Youth programs abound today, claiming numerous positive outcomes for adolescents. What tweens and teens learn in youth programs can help them develop better social skills, become leaders, gain greater knowledge of themselves, and foster lifelong relationships. But programs vary widely in quality. What makes youth programs effective? How do you […]
Sociability
It’s a new year. Or maybe it’s just time to reflect on how your parenting practices affect your adolescent’s growth and development. Whatever the reason, a few parenting resolutions may bring surprising results for your whole family. Recent research studies show why the teenage years may be challenging for parents […]
Empathy
Developing emotional intelligence in children is critical to their success in life. Often characterized as the depth to which individuals experience and perceive emotions, emotional intelligence can be exercised, just like intellectual intelligence, through meaningful children’s activities and experiences. Singing songs about feelings is one way that expands children’s emotional […]
Empathy
Are your children, students, or sports team players goal setters? Did you know that goal-setting is a skill that is highly associated with those who excel in school, work, and life? Setting goals is a common practice in the workplace; and for good reasons. Written goals provide a road map […]
Resourcefulness
When you become a parent, you often have this idealized notion of how it is going to go. You will fall in love with your baby and your baby will fall in love with you. You will figure out how to help them grow. It will all work out. After […]
Compass-Inspired
“Honestly, I sometimes truly wish that ‘tools’ such as the iPhone (or any smartphone), laptops, iPads, tablets, etc. hadn’t been invented. Sure, they’re great, incredibly useful, and fun time-killers. But the way teenagers abuse them, and turn them into mini social control rooms is frankly awful.” At first glance, you […]
Sociability
What skills do future leaders need? The answer may surprise you. Research suggests that great leadership is not about a bulleted list of teachable skills, but about the quality of the person. Why is this important to parents, teachers, and others who imagine the future leadership potential of today’s young […]
Compass-Inspired
Communities make a positive difference for children and families when they connect around common values, form meaningful relationships with each other, and provide resources that help kids flourish in life. We know this to be true, not just from research, but because we know deep in our bones that the […]
Compass-Inspired
Like many adults, I can recall the profound influence that youth mentoring has had on my life. Not only did my mentor, a high school teacher, support me through my challenging teen years, but I have felt her positive influence for a lifetime. Why is youth mentoring so important? How […]
Compass-Inspired
With summer around the corner, it’s time to begin thinking about the wonderful art projects for kids that make learning fun! While engaging in kid’s arts and crafts should not be limited by season, summer is a great time to dive into projects without lots of homework on the back […]
Creativity
What are character strengths? What meaningful role does character play in child and adult development? It is widely acknowledged that character –not beauty, high test scores, or wealth–account for life satisfaction and well-being. Derived from the field of positive psychology, the term character strengths has become synonymous with a group […]
Resilience
Family meetings are opportunities for parents and children to discuss important issues, strengthen communication, reinforce values, and nurture positive relationships. Often, parents and kids are reluctant to adopt family meetings because they don’t understand their purpose and structure. Some parents fear it will lessen their authority. Conversely, children may view […]
Compass-Inspired
