As parents, foster parents, youth workers, youth advocates, and mentors we encourage our youth to make wise choices and all areas of life. Robert Kiyosaki explains the difference between an asset and a liability in his book “Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens.” I want to buy this book for every teen and adult camping […]
What Are Your Youth Investing In? Read More »
If you’ve ever met me in person, read my blog, or follow me on social media you know that I am a HUGE proponent of volunteerism. I believe whole heartedly that civic engagement builds character, leadership, and confidence in youth. The right service opportunity can help youth develop compassion, responsibility, and critical thinking skills. I
Are Your Youth Still Volunteering? Read More »
In 2009, I spent weeks talking to my girls group about teen dating violence when Chris Brown assaulted Rihanna. A couple weeks ago a teen mother in Prince George’s County was killed by the father of her child who then took his own life. Last week, I dialogued with adults about the “Chris Brown can
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I love music and so does my daughter. Although neither of us is a gifted singer or musician, we have always shared our love of music with each other. Music is a universal language. “Mommy and Me” classes that encourage parents to bond with their young children through singing and dancing have increased in popularity
Parents: Give The Gift of Music Read More »
Valentine’s Day is usually a holiday that you love or hate. Remember kindergarten when everyone in class received Valentine’s Day cards and gifts? I received Valentine’s Day gifts from my mother into young adulthood. I have done the same for my daughter (her Valentine’s Day packaged arrived at her dorm last week). For me
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Over the last few years, I’ve heard many arguments about whether there is still a need for Black History Month. The other argument is whether Black History Month creates separatism instead of ethnic pride. We don’t need Black History Month when have a Black family in the White House right? I disagree. I am of
Will Your Youth Commemorate Black History Month? Read More »
In his 2012 State of the Union address, President Obama asked states to consider increasing the minimum age for a student to leave school to 18. How do we keep youth engaged and motivated? Teens are unique and their educational experiences should be unique as well. The cookie cutter approach to education leads to
Why Should I Stay In School? Read More »
Resilient – rebounding; recovering readily from adversity; returning to its original form after being stretched or bent Do you recall your teen years with favor and joy? For many of us adolescence was a challenging time. Acne, raging hormones, peer pressure, and uncertainty plagued many of us. Although we may have had the body
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I have always been told that there is safety in numbers. Whether taking a late night bus ride, going to a night club or simply taking a tour of a new city the mantra is still the same – it’s safer to be a part of a group. Does this still ring true when we
Is There Safety In These Numbers? Read More »
What does “A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting” mean to you? For a child in the foster care system it probably means those words that are written about them in their personal file. You know the file that precedes them at every meeting, placement, and court hearing. The file that attempts to explain the
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