHILDREN OF ETHICAL CHARACTER -- Children who "Do Justice"
"Children learn what they live" and home is the primary place for formation. Simply stated, a moral life is a life of love. Moral living implies ethical behavior -- DOING JUSTICE! This parent presentation will focus on three formative factors:
- • How to instill an ethical mindset through the ages and stages of child development
- • Ways to challenge growth in ethical reasoning
- • Ten Parent Practices that Mentor of Social Justice Mindset
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Find validation of your parenting style and receive free resources for fostering ethical development within children at every stage of life.
(Option 4.4) CREATE A FAMILY CULTURE OF SPIRITUALITY
It is a cultural challenge to establish a culture of Christian spirituality within the home. It requires parental creativity. This presentation will suggest "starter ideas" for cultivating family spirituality during Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Ordinary Time – four of the seasons in the liturgical year.