Sue Scheff: Why Play Games with Teens? Especially Without Techology!
by Sue Scheff on Jul 07, 2010
This is a fantastic guest post from Reisa Schwartzman and learning to literally play game with your teens! Games that involve spending family time!
Why Play Games with Teens?
Over the years I have played numerous games with my children, husband and family but this past weekend I watched my teenage son play a game with his friends. It was not a new site but I started thinking about what I really saw.
Here were 3 teen boys not playing video games, nor watching TV or hanging out at the corner store. They were away from their computers, cell phones and were not texting each other. For the time they sat around our kitchen table, time stopped and the boys celebrated life for some of its basic pleasures; Friendship, competition, communications, and fun. As a family we always encourage our kids to play games with us to share quality family time but here were 3 teenage boys sharing quality time with each other.
There are many effects that board games have on childhood development that leave our children with attributes that they carry thru life. Not only should we encourage our children and teens to play with the family but also to sit around a table and play with their friends. The teens might need a bit of reminding but with a bit of encouragement they too can enjoy the benefits of playing board games. You can remind them of some of the benefits playing games offers.
Some of the benefits of playing board games are:
- It enhances your ability to interact with other people. It tests your sportsmanship in a competitive environment.
- The ability to focus on the game helps to increase the capacity to concentrate.
- Determinations to fight and win as well as patience are promoted by playing board games.
- Games that require clues, rules or specific information to be remembered enhance memory that can help in their academic career.
- Playing regular board games also develops problem solving skills, confidence and logical reasoning and thinking.
- Promotes imagination and creativity.
- Teaches independence. Forced to make important decisions influenced only by your own judgment.
- Develops the capability to predict and foresee consequences of actions. It teaches to look both ways before crossing the street.
- Inspires self-motivation. It encourages the search of the best move and the best plan.
- Shows that success rewards hard work. The more you practice, the better you’ll become.
- Develops the scientific way of thinking. While playing, you generate numerous variations in your mind. You explore new ideas and try to predict their outcome.
- Involves an infinite number of calculations.
- Improves schoolwork and grades. Numerous studies have proven that kids obtain a higher reading level, math level and a greater learning ability overall as a result of playing chess and other games.
- Board games are cheap.
- Board Games are FUN.
About Griddly Games
Griddly Games creates award-winning party and board games that deliver innovative, engaging fun that brings people together while encouraging social interaction, learning, strategy and challenges that anyone (the entire grid of people) can enjoy. To discover more about Griddly Games, visit http://www.griddlygames.com/.
Tags: Family Fun, Family Games, Family Time, Parenting, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Teen Games
Sue Scheff: All Pro Dad Dad’s Day and Father’s Day – Making a Difference in Childrens Lives
by Sue Scheff on Jun 14, 2010
Tony and Lauren Dungy joined the National PTA Convention spreading the word that parents need to get involved and stay involved in their child’s lives. Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl win in 2007. He took his teams to the playoffs for ten consecutive years. He even won a Super Bowl himself when he played with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1978. And yet he says that being a father is his most important job.
Putting your family first should be your first priority and Tony and Lauren Dungy spoke about getting involved and staying involved! They want to help you grow your PTA and community involvement in schools over breakfast! All Pro Dad is part of Family First and reaches thousands of men every day with practical parenting advice.
Tony and Lauren Dungy suffered one of the most tragic losses a parent can go through. a loss of a child. In 2005 in Tampa, Florida, their 18 year-old son James was found dead. Through their faith and strength, they continue to speak out for families and help others by getting involved.
In an interview with Parenting.com, Tony and Lauren had these few tips to pass on to parents today:
- Hey guys, getting involved isn’t just for moms. Tony: “In my mind, PTA was a bunch of ladies who got together to talk about school. But really, there are plenty of men involved in the PTA — just not enough men, not as many as we need.”
- Your older kids may say they don’t need you — but they do. Lauren: “Parental involvement goes down as kids ages go up. By the time they get to middle school, participation drops to 75%. And by the time they get to high school, it drops to 52%.”
- Be there for your kids, even if it means laying down the law in a way may not like. They may not be happy about it now, but they’ll look back and appreciate it later. Tony: “Our 25-year-old, she’s a little happier now about how we raised her than she might have been when she was 15 or 16.“
- Overachievers — remember that your kid is not like your job. Reinforce the positive. Tony: “With my coaching background, we’re always critiquing. You have to learn to compliment more.”
- There’s no practice game for parenting. You’re going to make mistakes. Even Super Bowl-winning coaches and Family First reps aren’t immune. Have the Dungys made mistakes? Tony: “Everyday, everyday.” Lauren: “We’re not perfect, we’re parents. You practice from experience.”
Tony and Lauren currently have 7 kids ranging from elementary school to college. They make it their mission to keep their family first. Learn more about bring All Pro Dad to your community. Visit All Pro Dad.
Watch a short video of Tony Dungy and how easy it is for you to get involved. Click here.
Follow Tony Dungy on Twitter and join his Facebook Official Page.
Tags: All Pro Dad Dad's Day, Family Time, Father's Day, Lauren Dungy, National PTA Conference, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, PTA, Tony Dungy
Sue Scheff: Summer Activities Challenge 2010 Is Back – Get Ready!
by Sue Scheff on Jun 03, 2010
Some parents fear that when summer arrives their child’s brain is going to turn to mush. All that pool water is making anything she happened to learn last year dissolve quicker than you think, but think again. You can still have a fun and exciting summer (including swimming) and keep your education flowing in.
Summer Activities Challenge, presented by Education.com, is an opportunity for families to have fun learning together while kids avoid the summer slide academically.
Here’s what’s new this year with Summer Activities Challenge:
- A super-cool grand prize! This year the winning family will win a Funjet Vacations family getaway to Cancun with all-inclusive accommodations at the RIU Cancun for four nights. In addition to the Grand Prize and the Weekly Prizes, 100 families who finish the Challenge will continue their summer fun with a set of Schylling Rocket Balloons
- A prize a week for 12 weeks! Each week during the challenge we’ll send a LEGO prize pack (worth at least $50) to a family that has completed at least one activity that week. Participants can win weekly prizes even if they never finish the Challenge.
- A shorter trip to the finish line! This year participants only need to complete 10 activities to be eligible for the Grand Prize and the Rocket Balloons (last year the bar was set at 20 activities).
- Even more activities to choose from. We now have thousands of activities on Education.com for participating families to choose from. The activities are sorted by grade level and academic subject. Each activity takes anywhere from ten minutes to several hours to complete and the activities typically require basic materials that families will either have on hand, or can easily and inexpensively acquire.
Education.com is one of the most comprehensive websites full of valuable resources and educational articles regarding your kids today.
Want a sneak peek at the thousands of activities your family can choose from? Click here.
Get moving, get motivated, get learning and most of all enjoy your family this summer!
Tags: Education.com, Family Time, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Summer Activities, Summer Activities Challenge, Summer Fun
Sue Scheff: Teens Want to Spend Time with Their Parents – Make the Time
by Sue Scheff on May 10, 2010
As Mother’s Day just passed, an amazing study has been released, teens want time with their parents!
According to a ‘Family Circle’ survey, beneath that angst-ridden façade is a teen who is much different than he or she appears. There is a part of them that hungers to be part of their parent’s life.
As a matter of fact, teens have stated that they wish their parents spend more time with them and worked less. With today’s economy, that can be difficult, but it is promising that teens deep down do want to be part of your family.
What Parents Need to Know:
- While nearly a quarter of teen respondents said their parents don’t seem to have enough time to spend with them, the majority of the parents surveyed did not report having struggles with finding enough time to spend with their kids. This disconnect may be the result of parents underestimating the amount of time their kids want and need from adults. (Dr. Holly Kreider, Harvard Graduate School of Education)
- Teens say it’s the simple things -like taking walks, sharing meals, playing games, watching TV and talking more with each other – that they most want to do more of with their parents. (Opinion Research Corporation)
- Use time together as an opportunity to talk about what’s going on in your teen’s life, how their day was and what they want for their future. (Dr. Nancy McGarrah, psychologist)
- Spending time with your children is essential to their development. Parents are the best source of education for their children. Make sure they’re getting their information from you – and not the TV or other teens. (Dr. Kindell Schoffner, licensed psychologist)
Sources: Connect with Kids, KATV, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
What are you doing with your teens today? Read more.
Tags: Family Time, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Teen Issues
Sue Scheff: Hope for Haiti – We have come together as a nation, now we must come together as a family
by Sue Scheff on Jan 21, 2010
George Clooney, Ellen, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Hudson, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Bono, Justin Timberlake, Sandra Bullock, Taylor Swift, Mary J. Blige, Adam Lambert, Michael Douglas, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys and many, many more will be on the phones on Friday, January 22, at 8 p.m. EST. This is a commercial-free telethon across ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, the CW, CNN, BET, HBO, MTV, VH1 and CMT.
What a perfect opportunity to get your kids involved and help others in need. Get your teens involved! Teach them how they can make a difference. Do they receive an allowance? Do they have jobs? Encourage them to give what they can and feel good about paying it forward.
Teaching our children young and by example will make them a better person and help them to understand how fortunate we are. When disasters happen, we need to come together not only as a nation, but as a FAMILY.
So this Friday night, make it a party at your home! Put the TV on and make the call to donate and have a chance to talk to one of your favorite celebrities!
Watch video intro and also on Examiner.
Tags: Donating, Family Time, Hope for Haiti, Parenting, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Volunteering
Sue Scheff: Valentine’s Day – How to say ‘I Love You’ to your teen
by Sue Scheff on Jan 13, 2010
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many parents with elementary school children will be purchasing their unique Valentine’s box cards depending on your child’s interest. Whether it is Disney, Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer or Nascar, children are easy to please for this special day.
What about a teenager? Raising teens is not the easiest job and some teenagers are extremely difficult. Valentine’s Day can give a parent an opportunity to let their teen know just how much you do love them, even if they give you stress and angst at times.
- Plan some time together. Cook their favorite meal or go to their favorite restaurant. The important thing is you are taking the time to spend it with them. What a great opportunity to open those lines of communication.
- If they have special plans with a girlfriend or boyfriend, be sure to make a date on another night to celebrate. Let your teen know they are important to you, how much you do love them no matter what and you understand that they may want to spend Valentine’s Day with their significant other, however you would like a rain check. (Make the plans as near February 14th as possible so the understand it is a special time for parents and teens too).
- If they do have a significant other they want to take to dinner, you may want to give them a Valentine’s card with a gift certificate to a restaurant for them. This way you are showing your teenager you respect their decision and also want to spend them with them after or before they have their date.
- We all know it is almost impossible to buy for teens, and Valentine’s Day is about expressing love – do it with your time. It is a priceless gift.
Happy Valentine’s Day and make it special for your teenager and family.
Also on Examiner.
Tags: Family Time, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Valentine's Day with Teens
Sue Scheff: Gifts that Keep Giving
by Sue Scheff on Nov 28, 2009
Did you take part in Black Friday? Many people set their alarm clocks for those 4:00am sales. Everyone is looking for a bargain.
In a year that has been less than financially friendly to many families, these early morning sales can help them make a difference in giving their child that special gift they asked for.
During this time of year, it is also time to think about so many gifts that won’t cost you money, however will be priceless in their value.
Here are some ideas:
- Your time. It is that simple, your children crave your attention and would love to have more time with you. Can you make a promise to take more time out of your schedule and give it to your child? Learn about “Family Time Out” all year round.
- Volunteer with your family. There is nothing more fulfilling than giving back to those with less. Contact your local Goodwill, Red Cross or Salvation Army. Find out where the homeless shelters or soup kitchens are in your area - take a day to donate your time to others as a family. Learn more about Volunteering in your community.
- Clean out your closets! What does this mean? Do you have old toys, yet in good condition, or games that maybe you only used once or twice? Do you have clothes you no longer wear however are still like new? Donate! Everyone take the time to give up what they don’t use and find a place to donate to needy families. Bikes are always a hot and needed item.
- Does your grocery store offer buy one get one free? In Florida, Publix offers this almost everyday on many items. Give that item to a local food bank. Again, it is all about giving to those with less and doing this together will teach your children to be less materialistic and more about the true meaning of the holidays – to give.
- Spirituality. Maybe you are not religious, maybe you were at one time or maybe you are. Whatever category you fall into, maybe it is time to find visit a new church or synagogue. Trying new experiences can be enlightening and you never know who you may meet or what you might learn.
- Picture Time! Yes, of course you can take photo’s but to have more fun, drag out those boxes from your childhood, home movies from years (decades) ago as well as your child’s photo’s from birth to today! Your kids, even teens love this – and there is nothing like laughing and memories to bring in a new year and celebrate the love of family.
Do you have more ideas for families to try this holiday season that are cost effective? Please leave them in comments. Remember the holidays are about giving and as parents we need to set the example for our children.
Reminder: Holiday Safety Tips
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Also on Examiner.com
Tags: Community Service, Family Time, Family Volunteering, Gift giving, Parenting, parenting advice, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Sue Scheff, Volunteering
Sue Scheff: Safely Sharing Family Moments Online
by Sue Scheff on Jun 01, 2009
ShareFam.com provide families with a safe place to connect with immediate and extended family. Where families begin to connect!
Have you ever gone to a large family gathering and spent most of your time trying to reconnect – relearn how you are related, what family members’ interests are and maybe even relearning names?
Sharefam is a safe and secure environment for every member of the family to connect throughout the year.
1. Share Photos, Videos and Stories
2. Plan Events and Send Messages
3. Only interact with blood relatives and their current spouses
Are you interest in trying for Free Premium Access to ShareFamily?
Coupon Code: SFr197 The code is good for the first 25 visitors to the site that sign up with the code.
Check it out! Summer is coming – start planning that family reunion safely online!
Tags: Communicating with Family, Connecting Families, Cyber Safety, Family Reunions, Family Time, Internet Safety, Parents Universal Resource Experts, ShareFam, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Happy Easter and Always Looking Up!
by Sue Scheff on Apr 12, 2009
What a beautiful day to spend with your family and loved ones.
Today is also a perfect day to be appreciative for all the wonderful things we have been blessed with. One of the most recent books released, Always Looking Up! by Michael J. Fox is a must read and brings so much love, grace and optimism that is priceless.Tags: Always Looking Up, Easter Time, Family Time, Happy Easter, Sue Scheff
