You know that sister-in-law with the perfect kids who always makes snide comments like, “Your son sure is…energetic”? Here’s how I want you to respond: “I love Jacob’s energy. He has the initiative, creativity, imagination, wit and problem-solving ability of six people. You should hear his ideas and plans. And you better be nice to him, because one day your kids are going to be working for him!”
That’s the attitude we want here. We’re going to show you why our kids are the leaders of tomorrow. Darn right we’re going to celebrate. Hang out with me here, but only if you’re willing to be challenged.
I’ll take curiosity over good grades anyday…
We are systematically crushing the curiosity of an entire generation of children. Why? We prefer blind compliance because we don’t have the time or emotional energy to reward curiosity. Our schedules are packed and we put so much pressure on ourselves that we simply don’t have time for a child to ask why. “I’m not… Continue Reading ›
Posted on September 23, 2011 by Kirk Martin
Do you want to “manage” or understand your child?
“Celebrate Calm came to my attention after our counseling ended. Celebrate Calm has been MORE helpful, more encouraging, more practical. And your CDs cost us less than the professional counseling, by far. Your work, Kirk, helped my husband and me to stop trying to just manage our son and to work to understand him and… Continue Reading ›
Posted on September 20, 2011 by Kirk Martin
Do schools really need more money?
No, I’m not interested in debating school funding today. I’ll argue with you another day over that Today, though, I have a simple point. Read about this amazing teacher below, then ask yourself a few questions. “My son has often struggled in school and felt completely misunderstood. I met his new teacher and he blew… Continue Reading ›
Posted on September 13, 2011 by Kirk Martin
How do you get kids to eat more? To exercise?
Q: My daughter won’t eat. She’s so thin. How much should I push her? Q: How can I get my kids to exercise? Ahhhhhh, two very common and great questions. I think you’ll find this insight extremely helpful. We answer this question in today’s newsletter. Read the newsletter, then comment on Facebook or this blog.… Continue Reading ›
Posted on September 6, 2011 by Kirk Martin
Should kids be quiet while eating?
In today’s newsletter, we covered a slightly controversial topic. Just what should our expectations of kids be? What other tools can a school use to create a calm cafeteria, without yelling or making kids lose recess? Read the newsletter, then comment here or on Facebook. Don’t get the newsletter? Sign up here!
Posted on August 30, 2011 by Kirk Martin
IEP Myth: A 504 is as good as an IEP
If you have a child with special needs, you need to give your kids as many tools as possible to succeed. School is beginning now in some states so the questions are coming in. Isn’t a 504 Plan as good as an IEP (Individualized Education Program)? It’s not even close. A 504 Plan helps level… Continue Reading ›
Posted on August 18, 2011 by Kirk Martin
A success story–who knew Kirk was a verb?!
This is Brett. The following email was both inspiring and funny, so we thought we’d share it with you. If you want the same tools that this Mom used to change her family, email or call me. I’ll get these right out to you ASAP and I can work with your budget. 888-506-1871. Hi Kirk,… Continue Reading ›
Posted on August 17, 2011 by Kirk Martin
Angry emails
Okay, so I’m getting some angry emails about today’s newsletter. I understand your frustration, but perhaps I need to clarify with three straightforward points: 1. Your child’s education is your responsibility. We made a huge mistake 125 years ago when we abdicated responsibility for our kids, and just told other people to make sure our… Continue Reading ›
Posted on August 16, 2011 by Kirk Martin
Is ADHD real?
I have had the pleasure of training hundreds of teachers and school counselors the past three days. Here’s a common question. Is ADHD real? I may have an opinion or two, but I would love to hear YOUR perspective. What do you think?
Posted on August 12, 2011 by Kirk Martin
Even 5-year-olds don’t like to get mad and be yelled at
One day, while working in my home office, my daughter (5) saw the CD box and asked what it was. I told her they were CDs that I listen to help me be a better parent, so that I don’t get mad at her so much. I guess that’s all I had to say because… Continue Reading ›
Posted on August 10, 2011 by Kirk Martin
