Raising Good Readers
Its all about quality, not quantity.
I grew up reading almost everything I could get my hands on. Thrilled that I showed so much interest, no one prohibited or directed my passion. Unfortunately, my ability to read words and understand plots did not mean that I was mature enough to assess the morality or "truth content" of the works I was encountering. At fourteen, who is equipped to weigh the ideas of the German philosopher Nietzsche? And even some of the "great books" I read too early left me confused. Continue »
Use Your Head: Four Key Questions
Being "wise as serpents" regarding the media involves developing the habit of critical thinking. As educator Vincent Ruggiero explains, "This does not mean approaching every idea as false until proven true. It means being neither skeptical nor approving until all reasonable questions about the idea have been answered."
Here are some questions you can fruitfully apply as you watch and read. Try using them for your own reflection and as a teaching tool with your kids. Continue »
Learn to Discern
Finding Your Way through the Media Jungle
My wife and I like books and movies, and as our children have grown up, we've enjoyed introducing them to our favorites. We've raised them on regular doses of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and other contemporary authors, as well as lives of the saints, Bible stories, and classics of children's literature. We've shared our enthusiasm for various movies (being a runner, I'm a great fan of Chariots of Fire). Continue »
A Career Coach Looks at the Parable of the Talents
An Exercise for Parents
Given my line of work, I inevitably find myself drawn to Jesus' parable of the talents. I reflect on it often and speak about it in my career workshops to Christian groups. Ponder Jesus' words along with me, as I draw out a few simple points for reflection and discussion with regard to your children. Continue »
He summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. Continue »
Coach Your Child to Career Success
Recent polls reveal that three out of four people find little purpose or meaning in their work life. Perhaps you know someone like this. Perhaps you have been in this position yourself.
Wouldn't you like something better for your children? Continue »