Parent Coach Scott Osterfeld shares personal insights and stories about the adventures of parenting three daughters. Share some tears and laughter with Scott as he gives you a peek inside "One Dad's Journey..."
I was talking to a mom the other day and she shared a great tip for connecting with her kids. About twice a month, mom and daughter would leave for school about 20 minutes early and stop at a local coffee shop called the "Daily Grind." Mom had a cup of coffee and daughter had a hot chocolate. They spent some time together talking about whatever came up. There was no agenda and the purpose of their time together was just to be together. It was a great time of connection. The ladies working at the coffee shop knew the two by name and had their morning favorites ready shortly after they sat down.
The mom went on to tell me that just the other day, the daughter asked her dad on a Saturday afternoon if he would take her to the coffee shop. Dad was busy doing some work and told his daughter that he was too busy. After a short while, however, he went and found his daughter and said "Hey, let’s go to the coffee shop." And off they went for some special time together. "Way to go dad!" I thought to myself. These parents know the importance of intentionally connecting with their kids. The longer I am a parent, the more I believe it is these small, seemingly insignificant times, that really make a difference in the lives of kids. So think about grabbing a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, ice cream, cheese coney, or malt with your kids. It will be time well spent.
About Coach Scott
A licensed social worker, Scott Osterfeld has worked with children and families for twenty years. As the father of three children, each with very different personalities, he has learned that parenting is a flexible and fluid process, and is more of an art than a science.
Scott holds a master's degree in family and child studies, has written a variety of curriculums, and has taught child development courses at the university level. His passion is helping parents develop a vision for themselves as parents, as well as a vision for their children, and to support parents in applying simple and practical skills that enhance the relationship they have with their children.
Scott believes it is the small changes we make as parents that have the greatest impact on our children, and children blossom when we recognize who they are as people and the gifts they bring to the world.
