One Dad's Journey

April 2009 - Posts

• Where have all the heroes gone? They're walking barefoot

  In the news, we often here of young people getting in trouble, committing crimes, and generally going down the wrong path in life.  However, there are so many young people out there that are examples to other kids as well as to adults that are doing great things.  I recently heard of 12 year old named Bilaal Rajan from Ontario Canada who is a shining light to all who come into contact with him.    Bilaal is a published author, a motivational speaker, and the children’s ambassador for UNICEF Canada.  His most recent cause is raising awareness for those around the world who live in such poverty that they cannot afford to buy shoes.  To raise awareness, he is going barefoot for an entire day and is encouraging others to go barefoot for an hour one day to draw attention to the plight of the poverty stricken around the world. Some people might say, what can one kid do?  Well, Bilaal has raised millions of dollars already in his short life.  He began his fundraising at the age of 4 by selling oranges for people in Gujarat India who experienced the devastation of an earthquake.  He raised $350.00.  At the age of 8, he raised over $50,000 for children affected by a tsunami in Southeast Asia. When asked about what he would tell other kids about how they can make a difference, he said, “take the opportunity to make a difference in this world. Take action with small baby steps and you will be surprised what a difference you have made.” Thank you Bilaal for being an example to us all. Posted Apr 27 2009, 06:48 AM by Coach Scott with no comments Filed under: Intentional, Relationships, Self-Image, Self-Esteem, Fatherhood, Reward, Positive Behavior, Money, Choices, Motivation

• The Daily Checklist

  We have checklists for all kinds of things, so how about a daily checklist for parenting.  In thinking of the ten most important things to do everyday with my three children, I came up with the following “To Do” List: □  Hug them □  Look them in the eye when they are talking to me □  Point out something they are doing right □  Thank them for being my children □  Communicate to them what I like about them □  Listen to them and reflect back what they are saying to make sure I understand □  Do something with them that they enjoy just for fun □  Tell them I love them always and forever no matter what □  Tuck them in a night □  Pray for them I better get busy.  What would be on your list? Posted Apr 07 2009, 01:45 PM by Coach Scott with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Family Time, Intentional, Relationships, Self-Image, Self-Esteem, Fatherhood, Feelings, Nurture, Positive Behavior, Choices

• Give your Child the Best Gift in the World

  Kids have so much stuff today.   Their rooms and closets are filled with games, books, dolls, CD’s, computers, iPods, televisions, name brand clothes, and more.  In addition to their stuff, they have lots of other stuff that fills their days- like soccer practice, ballet, cub scouts, baseball, girl scouts, volleyball, gymnastics and every other activity one can imagine.  Kids are so busy these days and have so many things to do, but I am thinking that this whirlwind may not be so good.  I read a quote the other day from Mac Anderson and Lance Wubbels’ book To a Child Love is Spelled T-I-M-E.  It touched my heart and stirred my spirit.  The quote read -“To the world you may just be one person, but to one person you might just be the world.” There is nothing inherently wrong with stuff or activities, but I think kids need less stuff and more you.  What kids need is time with their mom and dad, hanging out, having fun, with no schedule, no plan, and no whirlwind. So consider this year giving your child the best gift in the world- Time with you! Posted Apr 05 2009, 06:48 PM by Coach Scott with no comments Filed under: Family Time, Intentional, Relationships, Self-Image, Self-Esteem, Fatherhood, Feelings, Family Schedule, Time In, Nurture, Choices