An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Jonathan Cohen: Cofounder and President National School Climate Center (formerly the Center for Social and Emotional Education)

 By: Staff, Living Education eMagazine

 

LEeM: What is school climate? Is it really something one can see and touch?

Dr. Cohen: The National School Climate Council suggests that school climate refers to the quality and character of school life. School climate is based on patterns of students and also parents and teacher’s experiences. It really reflects the norms, what are our goals we have when we come into school everyday. What are our values? How do we listen and treat each other? How are we as teachers and learners and all the other things that go into making us feel safe and supported and engaged and challenged or not.

LEeM: Is it really something one can see and touch?

Dr. Cohen: What is amazing about school climate today is, we can measure it. In a very simple way with a survey. We can get a read on how the kids and or how the parents, guardians, teachers, and even how the community members feel about what is working or not in our schools.  That data can be like a flash light. It can point us in a direction of where we need to go to make things even better in our schools. That is really neat.

LEeM: It has been stated there is no one size fits all method for creating a positive school climate, but in your opinion are there a few core factors when present enhances the likelihood of a positive school climate?

Dr. Cohen: I agree with the assertion of your question. There is no one way that works for all schools. Every single school has its own unique history, experiences, and unique community strengths, needs and goals. However, it is important to note, that any meaningful school reform honors that and in a basic way. Exactly as you are saying, it is really grounded in the uniqueness of each school community, but there are I think a number of organizing principal that are really helpful for every community

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Kimberly K. Parker: "MONEY MOTIVATES"

          As a mother of four with a child in college, a child in high school, a child in middle school, and a child in elementary school, my wheels are reinvented quite regularly.  With such a diverse group of children, I am consistently strategizing on how to achieve desired results, particularly with my three younger children.  Recently, I learned a very important fact: money motivates.

           My high school son just does not like rolling out the bed.  On average, he gets a solid eight hours of sleep unless he is reading leisurely before turning out the lights.  In spite of this, he still finds it a bit challenging to rise.  On an occasion or two, his delay caused me to take him to school.  I was not a happy camper.  I lectured him a bit, but began getting tired of hearing myself.  I decided I had to try a different strategy and immediately thought, “Money!”

          My son is both an entrepreneur and an employee.  He tutors young children in French and math as well as puts in few hours on the weekend at a small business in the community.  Considering his savings has grown, I decided to forego lecturing.  Instead, he is required to give me $20 every Monday morning.  If by Friday he has gotten up and out of the house on time, he will get his $20 back.  For each day he does not, I charge him $4.  Since employing this motivational tool, I’ve not had to take him to school.

           My middle school son, on the other hand, pops up bright and early regularly.  However, he has the tendency to lose items I typically have to replace.  He is super famous for misplacing his lunch bag.  Last year, after loosing two within two weeks, I resorted to sending his lunch in recycled, plastic supermarket bags. 

          When school began this year, he ascended his soapbox with his, “I’m older and more responsible” speech in hopes of dishing the plastic.  Not willing to take any chances, I charged him $10 to carry one of several real lunch bags I own.  If he is able to keep up with it the entire school year, he’ll get back his $10.  If not, the money is mine and he’ll have to pay me $10 more to rent another lunch bag.  So far, so good.

          My elementary school daughter enjoys a trip to Toy’s R Us now and again.  She, too, is a great saver.  This past month, she put aside close to $50 given her from family and friends for reasons too numerous to name.  She knows that in order to spend some of her money on an item she likes, she has to bring home a great report from school and do her chores.  Let’s just say her visits are few and far between.  She just can’t seem to get a handle on that bedroom of hers, but she is making progress.

           My quest to discontinue ranting and raving about my expectations are far from over at this time.  What would motherhood be without a sermon or two?  However, just as my daughter, I’m making progress.

 

Kimberly K. Parker is the President and CEO of Writing Momma Publishing, LLC (www.writingmomma.com). To date, she has helped over 23 children release five books in less than 13 months.  Kimberly offers online writing classes and workshops on this often dismissed subject.  Kimberly is a publisher, author, and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Pr. George's County Board of Education fires 2 high-level staffers

Thursday - 9/27/2012, 10:43pm ET

 

 

Recently fired Roger Thomas (in the center) and Matthew Stanski (far right)

WASHINGTON - The Prince George's County Board of Education called an emergency meeting Thursday afternoon and, hours later, two high-level staffers were gone.

Sources tell WTOP two Prince Georges' County School System staffers were fired: Matthew Stanski, the Chief Financial Officer, and Roger Thomas, Chief Legal Counsel were terminated. One source says as the Board of Education members filed in to the central offices in Upper Marlboro for their emergency meeting, Stanski, carrying boxes, was on his way out.  The same sources say the firings came after Board members learned Stanski and Thomas arranged for a six-figure check to be issued to Synthia Shilling, the school system's former Human Resources Officer.

Shilling resigned in August. At the time, she faced charges of leaving the scene of an accident.Shilling had been with the school system since 2006.

Attempts to reach both Stanski and Thomas were unsuccessful. By 3:30 pm the school email accounts for both men had been disabled.  The school board declined to offer any details on the firings, citing that it was a personnel matter.

Briant Coleman, spokesman for the Prince George's County School system, sent the following statement to WTOP:

Last week, an allegation was brought to the attention of the Board of Education and the interim Superintendent that specific Board directives issued in July and again in August regarding severance packages for members of the executive cabinet who resigned from employment were not properly followed. The Board immediately directed the interim Superintendent to investigate the allegation and take personnel action if he determined it appropriate to do so. Certain personnel actions have been taken. However, because information relating to personnel investigations and actions are confidential, no additional information will be provided at this time. This matter continues to be under review. The Board is taking this matter very seriously. Any abuse in complying with the Board's directives, policies and procedures will not be tolerated.

PGCPS District 4 Board of Education Candidate Discussion

 

PARENT TALK LIVE

 

 

Dr. Mike Robinson, host of Parent Talk Live will facilitate a discussion on September 15, 2012 from 9am-10am with District 4 candidates for the Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Board of Education: Patricia Eubanks and Micah Watson their views and visions for the county’s educational system. This is not a debate, but a discussion on the important challenges, opportunities and trends impacting education in our County and across the United States. For one hour these candidates will answer questions, outline their goals and share their will answer questions, outline their goals and share their assessment of educational strengths and weakness of Prince George’s County Schools. These discussions are designed to help the community to fully understand the platform of those seeking to guide the 2nd largest school district in Maryland and the 18th largest in the United States.

Topic: The Future of PGCPS
Guest: Patricia Eubanks and Micah Watson
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2012
Time: 9am-10am
To call in dial: (914) 338-0344
Listen Online: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parenttalklive3/2012/09/15/pgcps-district-1-board-of-education-candidate-discussion
Facebook:facebook.com/DrMikeRobinson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMikeRobinson














Patricia Eubanks

 

Micah Watson

 

Kimberly K. Parker: NOTHING SHORT OF A CRISIS

It’s 7:30pm on Saturday, August 11, 2012 and you’re probably wondering, “Why is Kimberly giving us time and date information?”  You see, I usually write in the wee hours of morning.  My creative juices tend to flow much better before the cock crows.  However, the exception today is nothing short of a crisis!

I just walked in the house from attending Rev. Jay Cameron’s Debt Free College Degree: The Seminar held at The Life Center.  The goal of the event was to show how to earn a top-quality college education…DEBT FREE.  Mission accomplished.  Due to so much jaw-dropping information shared, my mouth is still out on Route 301.  On a more serious note, Rev. Cameron dispensed tough medicine on the state of student loan debt that left me floored.  It is with his expressed consent that I will share...just a little.

Let’s start with the facts.  According to Fastweb.com:

1. Student loan debt has surpassed credit card debt in America and is expected to surpass $1,000,000,000,000 (that’s one trillion dollars) in 2012. 
2. The average undergraduate degree takes 5.58 years to complete.
3. More than $150,000,000,000 (that’s one hundred fifty billion dollars) in financial aid is awarded annually.  Only 3% is in the form of scholarships.

These statistics go on and on.  See for yourself.

Rev. Cameron made it clear that, in large part, College Recruiters are professional sales people forced to make a quota.  Skeptical?  Check out the lies levied by these two for-profit universities and how one woman quit because her conscience, finally, became her guide.  Wait!  There’s more.  Rev. Cameron weaved in another video clip that really drove home his message on our crisis like this video on Looming Student Loans.  Thereto, he strongly encouraged us to watch this documentary called College Conspiracy.  Brace yourself.

Again, this is nothing short of a crisis that is impacting our country in a horrendous manner. Alas, Rev. Cameron offered much hope if we’re willing to change our lethal financial management habits, sacrifice to the bone, where necessary, and develop a plan…NOW! 

Here’s just a snippet:

1. Take a real honest look at your debt and assess your financial picture.  No more running and hiding from those five to six figures.  You can’t “just pray it away.”  There must be deliberate action.  Faith without works is oh so dead!
2. Don’t take on more debt.  Period.
3. Develop a college education plan that will not add to your existing debt.  It’s quite possible to attend college without loans.

I could have sat there all day just ingesting the priceless information shared.  Now, I’m a bit more equipped to map out my children’s college education.  I merely scratched the surface of the seminar in this blog.  Please plan to attend and yourself as well as his stage play College Fever: The Stage Play.  Trust me: your life will forever be changed.

Kimberly K. Parker is the President and CEO of Writing Momma Publishing, LLC (www.writingmomma.com). On September 8, 2012, the 2012 Write On! Writing Program participants will release their book entitled Young Voices.  Wise Words: Poems, Essays, and Short Stories at the Spaulding Library.  For more information visit Book Release Celebration.  Kimberly is a publisher, author, and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children.

National Men Make A Difference Day For Academic Success

 

10.8.12

National Men Make A Difference Day For Academic Success



Research has shown that a father’s involvement in the academic lives of their children will last beyond their childhood; in fact their influence will expand well into the child’s early adult lives (Rosenberg & Bradford, 2006).  The benefits of an involved father or significant male role model are not limited to the homes of children’s where the fathers live. Studies have indicated children with fathers living outside the home but who remain involved benefit from having an engaged father. According to Fogarty and Evans (n.d.) children in homes with absent as defined in their study as nonresidential fathers, but who nevertheless engaged fathers benefit in a variety of ways: (1) stronger relationship with their dads as they enter adulthood; (2) better social skills in many cases than children whose nonresidential father is not engaged; (3) less behavioral problems; and (4) better grades. These are just a few of the benefits to having an engaged father who may not live in the home with the child.

Prince George's County Board of Education Names Interim Superintendent

UPPER MARLBORO, MD—The Prince George’s County Board of Education has selected Dr.Alvin Crawley, a senior-level administrator in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), to serve as Interim Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) for the 2012-13 school year. A 32-year education veteran, Dr. Crawley currently serves as deputy chief of programming in the DCPS Office of Special Education and has held top roles inthe Arlington, Chicago and Boston public school systems. He will start Tuesday,Sept. 4. “Dr.Crawley will help to provide stability for our staff, students and families aswe search for our next Superintendent of Schools,” said Verjeana M. Jacobs, Board Chair. “We are confident that his leadership, experience with business operations and policy development, and commitment to narrowing the achievement gap will serve the Prince George’s County Public Schools community exceptionally well." “I am excitedto lead Prince George’s County Public Schools at this critical time,” said Dr.Crawley. “The school system has made significant academic strides in recent years and I look forward to helping students and teachers continue on that path. I will work with the Board of Education over the next few weeks to address immediate challenges and enhance successful programs and services.” Dr.Crawley is a co-author of Gaining on the Gap: Changing Hearts Minds andPractice, which details efforts by parents and staff in Arlington PublicSchools to eliminate the achievement gap between low-income students, students of color and their peers. He received his bachelor’s degree in communication disorders/education from Hampton University, master’s degree in speech and language pathology from Northeastern University, and doctorate in education with a focus on instructional leadership and administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Dr.Crawley will assist the Board of Education in assessing the school system’s five priority areas: high student achievement, highly-effective teaching, safe and supportive schools, strong community partnerships and effective and efficient operations. Dr. Crawley will work closely with Superintendent William R. Hite in the weeks before he leaves to take the helm of the School District of Philadelphia. Dr.Duane Arbogast will work alongside the Interim Superintendent as Acting Deputy Superintendent. Dr. Arbogast was tapped to serve as Acting Deputy Superintendent of Academics earlier this summer after spending three years asthe county schools’ Chief Academics Officer. He has been an educator for more than three decades with experience as an elementary teacher, assistant principal and principal. “Iam very pleased that the Board has selected me to serve the school system inthis wonderful new capacity,” said Dr. Arbogast. “I will use my strengths in academics affairs to keep our schools on the path of high achievement.” The Board of Education also named Monica Goldson as Acting Chief Operating Officer. Goldson previously served as the school system’s Assistant Superintendent of the High School Consortium, where she supervised 22 high schools and more than 140 administrators. The Board of Education is holding county wide forums about the Superintendent SearchProcess. The “Moving Forward Forums” will be held on the following dates: · Aug. 21 – Bowie High School, 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie · Aug. 30 – Northwestern High School, 7000 Adelphi Road,Hyattsville Both forums will start at 6:30 p.m. The first forum was held Thursday at Central High School. “Now that we have completed the first steps of this search process, my colleagues on the Board and I look forward to discussing the next steps with the community,”said Jacobs. More information about the Superintendent Search Process can be found on line at www1.pgcps.org/superintendentsearch. -- Briant K. Coleman, M.A. Communications Officer Office of Communications Prince George's County Public Schools 14201 School Lane Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772 www.pgcps.org briant.coleman@pgcps.org ▪ (301) 952-6375

Back To School Million Father March

Take your child to school on the first day and keep participating throughout the school year. I’m a divorced father, educators in public education over 20 years, instructor in higher education and community activist. I understand the importance of fathers in their children’s lives and see the devastating effects if fathers are not involved and the encouraging growth of children with involved and active fathers. Mothers are important in schools, but fathers can create a paradigm shift in the educational atmosphere that leads to higher graduation rates, lower dropout rates, decreased pregnancies and decrease in school violence. One of the responsibilities fathers are tasked with, the education of children. Traditionally it is not the woman’s job to educate; her job is to nurture and show the emotional aspect of growing up. Because of this understanding and the work to diminish school violence, the largest back to school enterprise in United States’ history will happen as school starts. The Million Father March will invite fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, significant male caregivers and family friends to take children to school on the first day of school. On Million Father March Day, Tuesday, September 4, 2012 or before when respective schools start in August and September. "To educate a man (and woman) in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." (Theodore Roosevelt)

Fatherhood is a responsibility of unending change and humbling experiences. Fathers go through adaptation as their children mature and pull away from the closeness and security of home. The evolution of the family shows that there are more fathers that are stepfathers, surrogate fathers, adopted fathers and "oops" fathers. This shows that fatherhood is changing in designation, but  fathers are important to children and influence behaviors and attitudes. This school year more than ever fathers are going to have to; "Man-up, Step-up, Own-up, and Fess-up" to their responsibilities and participate more in schools. It is not enough to attend athletic events, provide peep talks, promise material rewards or even setting almost unachievable goals. Fathers must be visible and involved in schools to stop growing academic failures and work to stop increasing school violence.

Being a father includes making decisions not just for themselves, but for the child or children in their lives, sacrificing for their families and building their communities. Children are born into the world that requires fathers to review their accountabilities and responsibilities. Child rearing is never an easy thing in life, fathers must understand that the world is changing and their children need them to be active and involved. It can be seen in our schools which are a representation of society; fathers cannot be selfish in their actions and choices because they are models to their children and children that see them as idols.  

A father must provide guidance in wisdom, by sharing how important education is, that there is value in learning. Fathers need to show up at the school house and speak with teachers, administrators, coaches and tutors to make sure their child or children are learning and not being a disruption to the learning in classrooms. A father cannot do this once, he must be diligent, involved and importantly consistent. The Bible says in Hosea 4:6 (NKV), "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge."

This can be extended to children unsupported, unguided and lead astray. Fathers must show good judgment openly to their children; it is up to fathers to show that life does not have to be violent, thuggish, angry or lonely. Fathers do not let entertainment icons, rappers, musicians, and television athletes raise your children. As Charles Barkley once said parents should be their children’s role models not television athletes.

How different would children's lives be if fathers were as strong with children as the enthusiasm for sports teams or other recreational outlets? It is interesting that advertisements are rampant for fathers to buy football tickets so there won't be blackouts of football games, drink assortments of beers, but few commercials encouraging fathers to be more involved in the schools where future athletes and scholars will come from.

Men love to model behavior for their children; true behavior comes in the relationships with children. How many men display the same amount of dedication and devotion in relationships with their child that they are responsible for that they show for their sports teams? How much of a difference would it make in children respecting their mothers, being successful in school and contributing to society if fathers are actively modeling.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJ), "Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it." The unfortunate reality is too many children are being lead into the juvenile justice system where they loose their identities and treated like human capital with more value on their imprisonment and less on t heir enlightenment with education. There should be no schools struggling or failing because fathers need to be involved, show more interest, more accountable for their child or children's academic involvement.

This is a defining moment in schools, young men particularly in today's society need to hear words of love, acceptance and dedication from their fathers. There are two institutions that desire children; Educational and Correctional. It is up to fathers to guide their children to the correct institution of educational growth which leads to a life of independence and productivity. The Million Father March, fathers must realize the responsibility of their place in a child's life regardless if they are in the home or not, regardless of the distance between father and child through divorce or separation. This new school year should be more than just anointing heads with oil and prayers, more parents especially fathers involved in the schools to make sure children are successful.

Malcolm X stated, "Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today." If children are not prepared then parents are to blame if they are not involved as they should be. It is inexcusable for fathers not taking time to eat lunch with their child, or visit their child's school; fathers should know who their child's teacher is, what grade the child is in and the name of their child's school. They should attend PTA meetings, Schools Advisory Council meetings, School Board Meetings and Parent / Teacher Conferences.

Fathering is a stability of prayer, discipline, love, negotiation, trust and communication; fathering  does not come easy. Look in jails; look at the dropout rates to see the failures of non involved or non caring fathers. It will take the interaction of fathers to step up and become involved in their children’s life to guide them in the direction that builds character, a thirst for knowledge, value of hard work for success, educational attainment and building of communities. Fathers be involved, be committed and be encouraging.

Back To School Million Father March needs fathers involved and dedicated to the schools their children are enrolled in. Contact your child’s school to complete volunteer applications, chaperone applications, learn about their lunch hours and special events.

William Jackson, M.Ed.
About.me/WilliamDJackson
Edward Waters College and Duval County Public Schools

Mrs. Kimberly K. Parker, discusses ALMOST BACK TO SCHOOL

There are exactly three weeks left before school resumes. Calculating the time remaining caused my stomach to drop a bit.  If I may confess, I’m not quite ready for my children to leave my four walls and return to those of their respective schools.  There’s much transition taking place with my older son going off to high school and my “Baby Boy” preparing to walk through middle school doors.  I wonder if I’m ready for all it will bring. 

For the time I have left, I will engross them in as much summer time fun as I possibly can.  Now that my writing camp has concluded and their summer camp ushered in wonderful grand finales, it’s our turn to spend time with each other.  Libraries, museums, swimming pools, and a loaded minivan heading up the East coast…here we come!

What do you plan to do with the three weeks you have left?  Perhaps your child is still attending a summer camp.  If not, here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of the time remaining:

1. Start with a schedule. There is nothing more frustrating to both you and your child than planning on the fly.  Grab a calendar, map out your plan, and just do it!
2. Visit your local museum. Just as I stated before, in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the Smithsonian museums are plentiful. Also, the Newseum is offering free admission for children with a paid adult. Visit http://www.si.edu and http://www.newseum.org for more information.
3. Incorporate curriculum enrichment. Did you know in Prince George’s County Maryland a summer break work packet was available?  Check it out at Summer Break Packets.   Also, don’t be afraid to get a jump start on those science fair projects.  Schools tend to distribute information packets around the first of October, if not before.
4. Hang out at the local library. If you have the time, check out the Positive Vibrations Steel Drum Band on July 31, 2012 at 10am hosted by the Bladensburg Library on Annapolis Road.  It’s going to be a great show. For details, call 301-927-4916.
5. Make the Community News section of your local newspaper the “go to” resource for other free events. You’d really be surprised at what you will find.

There you have it! I sure hope this will help you to enjoy the last few weeks of the summer with your children!

Kimberly K. Parker is the President and CEO of Writing Momma Publishing, LLC (www.writingmomma.com). On September 8, 2012, the 2012 Write On! Writing Program participants will release their book entitled Young Voices.  Wise Words: Poems, Essays, and Short Stories at the Spaulding Library.  For more information visit Book Release Celebration.  Kimberly is a ghostwriter, author and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Divorced Fathers Use Tech To Connect

By:
William Jackson, Contributor Living Education eMagazine

Fathering is a balance of love, negotiation, trust, setting high expectations and communication.What better way to stay connected than to text with your children. Fathers must be hyped to use technology to stay connected to their children with the integration of technology in their lives.

I’m a divorced father over 15 years; it has not been an easy journey. Communication is the key to keeping a relationship close from the challenges of divorce and separation. Military families have embraced technology because of long deployments and long distances by parents in the service of their country. So the use to texting and other Social Media tools is important. I was not always able to drive to see my kids that live over an hour away once their mother and I divorced.

My intent was to live as close as possible, but the responsibilities and realities of employment, finances and my personal / professional growth required me to move further away.

Travels and Distances

At one time I lived in Kingsland, Georgia before moving back to Jacksonville, so I would drive after work on Fridays over an hour to pick my kids up that live in Palatka, Florida and drive almost two (2) hours to bring them home with me. Sunday after church to take them home it was another two hours then back for me. The travel distance was a time for catching up and reflection on the weeks that passed between us. Allowing us the time to adjust to each other again. This travel time was sometimes tense because as many fathers know we have to wean through some of the drama of Baby Mama Drama. To dissolve the negative energy that may come with divorce. Talking is important when you have the F2F – Face Fathers must take advantage of all resources available to keep the lines of communication open and consistent.

In this age of many types of technology, communication should not stop. It can grow because of Texting, Facebook, Twitter and other Social Media tools right through wireless devices like cell phones.

Tech Using Daddy: Connect via Text

Children and Teens have cell phones for safety, there is a connection that can be used. I purchased
my kids first cell phones when they were in Middle School. I got them pre-paid to teach them responsibility and time management using them. This also was not a financial burden to me and
taught us how to manage time, minutes and importantly money. Their mother at first did not agree
to them having a cell phone, but once I pointed out that it was for their safety and our mental stability
and not for me to spy on her, she was more agreeable. Especially when several kids were almost kidnapped in Palatka. What saved them was the fact that they called 911 for help and were not hurt.

Statistics and Data

Statistics show that 75% of teenagers prefer texting to actual voice. Speaking to my kids they agree.
They would rather text so they can multi-task and not let their friends know they are talking to their father. It was not keeping me secrete, but teens have a sense of pride and privacy even with their
friends. Ironically that is true, I have more conversations hrough texting than voice. We share pictures through Instagram, share where we are on Foursquare and interact on Facebook. This is a
win-win situation because we can “see” what each is doing. If I do not approve of their content I
can exert fatherly advice, not in a demeaning way, as guidance and reinforcement.

Cell Phones and Accidents

The power of cell phones did pay off when my son was in a car accident and he texted to ask what
he had to do. Overcoming my brief panic I texted was he ok and with a positive reply I called and
we went through what he should do. This interaction allowed him to contact law enforcement, take pictures for insurance purposes, and keep in contact with me as I drove to him. The ironic aspect to this is that he could not contact his mother by voice, since she was at work and did not text. Even though I was at work texting kept us connected. Children may not admit it, but when you tell them ”have a  great day,” “good luck on your tests,” ”buckle up when you drive” and even the occasional “I love you” they receive that better than hearing you tell them. The beauty is that texting is always there for them to see and reflect on later.

A New Language

Fathers, learn to “speak the language” of your children. The new language today is digital. If you

notice the dialogue is short, direct and to the point. Texting is a great opportunity to span distances
and keep lines of communication open. Allows for more intimate tool when sharing your personal expectations for behaviors of your children. Fathers should be involved and have their children
“teach” them how to use it as a better way to connect, provide advice and not allow distances and
time keep a separation between father and children. At the recent SSTESOL Sunshine State Teachers
of English Speakers of other Languages conference that Ipresented, our discussion on Social Media,
this conference supported teachers that teach foreign language students English.

Even foreign students use technology to span distances and communicate with their parents and friends. The Youtube video “Digital Natives” shows that youth have made the transition from Face to Face (F2F) communication to totally virtual. Fathers embrace the use of technology and don’t be scared to ask your kids to teach you how to use it and take advantage of all the capabilities, this allows for more bonding, personal and digital connections.

Don’t allow divorce, separation or other life challenges keeping you from communicating with your children. There is always a way, but he will has to be there to. Take it from my experience and integrate technology whenever you can to communicate with your children. It will payoff
as they mature. Dad will always be there even if it is just a Text, Facebook,
Tweet or Instagram away.

William Jackson

@wmjackson Twitter
http://WilliamDJackson.com/