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Randy, Paula and Simon

2008-04-14 06:52:40

Robert Newberry

Nine Winning Practices

Struggle as I do, I once more find myself unsuccessful in avoiding the Fox blockbuster, American Idol. Once again, I enjoy watching how the various performers respond to the weekly critiques offered up by Randy, Paula and Simon. Much about these young people is demonstrated by how "coachable" they are. Do they react in knee jerk fashion to comments made by the judges? Or, do they listen and take what is worthwhile and helpful, applying the suggestions so as to improve their performance the following week?

Invariably, those who are most coachable seem to stick around the longest and develop the largest following.

One of the most helpful attributes a parent can help his or her child develop is being coachable.(more...)

Goal Setting Done Right!

2008 is here! Now... What are your goals? What's your plan?

If you have a child between the ages of 10 and 18 you should be doing Goal Setting Done Right this year! This motivating and easy to use approach will help your child translate New Year's Resolutions into a specific and achievable plan, and with the Nine Winning Practices guiding the way your child will be on the path to success from Day 1!

Goal Setting Done Right Products:
A Guide For Parents ($5.95),Goal Board ($14.95) and Goal Book ($9.95)

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The Latest Column

Better Than A Magic Pill

2008-02-05 15:48:24

Robert Newberry

Column From the SWC Letter

I am sure that you, like most parents, would seriously consider administering a pill to your child if you knew that doing so would help him or her

• make more and better friends;

• achieve more in and out of the classroom;

• avoid many of the negative risks we want our children to avoid;

• become more successful beyond high school; and

• handle difficult times more successfully.

Well, I know that no such pill exists, but if you are successful in engaging your child in the development and pursuit of goals, you will be well on your way to helping your child along the lines of that non-existent pill.

I have asked numerous young people in recent weeks about a phenomenon that occurs annually at this time of the year. Why is it, I ask, that health and fitness clubs, like Y's and others, become tremendously busy during the months of January and February with activity levels winding down through the spring to pre-January levels...only to replay this sequence again the following January and February?

Before too long, the kids usually realize that there might be a connection between the increased activity in January and the beginning of a new year and the desire of many for better health in the upcoming year. It is not too long before we begin talking about the concept of a New Year's Resolution and what it turns out to be for many-a desire to improve one's life in some respect only to be forgotten within a few weeks of setting it. I tell kids that I can talk about the oft failed intentions of New Year's Resolutions because I have been a culprit on many occasions myself!

The turn of the calendar from one year to another is a great time to reflect upon and consider improvements and aspirations. It's a great time to do so for adults and kids. However, there is a big difference, I tell kids, between a wish and a goal. To move from goal setting to goal attainment, children need to (more...)