Sharon Scott, LPC, LMFT - Most families are caught up in the “busyness” of our world.
We are overscheduled and always in a hurry. We think if something is bigger, better or faster that it is the next new piece of technology or car or home that we need. We sometimes live our lives with “If only I had xyz… then I would be happy.” Kids are often caught up into this happiness trap just as much as adults.
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Books That Work!
By Sharon Scott
Family counselor Sharon Scott is the author of 8 books including this delightful series for children that is "co-authored" by her savvy cocker spaniel Nicholas who makes learning valuable life skills fun.
Too Smart for Trouble , a best-selling, award-winning book, teaches children to think on their own and how to say no when asked to do something wrong.
Not Better... Not Worse... Just Different is must reading for children to learn to be more sensitive to others, avoid bullying and know how to handle teasing.
Life's Not Always Fair is a child's guide for managing emotions and learning to soothe oneself when mad, sad, scared or confused.
Nicholas' Values is a delightful guide helping children develop good character traits such as honesty, confidence, sharing and so much more!
Too Cool for Drugs helps children learn why and how to say no to drugs--drug education must begin in the home at an early age!
In the book, “The Power of Pause,” by Terry Hershey he explores the concept of maybe we would live more by doing less. Subtracting from our lives, rather than adding to it. As a marriage and family therapist, I would definitely agree with his concept.
Most families report eating on the go (fast food at that!). And, once the kids are teens, rarely having fun family activities (except the summer vacation). The kids are too busy with their social activities, homework and texting to be involved with the family.
How did we get so out of balanced? What did we do before the Internet? How did we communicate before cell phones? If you feel that your head is barely above water, then I would suggest this week that you just pause—for a minimum of 20 minutes one day. Just be! Sing if you want… or nap… or just breathe in and out and take in the sights and sounds around you. Be in the moment—live every second of it.
We’ve got to refuel… rejuvenate… refresh—and giving ourselves permission to pause is the first step. If you can begin this process, then next month, I’ll give you suggestions to try to rear kids who will be healthier about not overwhelming themselves with “stuff” and “things to do.”
Copyright © 2011, Sharon Scott. No reproduction without written permission of author.
P.S. Please see my other column “Recipe for Disaster” about child-rearing.
Her best-selling book for teens,
Friends,shows adolescents how to select and meet quality friends and, in general, feel good for doing and being good.