Archive for the ‘What can Dr. Doug do for you?’ Category

Unlocking New Horizons: How Women Can Expand Their Careers and Personal Growth by Emily Graham

Friday, December 12th, 2025

Women

Unlocking New Horizons: How Women Can Expand Their Careers and Personal Growth

Across industries, women continue to redefine leadership, creativity, and impact. Yet many still face systemic and situational barriers—limited mentorship, career plateaus, and the constant balancing act between personal and professional ambitions. True progress requires intentional strategies: identifying new opportunities, building supportive networks, and pursuing education that empowers change.

What You’ll Find Here

  • Key mindsets that transform career plateaus into growth cycles
  • Actionable strategies to identify and seize new opportunities
  • A practical how-to checklist for advancement and self-development
  • A data-informed comparison of leadership pathways and outcomes
  • Guidance on continuing education
  • Shifting From Aspiration to Agency

    Career advancement starts with shifting from hoping for growth to designing it. Women often wait for recognition that never comes—or downplay their readiness for leadership roles. Instead, clarity and visibility are critical: articulate what you bring to the table, seek sponsorship rather than passive mentorship, and connect your career story to measurable outcomes.
    When a woman claims her narrative and aligns it with her organization’s priorities, she transitions from being seen as a contributor to being understood as a catalyst for progress. That shift changes everything: it moves conversations from “What role can I have?” to “What impact can I make?”

    Education as a Force Multiplier

    Pursuing advanced degrees or credentials remains one of the most powerful catalysts for reinvention. For women balancing career, family, and growth, flexible learning models open new possibilities.
    Enrolling in an accelerated online EdD in leadership program allows ambitious professionals to develop advanced strategic, organizational, and research skills—without pausing their current careers. These programs are designed for real-world impact: graduates lead school systems, nonprofits, or corporate learning initiatives that shape the next generation of leadership.

    The Network Effect

    Collaboration is the real engine of advancement. Networks—formal or informal—magnify opportunities, visibility, and resilience. Women who connect across industries often discover lateral moves that unlock unexpected doors.
    Before the next opportunity arises, ask yourself:

  • Who consistently challenges and supports my growth?
  • Which relationships bring visibility to my work when I’m not in the room?
  • How am I reciprocating, advocating, and amplifying others?
  • A network built on mutual growth doesn’t just offer professional connections—it creates psychological safety and belonging, both essential for sustained success.

    Common Barriers—and How to Navigate Them

    Women still encounter structural obstacles and cultural expectations that slow career progress. Yet proactive navigation strategies can mitigate many of them.
    Graham
    Imposter Syndrome
    Work-Life Balance

    How to Identify and Seize New Opportunities

    Sometimes, opportunity doesn’t arrive neatly packaged. It’s discovered, created, or reframed.
    Try this short checklist for proactive career expansion:
    Scan your environment: Where are unmet needs, untapped audiences, or inefficiencies you can solve?

    Prototype action: Test a small-scale initiative that demonstrates capability beyond your current scope.

    Ask for feedback, not permission: Share results and insights to build momentum.

    Quantify the win: Convert impact into measurable metrics (time saved, revenue gained, satisfaction improved).

    Document the story: Turn outcomes into case studies or internal presentations to position yourself for future roles.
    The most successful leaders don’t just fill roles—they create new ones through demonstrated value.

    Key Habits That Sustain Long-Term Growth

    A few behavioral anchors separate those who progress consistently from those who stall.
    Continuous reflection: Schedule quarterly self-reviews as you would a business audit.

    Skill stacking: Pair technical expertise with communication, strategy, or design thinking.

    Visibility hygiene: Keep your professional profiles, publications, and bios updated.

    Mentorship loop: Mentor others; it reinforces your authority and expands your network.

    Boundary literacy: Sustainable success depends on saying “no” as decisively as “yes.”

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are a few of the questions that often arise when women explore new career and growth pathways:

  • Q: How do I balance career advancement with family or caregiving responsibilities?
A: Leverage flexible education models and remote collaboration tools. Focus on progress over perfection—growth can happen in increments.
  • Q: What if I’ve been out of the workforce for a while?
A: Reentry programs, certifications, and online graduate degrees are designed for this. Highlight transferable skills and recent learning to show readiness.
  • Q: Is leadership training really necessary for influence?
A: Influence without training can happen, but structured leadership education accelerates it—especially in environments where credentials still shape credibility.
  • Q: How do I know which opportunities align with my purpose?
A: Evaluate each one by asking: “Will this expand my impact, align with my values, or improve my learning curve?” If at least two are true, it’s worth pursuing.
  • Conclusion

    Growth doesn’t happen by waiting—it happens by positioning yourself where opportunity meets preparation. For women ready to lead, reinvent, or influence change, the path forward is both personal and systemic: cultivate clarity, pursue education that fits your life, and surround yourself with allies who amplify your ambition.
    Every time a woman claims her leadership narrative, she reshapes what’s possible—not just for herself, but for every woman who follows.

    Emily Graham

    Emily is the creator of MightyMoms.net. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family. You can email her at emilygraham@mightymoms.net. She lives in Arizona.

    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus

    What Is Covered in a Human Trafficking Course? by Kathleen Zara

    Sunday, July 17th, 2022

    Free Resources for Busy Parents and Educators Who Don’t Have as Much Time to Read and Surf as I Do

    TrafickingWhat Is Covered in a Human Trafficking Course? by Kathleen Zara explains why at least one person in every school district should take such a course. Be sure to share it with leadership in your school district.

    Human trafficking has become an international issue that is gaining more attention yearly. On the international level, South and Central Asia was the region with the second-most trafficking victims in 2019. Businesses need to be aware of what it is and how to identify it. This article will discuss the different things covered in a human trafficking course.

    1. The Definition
    It is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons using threat or use of force or other methods of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or position of vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to get the consent of a person having control over another person for exploitation.
    Exploitation is prostitution or any other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or similar practices, and the removal of organs.

    2. How to Identify Victims
    The course will cover identifying potential victims of human trafficking and the signs that may indicate that someone is being trafficked. It includes looking for patterns of control, exploitation, and victimization.
    It is essential to identify victims because they are often hidden in plain sight. They may be working in massage parlors, nail salons, or factories. They may be living in homes with many other people and not have any personal belongings. They may also be moved around frequently and have few close friends or family members.
    If you see someone you think may be a victim of it, the best thing to do is reach out to organizations that can help, such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline. (888 373-7888) They can support victims and connect them with resources in their area.

    3. The Different Forms That Human Trafficking Can Take
    It is crucial to know the different forms that human trafficking can take to identify it. It can include sex trafficking, forced labor, organ trafficking, or domestic servitude. Sex trafficking happens when someone is forced or coerced into sexual activity. It can happen through force, fraud, or coercion. Victims of sex trafficking can be children or adults of either gender.
    Forced labor is when someone is made to work against their will through force, fraud, or coercion. It can happen in many industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and domestic work. Organ trafficking is when organs are removed from a person for transplantation.

    4. What Businesses Can Do to Help Prevent and Report Instances
    You can learn how to prevent it in your business and what to do if you witness or suspect it. This knowledge is critical for business owners, employees, and managers. You’ll also learn about the signs of trafficking and how to report it.

    5. Due Diligence, Victims, and Perpetrators
    The human trafficking course covers a variety of topics related to crime. These can include due diligence measures businesses can take to ensure they are not complicit in trafficking, how to identify victims of trafficking, and profiles of typical perpetrators. The goal of these courses is to help participants better understand the issue and try to prevent them.

    Conclusion
    Whether you are searching to start a career or want to learn more about human trafficking, taking a certified course is a great way to gain knowledge and skills. A comprehensive online course will identify victims, understand legal issues, and develop victim-centered responses.

    Kathleen Zara
    Kathleen works as a freelancer and entrepreneur working from a start-up learning along the way about marketing, social and networking, creating Web sites, and web content. @ACAMS_AML

    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus

    What Schools Should Be Teaching About Nutrition by Craig Middleton

    Friday, January 24th, 2020

    Apple Pic
    What Schools Should Be Teaching About Nutrition by Craig Middleton covers some of the basics of nutrition that schools should consider adding to their formal curricula. While there is a lot more to know, this is a good place for you and your kids to start.

    Introduction

    • For a long time, many educators have pleaded that schools should teach more about problems that children will run into when they become adults. Adult challenges that some schools have started preparing students for include finances and general computer classes like teaching office software for example. Often disregarded is nutrition even though physical education is still typically required. Whether a school decides to integrate nutrition into their physical education or health classes or create a separate class, it should be part of every school’s formal curriculum.

    The Truth About Sugar

    • Added sugar has been increasingly seen in more foods than ever in the United States and around the world thanks to initiatives like the U.S. Sugar Program. Making sure you don’t consume too much sugar is important as it can cause many different issues such as cavities, weight gain, and even diabetes. Teach kids how to read labels on food products so they can limit how much sugar they consume on a daily basis. Additionally, have them avoid or very sparingly consume high sugar products like soda and instead consume better alternatives like green tea or just water. Cutting down on sugar is one of the best ways you can live a nutritious lifestyle.

    The Truth About Protein

    • Protein is a very important factor when building a diet for yourself. While protein is in so many foods, make sure to know which types of foods have the most like eggs, milk, beef, pork, fish, or chicken so you are able to build a well-balanced diet. Without protein, you can have deficiency issues that can stunt growth and make you more susceptible to infections. Additionally, you’ll want to eat more protein anytime you get into weightlifting as protein is what will help you build muscles. Make sure you fully understand protein when you want to know about proper nutrition.

    The Truth About Dairy

    • Dairy is the group of products made out of the milk of mammals such as cows, goats, sheep, and more. These products all include cheese, milk, butter, ice cream, and more, and you probably have at least one of these on a daily basis. If you’ve ever had stomach problems, for example, make sure you don’t have lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products and the enzyme lactase is needed by people consuming dairy products to digest them without problems. Make sure you don’t have lactose intolerance when consuming dairy products and if you do, consider ways you can still have dairy products such as taking lactase supplements or going for lactose-free products. Understanding dairy products is important when living a nutritious lifestyle.

    The Truth About Cell Health

    • Cell health is important as the more healthy your cells are the more energy you will have and the easier time you will have maintaining your target weight. Following proper cellular nutrition is important in gaining positive cell health. To do this, you’ll want to go for plant-based nutrients (fruits and vegetables) that will trigger your cells to become more healthy. Once you’ve started incorporating plant-based nutrients into your diet, you’ll see results down the line. Ensure that your cell health is good when you want to live a healthy nutritious lifestyle.

    Conclusion

    • No matter what age the children you’re responsible for teaching are, it’s always a good time to start teaching about nutrition. While many kids won’t be able to plan their own diet until they become young adults, some will be able to pass on what they learn to their parents so they might cook better for them. Teaching nutrition at a younger age can also get them to be dead set on following a stricter diet once they are cooking on their own. Building knowledgeable kids for the future will make them happier and healthier adults.

    Craig Middleton

    • Craig is a New York City-based retired business consultant, who is an expert in education and cultural trends. He has a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Education from St. Johns and loves sharing his knowledge on the side through his writing. If you have any questions or comments you can direct them to Craig at craigmiddleton18@gmail.com.
    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus

    Writing for Busy Readers: Communicate More Effectively in the Real World by Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky-Fink

    Tuesday, November 11th, 2025

    Writing
    Writing for Busy Readers: Communicate More Effectively in the Real World by Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky-Fink spells out the six principles you can follow to increase the probability that people will read, understand, and respond to what you write. Be sure to add it to your professional development library.

    Introduction

    • This book sets out the six fundamental principles of effective writing. It should have a well-defined purpose, help the writer and the reader, not be beautiful writing, have a rigorous science underlying its rules, and have a real context. Busy people tend to skim, postpone, or ignore complex messages. The average professional spends nearly one-third of their time reading and responding to email. If messages are ineffective they impose a tax on the readers’ time. Voters, for example are likely to skip ballot questions that use complex language.
    • Much of what we learned in school is irrelevant or counterproductive in the real-world. The principles in this book are derived from the sciences of cognitive psychology, social psychology, behavioral economics, neuroscience, marketing, and time management. The authors draw on randomized studies and have worked hard to make this book easy to navigate. (Doug: I think they have.)

    Part I: Engaging the Reader – 1. Get Inside Your Reader’s Head

    • Our brains have a limited ability to attend to and focus on multiple things, which also limits our ability to act. Unfortunately, we all tend to multitask, which is really task switching. When we switch from one task to another we are less efficient at both tasks and are more likely to commit errors. Even if we focus on a single task, we tire over time. Our writing, therefore, has to respect this landscape of stress and distraction.

    2. Think Like a Busy REader

    • Readers first have to decide to engage. This usually depends on the envelop, which is the subject line for an email or the importance of the sender. They also need to decide when to engage. Most readers tackle things first that appear to be easier. They need to decide how much time to engage where the decision to skim or scan comes in. Scanning involves reading things like headings and the first sentences of paragraphs. Finally, they have to decide whether to respond. To increase the probability the request has to be clear so the reader knows the task and how to do it. Make it as easy as possible. Above all, know your goals.

    3. Know Your Goals

    • Effective writing is about transferring key information from writer to reader. What is the most important information you want your reader to know? You cannot achieve your goals as a writer if you are unclear on what those goals are.
    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus

    Zlibrary and the Evolution of Reading as a Daily Practice by Sharie Magnano

    Thursday, January 15th, 2026

    REading

    Zlibrary and the Evolution of Reading as a Daily Practice

    • The habit of reading shifts with each generation yet its pulse remains steady. An e library now sits at the center of this steady beat and helps readers follow stories knowledge and ideas with ease. Screens glow where lamps once stood though the spirit of quiet discovery feels the same.
    • As this shift settles in z-library continues to inspire curiosity and lifelong reading habits. Readers drift through vast shelves of thought without hurry and with a sense of freedom that mirrors long afternoons spent in a favorite nook. This gentle flow turns reading into a calm ritual that fits into any moment.

    The Rise of Accessible Reading

    • E reading has grown into a simple routine for many people. Books that once filled backpacks or bedside tables now live in small pockets of light. This shift makes reading feel natural like tapping a shoulder of an old friend. Each book builds a bridge to deeper thought and each session brings a spark that carries into daily life.
    • This wider reach also supports different styles of reading. Some people settle into long novels while others move between short essays or poems. Both paths create steady growth. Both keep minds awake. A library that sits in one digital doorway opens these paths with no fuss and no pressure.
    • Now the flow of stories and ideas leads toward a rich mix of experience:

    Echoes of Community

    • Shared moments form when a reader finds a story that speaks to lived experience or sparks a new idea. These echoes may travel through conversations or journals or quiet reflection. Each one adds weight to daily reading and turns it into a personal anchor.

    Growth Through Variety

    • A shift in genres often shapes the inner voice. A mystery beside a history text or a poem next to a science book can stretch thought and soften old boundaries. This variety becomes a gentle teacher that guides readers without feeling like work.

    Quiet Strength in Routine

    • A steady practice of reading can ground a busy day. It feels like breathing fresh air after hours indoors. The mind settles and the heart steadies through small moments spent with trusted books.
    • This blend of shared echoes bright variety and quiet strength enriches the rhythm of reading and encourages a return each day.

    Expanding Horizons Through E Libraries

    • Modern reading tools now provide a home for deep study and playful wandering. A single tap can pick up a paused page of a novel or jump into a section of a reference book. Switching between fields encourages new connections and sparks ideas that might stay hidden on printed shelves. The path may twist yet it stays warm and inviting.
    • Growth also appears when readers look for fresh voices. Stories carry the weight of culture memory and imagination. In this search a reader may drift toward a helpful source such as z lib.pub which adds another doorway into wide and varied shelves.

    A Living Practice That Keeps Evolving

    • Reading keeps its place in daily life because it welcomes every stage of growth. It adapts to short breaks long nights and wandering thoughts. It shapes memory and fuels dreams. Each page holds a mirror a map or a gentle lantern. In this light reading becomes more than habit. It becomes a steady companion that walks with each curious mind.

    Sharie Magnano

    • Shelly works as a freelance copywriter specializing in content and editorial projects. I’m based in USA and collaborate with clients worldwide
    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus

    Parents Can Nurture Leadership Skills from an Early Age Using These Strategies by Emily Graham

    Saturday, February 7th, 2026

    Graham

    Parents play a defining role in shaping how children see themselves, others, and their
    ability to influence the world. Leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about
    confidence, empathy, problem-solving, and responsibility. When parents intentionally
    foster these traits early, children are more likely to grow into adults who can guide,
    collaborate, and adapt in meaningful ways.

    A Quick Snapshot for Busy Parents

    Leadership skills grow through everyday moments, not formal titles. Children learn
    leadership when they’re trusted with choices, encouraged to speak up, allowed to fail
    safely, and shown what responsibility looks like in real life. Small, consistent actions at
    home compound into lifelong skills.

    Why Leadership Development Starts at Home

    Children don’t learn leadership in a vacuum. The home environment sets expectations
    around communication, accountability, and initiative. When parents invite kids into
    conversations, routines, and decision-making, children begin to understand that their voice
    matters—and that leadership involves listening as much as speaking.

    Practical Ways Parents Encourage Leadership

    Here are several approaches that work especially well when woven into daily life:
    ● Give age-appropriate responsibility. Chores, pet care, or planning a small family
    activity teach ownership.
    ● Encourage independent thinking. Ask “What do you think?” before offering
    solutions.
    ● Model emotional regulation. Calm responses during stress show children how
    leaders handle pressure.
    ● Let kids solve problems. Resist the urge to fix everything immediately.
    ● Praise effort, not just outcomes. This reinforces resilience and growth.
    These actions signal trust—and trust is the soil where leadership grows.

    A Simple How-To: Building Leadership at Home

    Follow this weekly rhythm to keep things natural and low-pressure:

    1. Invite participation. Let your child help choose meals, weekend plans, or family
    rules.
    2. Rotate leadership moments. One child leads game night, another leads cleanup.
    3. Reflect together. Ask what went well and what could improve.
    4. Normalize mistakes. Share your own learning moments out loud.
    5. Celebrate initiative. Notice when your child takes action without being asked.
    Consistency matters more than intensity here.

    Leading by Example Through Learning

    Children absorb what parents do far more than what they say. When parents pursue
    personal growth—especially education—it sends a powerful message about ambition,
    discipline, and lifelong learning. Advancing your career by earning an online degree
    demonstrates commitment and forward thinking, traits children associate with leadership.
    For parents interested in making a meaningful difference, pursuing a healthcare-focused
    path can be especially impactful, allowing you to contribute to the well-being of individuals
    and families. Online education also offers flexibility, making it possible to balance work,
    learning, and parenting without sacrificing family time. Parents exploring options like
    health administration programs online often find that their dedication inspires similar
    motivation and confidence in their children.

    Graham

    Common Questions Parents Ask

  • Isn’t leadership something kids are born with?
    Some children are naturally outspoken, but leadership skills can be learned and
    strengthened in every child.
  • What if my child is shy?
    Quiet children can be excellent leaders. Focus on listening skills, empathy, and confidence-building rather than dominance.
  • Can too much responsibility overwhelm kids?
    Yes—balance is key. Responsibilities should stretch, not stress.
  • Do extracurriculars matter?
    They help, but leadership can develop just as effectively through family life and everyday
    interactions.
  • A Helpful Parenting Resource Worth Exploring

    For parents looking to deepen their understanding of child development and leadership-
    related behaviors, the American Psychological Association offers evidence-based guidance
    on raising confident, resilient children. Their parenting resources provide practical insights
    grounded in research.
    Leadership isn’t taught through lectures—it’s lived through example, trust, and everyday
    choices. By creating space for responsibility, reflection, and growth, parents give children
    the tools to lead in their own way.

    Emily Graham

    Emily is the creator of MightyMoms.net. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family. You can email her at emilygraham@mightymoms.net. She lives in Arizona.

    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus

    Parents Can Nurture Leadership Skills from an Early Age Using These Strategies by Emily Graham

    Bard Does a Lesson Plan – If You Are Still Teaching, You Should Use This.

    Thursday, November 16th, 2023

    Bard
    I asked Google’s Bard to “Prepare a lesson plan to teach the quadratic equations at the high school level.” Below is what I got back. My conclusion is that if I were still teaching, I would always ask for Bard’s plan before I made my own. I might not use Bard’s plan, but I would look to it for ideas. I would certainly share the Additional Resources links with my students. If you are still teaching, why aren’t you doing this? This is probably more detailed than your real lesson plans and will impress your principal.

    Lesson Plan: Quadratic Equations

    Grade Level: High School

    Subject: Algebra II

    Time: 50 minutes

    Learning Objectives

    Students will be able to identify and define quadratic equations.
    Students will be able to graph quadratic equations.
    Students will be able to solve quadratic equations using factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.
    Students will be able to apply quadratic equations to real-world problems.

    Materials

    Whiteboard or projector
    Markers or pens
    Graph paper
    Calculators (optional)
    Worksheets (optional)

    Procedure:

    Introduction (5 minutes)

    Begin by asking students what they know about quadratic equations.
    Elicit responses from students and provide a brief overview of the topic.
    Explain that quadratic equations are polynomial equations of the second degree, meaning they have a highest power of 2.

    Identifying Quadratic Equations (10 minutes)

    Display a variety of equations, some quadratic and some not.
    Ask students to identify which equations are quadratic and explain their reasoning.
    Provide examples of quadratic equations in various forms, including standard form, factored form, and vertex form.

    Graphing Quadratic Equations (10 minutes)

    Review the concept of graphing equations in general.
    Introduce the concept of the axis of symmetry for quadratic equations.
    Demonstrate how to graph quadratic equations using vertex form.
    Allow students to practice graphing quadratic equations on their own or in pairs.

    Solving Quadratic Equations (20 minutes)

    Introduce three methods for solving quadratic equations: factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.
    Explain each method step by step, using examples to illustrate the process.
    Provide students with practice problems to solve using each method.

    Real-World Applications (5 minutes)

    Discuss real-world situations where quadratic equations can be used to model problems.
    Provide examples of such problems, such as calculating the height of an object launched into the air or determining the profit or loss of a business venture.
    Encourage students to think of their own examples of real-world applications of quadratic equations.

    Closure (5 minutes)

    Summarize the key points of the lesson.
    Review the different methods for solving quadratic equations.
    Encourage students to ask any remaining questions.

    Assessment

    Observe students’ participation in class discussions and activities.
    Collect and review worksheets or homework assignments.
    Administer a quiz or test to assess students’ understanding of the material.

    Differentiation

    For students who need more support, provide additional practice problems with worked-out solutions.
    For students who are ready for more challenging material, introduce the concept of complex numbers and solving quadratic equations with complex roots.

    Additional Resources

    Quadratic Equations
    Solving Quadratic Equations
    Real-World Applications of Quadratic Equations

    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus

    Dr. Doug Green’s Advice to Prospective Parents

    Monday, June 27th, 2022
    Parenting

    Dr. Doug Green’s Advice to Prospective Parents

    Twitter: @DrDougGreen

    Introduction

    • I was recently invited to a baby shower for my massage therapist. In addition to a card and some money, I included the following advice. It was very well received and appreciated so I thought I would share it with the readers of this blog who can pass it along to any expectant parents and parents of young children they know.

    Congratulations

    • Congratulations on almost being parents. While I’ve only raised one child my wife and I must have done something right given her success in the New York City art scene. I think the big idea is to always encourage, and never discourage.

    Don’t Stifle Artistic Interests

    • When my daughter told us she wanted to “make cartoons” when she was five it would have been easy to pooh pooh the idea and not support it as neither of us were artistic and we both had other ideas about our child’s career options. Our vision, however, was to do just the opposite.
    • We made sure that she always had lots of art supplies, took her to every museum possible, paid for some private art lessons, and sent her to a summer program at the Ringling School of Art and Design prior to her senior year in high school.
    • We then helped her with her application to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and dug deep to pay for it. After graduating with high honors she has been working nonstop since 2006 in a field she loves.
    • Like most non-starving artists she is working for a company and doing what the boss wants. (The Tampon Hall Show on ABC) While she likes her work, it isn’t exactly the work she would do if left to her own passion. This is what she does in her free time, which seems to be typical in the art community.

    What Else Did We Do?

    • Here are some other things we did. There was no TV in her bedroom. If she wanted to watch TV at least one of us was nearby. We made sure that she engaged in exercise including dance lessons.
    • When we went somewhere she almost always went with us and we never took a vacation without her. We engaged her in lots of conversations and asked a lot of questions. I read to her every night at bedtime until she could read just about anything herself.
    • We had high expectations of her performance in school and helped with homework when she asked for help. When necessary, we intervened with her teachers.
    • In one case when she earned a bad grade (35%) on her first algebra test we meet with the teacher who suggested that she drop out of advanced math. We politely told the teacher that was not a option and that we would help with her homework.
    • Nearly every day before dinner I sat with her and helped with her homework. I realize that many parents might not be able to do this, but do what you can and find help somewhere. At the end the year we were rewarded with a 100% on the New York State algebra regents.

    You Are Not too Young to Spill Paint or Break Eggs

    • I let her paint the basement floor when she was three. This made sense as there was no downside to spilling the paint. I let her crack eggs in the kitchen when she was five. It’s hard to miss when the goal is to break an egg and any five-year-old can fish pieces of shell out of cookie dough.
    • I let her mow our lawn with our gas-powered lawn mower when she was nine. It automatically shut off if you took your hands off of the handle so it seemed safe. Unfortunately for me, this chore only seemed like fun a few times so it wasn’t long before I had that job back.
    • She painted all of our woodwork when she was twelve. By then she could paint a strait line as least as well as I could so I just got out of the way. Unlike the lawn mower she stuck with this chore.
    • Prior to leaving for college she executed her own redesign of one of our bathrooms. This involved designing and making templates for patterns that were applied around the ceiling and on the walls. She also got a job painting her own designs on local clothing donation bins.

    You Don’t Learn Much Doing Unskilled Labor

    • We did not even mention the idea of getting an unskilled part-time job and she never mentioned it as it would take time away from her artistic endeavors.
    • As a result of the skills she had honed with our support, she earned a total of $36,000 in merit-based scholarship money from Pratt. This was far more than any unskilled part-time job would have brought in.

    Know Their Friends

    • We always knew who her friends were and got to know the friend’s parents. When she was invited to parties in high school I always took her and went inside to say high to the parents. If I didn’t like the atmosphere we both left.
    • In short, she was more of a friend than a child, but she knew who her parents were and that we were in charge.
    • I believe you will be great parents and I’m so glad that people like you are having children. Please consider using this money to start a savings account for your baby. Someone did that for my parents when I was born and it had a lot to do with making me a saver. Not having to worry about money is a real blessing.

    Good luck and God bless: Dr. Doug Green.

    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus

    Hello world!

    Monday, August 31st, 2009

    Welcome to my blog. The purpose of the blog is to provide free content that will serve as bite-sized staff development material for practicing school administrators, people who wish to be administrators some day, teachers, and parents. I also hope that it will generate some discussion that we can all share to help with your day jobs and life in general.

    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus

    Help Kids Choose a Major – Guest Post

    Thursday, December 6th, 2012

    How to Help Your Child Choose a Major
    College comes with so many different decisions, and quite a few of them involve the major that a student is going to pursue. Before they begin school, have an open and honest discussion with your children to aid them in selecting the best major for them. This sound advice also apply to teachers as they try to advice students regarding which path to follow. Here’s what you need to know.

    Share this:
    Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter Share this page via Google Plus