Parenting

March 20, 2014 In Parenting

Technology Sabbath

By Joe Cavanaugh, Founder & CEO

Today’s the first day of spring. A month ago, those of us living in Minnesota wondered if our frigid winter would ever stop. Soon, warmer weather and sunshine will draw people out of their homes and my neighborhood will suddenly seem busier. With the opportunity to be outside more this spring, it can be a good time to unplug, head outside and smell the tulips.READ MORE

March 13, 2014 In Advice for Educators, Parenting

Focus on the 97 Right

One of my favorite teachers in high school was Mr. John O’Dougherty. I vividly remember the day in class when Mr. O’Dougherty handed back our midterms. He had a formal way of announcing and celebrating his students’ success. On this particular day, he acknowledged everyone’s hard work, but took a moment to highlight my results. READ MORE

February 27, 2014 In Leadership, Parenting

Put Your Own Mask on First

A few years ago, I was on an airplane with my four-year-old daughter, Tess. She was in the seat next to me when it happened: the oxygen masks dropped down. Over the loudspeaker, the captain assured us we were safe, but that the plane had temporarily lost cabin pressure and that – for our safety – we were to put on oxygen masks. The pilot then reminded us to secure our own mask before assisting anyone else with his or her mask. READ MORE

February 14, 2014 In Parenting

Marriage Advice from a Rookie

I am relatively new to marriage. Jane and I are approaching our 13th wedding anniversary. Many of my friends have been married for over 25 years and many of my mentors have been married for over 50 years. Thus, in some ways, I am a rookie. Today is Valentine’s Day — a day when it is nearly impossible not to reflect on your own love relationship. I am acutely aware that my marriage to Jane is Tess’ most significant model for love and relationship. READ MORE

February 6, 2014 In Parenting

Being a “Yes Mom”

This blog post was written by Jane Leyden Cavanaugh, School Relations Representative and Joe Cavanaugh’s wife.

A couple of years ago, I overheard a conversation Tess was having with her friend. Tess said, “Daddy always says yes to me. Mommy always says no.” This comment really shocked me, but then I took a step back and thought about my recent conversations with Tess.READ MORE

January 30, 2014 In Advice for Educators, Parenting

10-Second Connection

Every year, I have the chance to get out of the office and lead a handful of Youth Frontiers retreats. Whenever I’m on retreat, teachers and administrators comment on how great it is that I get the kids to talk to me. The reality is that these kids often are not really talking to me – it’s more of a short exchange that I call the “10-second connection.”READ MORE

January 23, 2014 In Parenting

Raising a Kind Daughter

A friend of mine recently sent me the link to a blog post that resonated with me. It was written by Kari Kampakis, an author and newspaper columnist in Alabama. Her blog focuses on her family life and the art of raising four daughters. In a recent post on the 10 common mistakes parents make, Kampakis wrote that the number one mistake was underestimating character. “Character, moral fiber, an inner compass… these things lay the foundation for a happy, healthy future.” Like the rest of us, she recognizes the importance of trying to help her kids get an “A” in life.READ MORE

January 16, 2014 In Leadership, Parenting

Little Acts of Service

“One, two, three, four…” That’s the sound of my daughter, Tess, quietly counting buttons. When she comes into Youth Frontiers’ office, I try to find little ways for her to help out. It’s a way to keep her mind occupied and it gives her a feeling of service. Most of the time, this means the somewhat monotonous task of counting buttons. READ MORE

January 9, 2014 In Parenting

A Call to Retreat

Whenever I’m speaking to parents, corporate leaders or educators, the first thing I do is acknowledge how the audience (whether it’s three people or 300) has probably made some kind of extra effort to gather together. No doubt all of them rushed to work that morning, rushed through the meetings of the day or rushed through dinner to get to the event on time. So the first thing out of my mouth is, “Thanks for being here. No need to rush now. It’s okay for us to slow down this hour.”READ MORE

December 23, 2013 In Parenting

What kind of person do you want to be?

By Joe Cavanaugh, Founder & CEO

We’ll be ringing in the new year in just a couple days and I’ve heard countless people talking about making New Year’s resolutions. I get it – it’s a natural time to reflect on your life and set goals for the future. But according to Forbes Magazine, just eight percent of Americans achieve their New Year’s goals. To avoid being in the eight percent group, we have a “less-annual” approach for goal-setting in our home.READ MORE