Teens Destroy iPad
In a popular weekend YouTube video, a group of teen guys smash a brand new iPad to bits. So is this is a youthful rebellion against the idols of their parent’s generation? Is it a bold statement about rejecting the technological materialism that is endemic in our society? Not so much. But maybe it still has something to say about teens and money and wisdom.
Debbie Chavez Interview with Mark Matlock
On Thursday, April 1st, Mark Matlock, founder of Real World Parents, was interviewed by Debbie Chavez. Mark talked about how to parent proactively and truly prepare your kids to make their own great choices. You can listen to the interview online.
Teaching Kids Money Wisdom
A new survey by TheMint.org (reported on Credit.com) reveals that 68 percent of teens polled said their parents had the most influence on their spending and saving habits. The bad news is that 70 percent say also say their parents “sometimes spent on silly purchases and rarely met with them over money management.”
Father/Daughter Reading Record
Do you read with your kids? I bet you’ll want to do it more after you read this great piece in the New York Times great piece in the New York Times about how Jim Brozina read to his daughter Kristen for thousands of nights in a row.
Before They Drift Away
Christian Smith’s revealing research of 18-23-year-olds suggests some powerful things Christian parents can do when their kids are younger to help them avoid the spiritual drift that happens to so many young adults in the college years.
What to Do about Cheating
Teachers can only be so smart when it comes to preventing cheating. The real first line of defense is to capture the heart of students, to convince them not only that it is wrong to cheat, but that it matters if they do wrong. Unless students are committed to refusing to cheat under any circumstances, cheating will continue. If you ever want to have a great conversation about the nature of truth and situational morality, ask a roomful of teenagers if it is ever okay to cheat. And then ask them if they ever do.
Mom Doesn’t Want Kids to be Happy
Mommy blogger: “. . . several years I saw a story on a TV show about how the latest trend was for parents to give their daughters boob jobs for high school graduation. . . . When interviewing one of the moms, she said, ‘I just want my daughter to be happy.’ And as I tossed a throw pillow at the television, this really huge thought occurred to me: I don’t want my children to be happy.”
The Wisdom of Sleep
Our conventional wisdom says, “They’re young; they can take it.” But newish studies suggest that lack of sleep in teens can lead to moodiness, depression, underperforming in academics and athletics, and even more dire health concerns. But sleep is more than a health issue. It’s a wisdom issue.
Does Screen Time Make Teens Pull Away?
One 2004 study says yes, but a 2009 study of Web-using adults says we’re more engaged in the world than others. The real question is how is your student responding to their interface with the data stream.
Real World Parents, the Book
We’re really excited to announce that Mark Matlock’s latest book—which builds on and expands all the big ideas covered in the Real World Parents seminars—is now available for purchase and, you know, reading.