In a techno-driven world, parents can use all the help they can get when it comes to protecting their children from the online world. Today, John DeGiralamo joins me on Equipped To Be. Together, we offer “Tips for Parents to Protect Your Child.”
Understanding the Dangerous
Building trust and fostering open communication with your child.
Creating a safe space for them to share their online experiences.
The significance of having ongoing conversations about responsible online behavior.
Privacy and Security Measures
The importance of strong, unique passwords.
Educating children on the risks of sharing personal information.
Implementing privacy settings on social media accounts.
Staying Informed
Keeping up with the latest online trends and threats.
Resources for parents to stay informed and engaged.
Being proactive in adapting to changes in the digital landscape.
As parents, navigating the digital world alongside your children is a challenging yet crucial responsibility. By staying informed, fostering open communication, and implementing practical strategies, you can create a safe and supportive online environment for your child. Join us in our mission to empower parents and protect the next generation in the vast landscape of the internet. notes content
About John DeGirolamo
John DiGirolamo is a critically acclaimed author, speaker, and anti-human trafficking advocate and is a member of the Christian Authors Network and Christian Indie Publishing Association. He is the Board President of Bringing our Valley Hope, a nonprofit located in Chaffe County, CO, whose objective is to end human trafficking in central Colorado through education.
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it’s the perfect moment to reflect, reset, and reimagine the future. In today’s episode of Setting Family Goals, we’re delving into a topic that’s not just about resolutions but about building the very fabric of our lives – “How to Set Family Goals.”
Whether you’re a seasoned goal-setter or someone exploring this concept for the first time, join me on a journey where I share how you can set meaningful, achievable, and heartwarming goals for your family. From fostering stronger connections to creating a shared vision, you’ll learn insights and inspiration to help guide you through the process.
With the new year fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about setting family goals to strengthen your family.
Setting Family Goals can be overwhelming for many families, but it doesn’t have to be. How can we approach this process so that each member of the family is on the same page? While it can seem daunting with the right approach, it can actually be quite manageable and rewarding.
I like to begin by looking back on the past year and identifying three positive things that happened during the year, plus a few additional things to consider.
Reflect on the Past Year
Reflect on the lessons you learned from the previous year can help you better understand how you overcame struggles or what you learned from them.
Take stock of accomplishments and challenges.
Consider what worked well and what didn’t.
Identify areas for improvement or change.
Did you use your gifts and strengths properly?
After reflection, setting clear and specific goals is important. These goals should be realistic and aligned with your values and aspirations.
Set Clear and Specific Goals
How do we make goals specific and measurable?
Look at each role you play: wife, husband, partner, mother, daughter, career woman, and write down one thing you want to work on for each of these. Why do I say only one from each role? Well, we have to keep our goals manageable.
Make the goals relevant to your family. Stop following other people’s paths. Your family. Your values, Your path.
Avoid falling into the trap of thinking you can fit more into a day than is possible.
Evaluate where you are spending your time.
Break Goals Down into Actionable Steps
Divide goals into small, manageable tasks.
Establish a timeline and set deadlines for each step.
Determine the resources and support needed to accomplish each task.
Monitor Your Progress
As much as we want to set our goals and move forward, we must stay focused and monitor our progress because setbacks happen. Here are three ways to make sure your family is going in the right direction:
Regularly track your progress.
Celebrate milestones and achievements along the way.
Be flexible and willing to adjust if necessary.
I know these may seem basic, but if you pause to reflect, set clear goals, break them into small parts, and monitor your progress, your family will step into a new year with a goal everyone can aim for.
Note: Don’t forget self-care. You can’t pour from an empty pitcher. You have to carve out some time to do something you enjoy that’s just for you. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to be intentional. What gets scheduled gets done.
Eliminating holiday meltdowns in children can be a challenge, especially when they don’t get the gift they wanted or asked for. A moment that was supposed to be filled with gratitude suddenly turns into disappointment and even poor behavior. Is there anything we can do to stop our kids from having meltdowns when they don’t get what they want?
Children are bombarded with celebrity brands and peers who seem to have all the cool stuff, which can cause kids to want bigger, brighter, and more budget-busting gifts. But there are ways we can eliminate holiday meltdowns in children by modeling gratitude and appreciation.
I don’t think we can squarely blame our kids’ meltdowns on others, but children are influenced by what they see and hear. So it’s up to us to help them learn how to manage their emotions by modeling acceptable behavior.
Eliminating Meltdowns by Setting Family Expectations
Children do better when they understand our expectations of them. Think of it as the ground rules for creating a memorable day. Learning to be grateful is something they learn by watching us.
Something that helps is for us to be intentional about expressing appreciation for things others do for us and the gifts we receive. When you model gratitude and thankfulness, your children listen and learn how to do the same.
Kids often act out because they are disappointed and do not have the maturity to think clearly in that moment. We can help them by teaching them the purpose of gift-giving.
Focus on the Meaning of Gift-giving
Our children will benefit from the joy of gift-giving and receiving for years to come. But, it takes some children time to understand the meaning fully. Here are just a few reasons we give to others. (Note: expecting a gift because we deserve one is not on my list.)
Religious practices
Time to think of others
Something personal and from the heart
To show love
Make your own list and write them down for your kids to see. It will be a visual reminder when they forget and will help eliminate meltdowns should they feel ungrateful.
I’ve given a few ways to reduce meltdowns, but there is more we can do daily that will help our kids.
Addtional Ways Parents Can Eliminate Meltdowns
Set Realistic Expectations. Children learn through repetition. Talk about what isn’t permissible and what you expect.
Serve Others
Encourage Appreciation. Give your child words they can use to express appreciation for the thoughtfulness of others.
Teach Coping Skills. Provide ways a child can express their feelings with you privately.
Redirect Attention. Focus on what they did get.
Implement a Wish List Tradition. A wish list is for things hoped for, not expected.
Involve Them in Purchasing and Giving. Kids learn budgeting, spending their own money, and decision-making.
Discuss Feelings. Give kids an opportunity to say why they are sad without the fear of being lectured. We all have to learn how to express our feelings.
Reinforce the idea that the holiday season is about spending time with loved ones, creating memories, and enjoying shared moments, not getting everything on a wish list. We must emphasize the value of non-material aspects of the holidays.
Remember, each child is unique, and it’s essential to tailor your approach based on their age, temperament, and individual characteristics. Patience, empathy, and open communication are critical in addressing holiday meltdowns.
I hope you enjoy this episode. I know you want to raise kids who are thankful for the gifts they receive because someone wanted to give them something.
Welcome to this episode of Homeschool Growth is Surging. Today, I’ll explore the reasons behind the remarkable rise in homeschooling with a special guest – Jim Mason, who has witnessed this surge firsthand. As president of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association and father of seven, Jim and I will shed light on the factors driving more families to choose this educational path. So, get ready to delve into why parents choose to homeschool their children!
Why Parents Homeschool
People often ask me why there is a sudden surge in homeschooling. While there are many reasons homeschooling is surging, below are some of the more common reasons:
Concern about school environment: Many parents are choosing to homeschool their children due to concerns about the school environment, including issues such as bullying, safety, or a lack of personalized attention.
Desire to provide moral instruction: A significant number of parents opt for homeschooling to have more control over the values and morals imparted to their children. They believe homeschooling provides an opportunity to instill their own beliefs and principles.
Dissatisfaction with academics and family values: Some families choose homeschooling because they feel dissatisfied with traditional schools’ academic standards or curriculum. Additionally, homeschooling allows families to prioritize and incorporate their own values and beliefs into their children’s education.
About Jim Mason
Jim Mason is a highly experienced attorney and advocate for homeschooling families. He has been an integral part of HSLDA’s litigation team since 2001, setting precedents that expand homeschooling freedom. Jim succeeded Mike Smith as President of HSLDA in August 2022. As a U.S. Navy veteran and Regent University School of Law graduate, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
Have you wondered if making family traditions matter? Are they worth the time and effort that goes into planning them? Yes! Making family traditions can have numerous positive impacts on individuals and the family unit as a whole. That’s why we are re-airing a popular episode from the vault today.
Embark on a heartwarming journey with our latest podcast episode, where we dive deep into the art of making family traditions. 🌟 From the chaos of holiday celebrations to the simplicity of intentional moments, we explore how these traditions weave the fabric of strong family bonds. Join us as we unravel the beauty of simple yet impactful rituals, discover the “why” behind each tradition, and get inspired with creative ideas for making lasting memories. 🎄✨ Tune in to our podcast and start crafting your family’s unique story through the beauty of traditions! #MakingFamilyTraditions #PodcastJoy #ConnectThroughTraditions 🎧
Embracing the Chaos: The Importance of Family Traditions
The holiday season often feels like a whirlwind of plays, parties, and gatherings, intertwined with the chaos of decorating, shopping, and wrapping. Amidst the hustle and bustle, reflecting on the unique and repeated traditions that define your family’s holiday experience is essential. The significance of these traditions becomes evident over time, shaping strong family relationships and fostering a sense of connectedness.
Making family traditions do not need to be extravagant and expensive. The simple and budget-friendly traditions are where kids grow to love and appreciate traditions.
A Journey of Traditions: From Few to Many
Reflecting on my own childhood, my family’s holiday traditions were minimal, centered around the annual visit to my grandparents’ house. In contrast, my husband’s family embraced a plethora of small yet meaningful traditions. These were anticipated events, eagerly attended by everyone, forming a tapestry of shared experiences that enriched their holiday celebrations. Over the years Tom and I decided to replace certain traditions that didn’t align with our family goals by adding new ones.
Extravagance Not Required: The Beauty of Simple Traditions
Contrary to popular belief, family traditions need not be extravagant or expensive. The simple, budget-friendly traditions leave lasting impressions on children, cultivating a genuine love and appreciation for the rituals that define each holiday season.
Unveiling the Why Behind Traditions
When embarking on the journey of making new family traditions, consider these guiding principles:
Make it Fun: Infuse a sense of enjoyment into your traditions. Don’t worry if one child isn’t as enthusiastic as the other kids. That can change from year to year.
Have a Why: Every tradition should carry a meaningful purpose.
Ensure Understanding: Make sure your children understand the significance of each tradition.
Ideas: Inspiration for Making Family Traditions
Service-Oriented Traditions are an excellent way to make family traditions fun.
Initiate a tradition of service projects, such as:
Wrapping gifts
Organizing a toy drive
Serving the homeless
Shopping for families facing challenges
Spending time with seniors at a local center
Encourage your children to focus on something beyond themselves, fostering a spirit of generosity that extends beyond the holiday season.
Arts and Crafts Adventures
Engage in simple yet intentional arts and crafts traditions, such as:
Making baked goods
Decorating cookies or gingerbread houses
Crafting ornaments and other DIY projects
Even mishaps, like burning the bread, can turn into cherished memories for future conversations.
Sentimental and Gratitude-Focused Traditions
Instill gratitude and the true meaning of the season with activities like:
Writing letters expressing thanks and gratitude to each family member
Exchanging special ornaments
Participating in an advent reading together
Hosting an ugly sweater party or white elephant exchange
As your children grow, encourage them to take the lead and contribute their creative ideas to the evolving tapestry of family traditions.
“Writing Little Stories on Their Hearts”
In the words of Connie Albers, “You’re writing little stories on their heart to let them know that they belong to this family.”
Whether celebrating the 4th of July, Easter, birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas, take a moment to reflect on the traditions that define your family. Embrace the chaos, find joy in simplicity, and remember the why behind each tradition. The ultimate goal is to create a nurturing environment where your children can thrive, grow, and feel a lasting sense of belonging.
Imagine a national holiday tradition, an influence on a U.S. President, and the indirect catalyst for pardoning hundreds in distress—all sparked by the power of a child. Now, what if I revealed that this extraordinary child was far from perfect? Described as mischievous, a prankster, and a troublemaker, this less-than-conventional figure was also shunned by other children for looking and talking differently. Yet, within this seemingly imperfect child lies a story that unveils the profound impact parents’ unconditional love can have on shaping not just an individual, but the course of history itself. Join Raymond Arroyo and me as we unravel this captivating narrative about The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln on the podcast episode.
The Power of a Loving Parent
We can all learn a lesson or two about loving a difficult child from the former president of the United States. Instead of criticizing, Abe and his wife, Mary, chose to see what was good and right with their children. And we can too.
It is a choice. We can find good in our kids even when they act up and misbehave.
The Power of a Child
Frequently, we find it challenging to look beyond our child’s behavior to understand the essence of who they are as individuals. When we recognize our children as blessings, a transformative shift in perspective occurs. How do they exhibit kindness and empathy, and how can we nurture these qualities without diminishing their spirits?
Encouraging our children to embrace their authentic selves requires a delicate balance. Imperfection is part of their journey, and as parents, we play a crucial role in fostering an environment where they can grow and thrive without the burden of unrealistic expectations.
The Power of Listening and Learning to Our Child
While in the middle of a war, grieving the death of his son, Willie, Abe found a way to listen and learn from Tad. Abe found a deep sense of joy in his son. Many of Tad’s shenanigans made his dad laugh. And that is something we can do as parents. We can, and I believe should, delight in the child God gave us.
Though Tad was not like the other kids, it didn’t stop him from loving others and caring about their lives. Tad was just a boy, but his influence changed the lives of hundreds of people who were in great distress. And that is something our kids can strive for.
About Raymond Arroyo
Raymond Arroyo is an internationally known, award-winning journalist, producer, and New York Times Bestselling author of Turnabout Tales (Harper); managing editor, The World Over EWTN; Fox News Contributor; and former CNN contributor.
