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The Journey of Parenting in a Digital Age: Nurturing Successful Adults Parenting is an expedition filled with love, challenges, and the ultimate reward of seeing one's children grow into independent adults. From the moment they enter the world, communication begins with a cry, signaling their basic needs and our instinctual response to nurture and provide. This initial interaction is the foundation of a lifelong dialogue between parent and child. As they grow, our children face a rapidly changing world, especially with the advent of digital technology. The digital age has transformed the way we live, learn, and interact, presenting new challenges and opportunities for parents and children alike. For those of us with years of parenting under our belts, we've seen the evolution of parenting strategies adapt to these changes. We've learned that discipline doesn't necessarily mean punishment, but rather guidance and teaching. Setting boundaries, instilling values, and teaching responsibility are disciplines that have proven effective for many in raising successful adults. Open communication is key. Encouraging children to express their thoughts and feelings, and actively listening to them, builds trust and helps them develop the skills to navigate complex social environments. Involvement in their education, understanding their online world, and being present are pivotal in guiding them through the obstacles they face. The internet, a vast resource of knowledge and connection, also poses risks. It's crucial for parents to educate themselves and their children about online safety, privacy, and the importance of maintaining a balance between the virtual and real world. Creating a supportive community, both online and offline, where parents can share experiences, advice, and resources is invaluable. It's through this collective wisdom that we can better equip our children for success. As a parent with adult children and grandchildren, the desire to contribute to a positive future for the younger generations is strong. By fostering an ongoing dialogue about the issues facing our youth, we can work together to overcome the barriers to their success. In conclusion, parenting in the digital age is a continuous learning process. It requires adaptability, vigilance, and a commitment to understanding the world our children inhabit. By sharing our experiences and knowledge, we can help each other raise children who are not only successful adults but also compassionate and contributing members of society. Let's keep the conversation going and support one another in this most significant role. #youhavetocrawlbeforeyouwalk

The Journey of Growth: From Crawling to Walking The journey of growth and development in a child's life is a profound transformation that begins from the moment they are born. The initial bond formed between a child and their parents is the cornerstone of their future, providing the emotional nourishment necessary for their growth. As they mature, discipline emerges as a pivotal element, shaping their understanding of the world and their place within it. Parents play an instrumental role in guiding their children through these early stages, instilling a sense of safety and security. It is through the gentle encouragement of parents that children learn to believe in themselves, fostering a confidence that is essential for their development. The act of turning over, crawling, and eventually walking are milestones that mark a child's progress, each achievement reinforcing their instinct to explore and adapt. The concept of discipline, however, is multifaceted and has evolved over time. Practices once commonplace have now become obsolete, giving way to methods that prioritize understanding and communication. The question of physical discipline, such as spanking, is one that elicits diverse opinions and is often subject to cultural and generational shifts in perspective. It is important to recognize that each family's approach to discipline is unique and influenced by their values, experiences, and the societal norms of their time. The ultimate goal remains the same: to guide children towards a successful and fulfilling life. This success is not measured solely by the milestones of physical development but also by the nurturing of self-belief, resilience, and the ability to navigate the complexities of life. As we reflect on the various methods of discipline and their impact on children, it is crucial to engage in open and respectful discussions. Sharing experiences and insights can provide valuable perspectives that contribute to the collective understanding of effective parenting strategies. Whether through personal anecdotes or research-based evidence, the discourse on child-rearing practices continues to evolve, always with the well-being of the child at its heart. In conclusion, the journey from crawling to walking is emblematic of the broader path of growth that every child embarks upon. It is a path paved with love, care, and guidance, leading them towards becoming confident and capable individuals. As parents and caregivers, our role is to support this journey, celebrating each step and providing the foundation upon which they can build a successful life.

The Importance of Early Childhood Education and Parental Involvement: Early childhood learning is not just a fundamental stage in the development of children; it's a period brimming with potential, growth, and joy. From birth to eight years old, children are in a phase of rapid cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. They're not just learning about the world around them; they're also forming their identity and acquiring skills that will serve as the foundation for their lifelong learning journey. Early Childhood Education (ECE) plays a pivotal role in harnessing this potential. ECE is dedicated to providing young learners with high-quality educational experiences, both in formal settings like preschools and informal ones such as home or community playgroups. The goal is to prepare children for the academic demands of school and the broader challenges of life. For parents, the question often arises: how can they support their child's early learning at home? Here are some strategies to foster a nurturing learning environment: 1. Cater to Your Child's Curiosity: Children are naturally curious and eager to explore. Parents can support this by observing their child's interests and providing activities that align with their passions and abilities. This could mean offering books on dinosaurs if your child shows an interest in prehistoric creatures or playing counting games for a child fascinated by numbers. 2. Promote Playful Learning: Play is the language of children. It allows them to express themselves, assume various roles, confront challenges, and unleash their creativity. A home environment rich with diverse toys, games, and creative materials can stimulate a child's imagination and encourage independent and cooperative play. 3. Foster Literacy and Communication: Daily reading and conversation are crucial for language development. By reading stories suited to their child's age and engaging in discussions about them, parents can enhance their child's literacy. Moreover, regular communication about everyday experiences can boost a child's confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings. 4. Encourage Physical Activity: Physical development is as important as cognitive growth. Activities that promote motor skills, such as running, jumping, or even tasks like drawing, can contribute significantly to a child's health and well-being. By integrating these practices into daily routines, parents can significantly impact their child's early education, setting the stage for a lifelong love of learning. It's a collaborative journey, one where the home becomes the first classroom, and parents, the child's first teachers, play a crucial role in shaping their future.

Every year during the fourth of July, I have a tradition of spending time with my former AAU team and coaches. Let me tell you a bit about my coaching journey. I coached for over 26 years in various sports. I started out coaching T-ball because I wanted to share my passion and skills with the kids. Then I switched to football and coached Pop Warner football in Las Vegas for 9 years. During this time, I also joined Coach Mac's AAU basketball team as an assistant coach. He was a great mentor to me and taught me the fundamentals of basketball coaching. He reminds me of Coach Vaughn, who was my son's QB coach for his entire youth experience. I learned a lot from both of them and became a successful basketball coach in Middle School and AAU. I have a banner and a medal to show for our team's achievements. I retired when my son, Zach, graduated from high school and went to Boise State for college. He was my youngest and I followed his journey with pride. That's another story for another time. Back to the fireworks volunteering. Every year, when I meet up with this loyal and dedicated group of people, they always ask me to speak to the parents and the kids. They know that I have a lot of wisdom and experience to share about coaching, parenting, and success. I always tell the parents that they need to trust the coaches and support their children in their endeavors. I also tell the kids that they need to build a solid foundation of skills, values, and work ethic to achieve their goals. Every year, this is a highlight of my retired coaching life. Those guys make me feel appreciated. Parents actually come up to me and give me positive feedback. I believe that success is not only about winning, but also about being a person of integrity, passion, and purpose. "Parents must be able to trust the coach who is supervising their children. They must also be active participants and understand the coach's motives and goals. They must get involved!"

Brown Some folks claim, You don’t have high aspirations When your skin is brown. But, when I walk My coffee colored feet Barely touch the ground. And it’s so profound How my russet colored hands And burnt sienna colored eyes can feel colors and see sound. But, all some folks will ever see Is tan. They don’t understand That this brown doesn’t hinder me, Make me less than or define all that I can be or I am. So, they disrespect and they sleep upon our intellect. Avoiding being awakened For generations From their slumber. I wonder, are their monochromatic dreams So full of defective color schemes Or so blurred and opaque that there is no place there for beige and umber? And I know that there are those Who still curse our births they try to call us a lesser people and lazy, unintelligent, and criminals due to our shades and unequal But the lies they try to tell About cocoa and caramel Will never bring me down. Though, I know, There will always be Some folks out there who claim You can’t have high aspirations When your skin is brown. But, believe me They won’t ever be able to really see me because when I walk My coffee colored feet Barely touch the ground. You see, I’m a different chromatic vessel One operating at a higher level Than some have always thought And higher than they’ve been taught You see, I’m on a higher plane And unashamed And My skin Is this beautiful thang They call Brown. © Vincent L. Jones-LucidBlak (Revised July 2021) I would like to congratulate my children and all of our young college graduates of 2020 and 2022. Covid ruined the dream of many students' opportunities to walk the stage. We took the opportunity this year to share this precious moment with our children celebrating together. We are truly blessed and we want to extend that positive vibe to all parents in pursuit of the dream. In a diverse society we acknowledge our kids of color because we have lived the obstacles and we overcame. Stay positive and keep believing in yourselves. Parents continue to encourage their children. Help them to be disciplined and build strong character. Reinforce them to work hard and stay focused. Dedicated to Bianca Matlock (University of Oregon 2020) Dedicated to Zachary Matlock (Central Washington University 2022) Thanks, Vincent Jones, for allowing me to share your work on our website. We grew up together and I admire your talent. I will always be a fan.