Beyond Excuses : Professional Life Coaching Services : Newsletter : Autumn 2010

A Newsletter for Parenting Teens

Autumn 2010

A fallen leaf is nothing more
than a summer's wave good bye

Author Unknown

1. Which steps will you take to heighten your awareness of the effects of autumn on your family this year?

From talking to friends and acquaintances, I hear many moans and groans about the dreary weather and impending snow. Seriously though, the rain and cloudiness of the season does seem to pull some people down. How about you?

Imagine, if you are affected by this time of year, how do you suppose your children / teens / post-secondary school students are feeling? There is a tendency to forget to be sensitive and check in to see if they are being affected by the season. Adults have the opportunity to voice their reactions and get sympathy, yet our youth / young adults have to ‘suck it up, buttercup’ and get on with it. Their life is busy and there isn’t time for THAT!

To continue grooming yourself as your child’s coach, what steps can you take to make a difference to his/her day? How can you encourage and lift him/her up? With intentional efforts, you can indeed have a powerful affect on your child by taking the following steps to become informed.

a) Are teens and young adults susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder / SAD? There are a lot of publications for adults, but as a parent it is important that you’re aware that teens can also be affected.
Read more to about this: Kids Health - Seasonal Affective Disorder

b) Are you taking proactive steps to bridging the gap with our teens and post-secondary children before turbulence begins? This requires effort…not work ~ which has some negative connotations. A grandmother said that her children are always a concern…well, let’s hope not for our generation! While you still have influence over your children, you may learn some great tips in this article. Although it was written almost 10 years ago, is it not only still very relevant, but there are many pearls to be found. The author’s wisdom is refreshing. May this create awareness and motivation!
Working With Teens (PDF)

c) Do you feel confident in nurturing your teen/young adult in preparation for adulthood? This care is the crucial step in giving your child the security needed to step out and test the adult world. As parents, it is our responsibility to continue doing this ~ in an age appropriate and healthy manner.
Nurturing Teens? Yes, The Right Way

d) What changes have you made to your parenting skills as your child matures? This is an often missed, yet important detail for parents in keeping the lines of communication open and your family relationships healthy. Parents struggle with the concept of treating their teen as an adult or a friend. At what point does this begin? Consider attending one of the Upcoming Events posted under Current Programs and Workshops on my website to gain the confidence necessary to master this.
Beyond Excuses Services

e) As a parent, how would you rank the satisfaction in your life on a scale from 1 – 10? What if you were living your life on purpose? If you have attended one of my workshops, you’ll know that I always ask if you have identified your life purpose. There is a reason for this. Your life isn’t a dress rehearsal ~ this is the real thing! As you journey down your path you ought to achieve a satisfaction beyond anything you’ve ever experienced. If you haven’t, you are not alone. Good news! I’ve found a course which is biblically based and will leave you with a blueprint of what you life is meant to be. It is AMAZING! If you prefer a secular model, there are plenty to be found on the internet. I encourage everyone to find that purpose, according to their beliefs, to uncover and discover the life which has been designed JUST for you. This will allow you to be a better parent and find worthiness in your life you’ve yet to experience!
Beyond Excuses Services

2. Do you have any leftover pumpkins from Halloween?

Providing your family with the best nutrition is vital during the flu season. Why not pick up some local produce to create some wonderful meals! Not only is the nutritional value of pumpkins is incredible, but the uncarved ones can be place about the house as decorations. I’ve been cooking up a storm using the regular pumpkins (vs. the sugar pumpkins) and have some great recipes to share with you. After reading through some of these, you’ll want to head on down to your local farm market and pick up a few! Start off by learning about the Pumpkin ~ fruit or vegetable?
Pumpkin Nutrition Facts

Then you can enjoy:

A Thai Pumpkin Soup

A Turkey Pumpkin Chilli ~ Outstanding!!

A Delicious Pumpkin Biscotti

3. Plan ahead for Christmas!

Yes, it is just around the corner. I have something special to help you with your gift-giving. Gift Certificates! For $150 you can give a personalized gift certificate to yourself, spouse, teen or friend for 3 one hour coaching sessions. This will be a unique and great beginning to the New Year for someone you love.

4. What would your day look like with a little extra time
while staying home and learning?

I realize not only how busy parents are, but that when there is free time, you don’t necessary wish to fill it with heading out to attend a course to sharpen your parental development. Teleclasses are a convenient alternative. Presently, I have been unable to find a Canadian company offering good rates, but the US does, which allows me to keep class prices rock bottom.

To attend a teleclass, you simply call into a bridgeline (a number I provide upon registration) where everyone can participate from a phone. A curriculum is presented. Your long distance rates to the US determine additional costs of the course. I hope you’ll consider joining me on a call or suggesting it to friend. See below.

5. Upcoming Events!

How would an amicable relationship with your teenager affect you and your family?

• TNT (Teens Need Time) Teleclasses*

During the 6 weeks, you will learn 7 tools to add to your parenting style to enhance the relationship with your teenager. The most significant benefit is that what you learn on each call can be applied immediately! Expect better conversations, more respect and move from less managing to more coaching your teen! This program is enhanced with coaching to anchor your learning.

Registration open until January 10th, 2011.

Mondays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. beginning on January 17th
for 6 consecutive weeks

Cost is $25 Class size is limited to 10

*a ‘teleclass’ is a class with a curriculum, taught by myself; you will be given a bridge line (located in the U.S. ~ so long distance charges will apply) to call into for the class. I will teach the first half and the remainder is open for discussion, coaching, etc. Participation is encouraged as this will enhance your learning. There will be two 1:1 coaching calls ~ just you and me ~ for 30 minutes each as an opportunity to personalize your learning.

What impact would creating a personal blueprint of YOUR life purpose have on how you live out the rest of your life?

• BluePrint for Life ~ Teleclass

I have been certified as a Discipleship Coach and am offering a 6 week, biblically based program to help you discover the life purpose that God intended for you. I will be able to help you identify and create a strategic life plan-a personal life blueprint – to take intentional, consistent action steps to experience the life that you were born to live in all five major areas of life: Spiritual, Relationships, Physical, Financial and Career. As a bonus, the 7th week will include a 1:1 coaching session to finish up.

Please go to www.blueprintforlife.com for more information.

Registration opens January 10, 2011

Mondays 10 – 11:30 a.m. beginning on January 17th
for 6 weeks

Cost is $90 and includes workbook and CDs

Class is limited to 10 participants

How would having more tools at your fingertips affect your parenting?

• Dealing With Today’s Teens ~ Peace Portal Alliance Church • Room 201

“An 8-lesson DVD seminar offering parents a new and some- times shocking glimpse into the world of teens today. Presenter and teacher Mark Gregston offers proven strategies and biblical counsel for parents who wish to keep their teen from falling prey to the self-destructive culture in which they live and to maintain an open, loving and honest relationship.”

Registration open until January 7th 2011