With the Back-to-School season approaching its climax, it’s important for kids to start thinking about how they can set themselves up for success for the brand new school year, and beyond. One of the most crucial tools for achieving success in school—and in life—is a strong work ethic. Having a good work ethic means consistently […]
As the back-to-school season approaches, one of the most valuable lessons parents can teach their children is the importance of always being prepared. Whether it’s for school, extracurricular activities, or unexpected challenges, being prepared sets the foundation for success and helps kids feel confident and ready to tackle whatever comes their way. In this blog […]
Success is something we all strive for, whether it’s achieving good grades, excelling in sports, or reaching personal goals. But success doesn’t just happen overnight—it’s the result of consistent effort and determination. The phrase “Hard work today means success tomorrow” serves as a powerful reminder that what we do now lays the foundation for our […]
To read our past blog about how to stop procrastination in its tracks, visit: https://mpama.com/2023/08/08/dont-procrastinate/ When it comes to completing tasks on time, it is important for kids to learn that getting them done and over with earlier is better. As we grow up, we may all fall into the trap of pushing things […]
Being proactive means taking initiative and acting in advance to handle situations or solve problems before they become issues. For children, learning to be proactive is a valuable skill that can enhance their ability to manage responsibilities, make decisions, and build confidence. Proactivity empowers kids to take charge of their actions, plan ahead, and make […]
“There are 2 kinds of people: those who think they can, and those who think they can’t, and they’re both right,” is a powerful quote from Henry Ford that unveils a key truth about the World we live in. As we all move throughout our days from task to task, our mindset is the single […]
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial for kids to develop habits that encourage continuous self-improvement. One effective method is to ask themselves these three key questions: Where am I? What am I doing? and How can I get better? By asking themselves these questions, kids become more self-aware, develop critical thinking skills, and set actionable […]
Critical thinking is an essential skill that empowers kids to analyze information, make informed decisions, and solve problems creatively. It’s a tool that can help them navigate the complexities of school, social interactions, and even future careers. Developing critical thinking skills from a young age sets the foundation for a lifetime of thoughtful decision-making and […]
The Golden Rule, which encourages us to treat others as we wish to be treated, is more than just a guideline for personal behavior. It is a powerful tool for leadership, particularly when it comes to setting a positive example for others. By embodying the principles of hard work, focus, and encouragement, we can inspire […]
As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, summer invites us to enjoy its sunny splendor. However, basking in the warmth comes with the responsibility of taking care of ourselves. Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring the great outdoors, or simply relaxing in your backyard, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and safety. The […]
As the summer heat ramps up, staying hydrated becomes even more crucial for both kids and parents. Proper hydration ensures that our bodies function optimally, keeping us energized and healthy during our fun-filled summer activities. Here are three essential tips to help you and your family stay hydrated all season long: Follow the Formula […]
In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere – from smartphones and tablets to laptops and televisions. While technology offers numerous benefits, excessive screen time can be detrimental, especially for children and teenagers. One of the best ways to reduce screen time is by replacing screens with books instead. Swapping screen time with reading has numerous […]
In today’s world, where screens and technology often dominate our attention, it’s more important than ever for kids to get outside and play. The benefits of outdoor play are boundless, from physical health to mental well-being and social development. Encouraging children to spend time outdoors can help them grow into well-rounded, healthy individuals. Here are […]
Have you ever heard the phrase “Get caught doing it right?” It’s a fun way to remind ourselves that doing the right thing is important, even when no one is watching. Whether you’re at school, at home, or even playing sports, there are many ways you can “get caught doing it right.” Let’s dive into […]
Earning Respect Respect is a powerful currency that enriches our lives and relationships. It’s not something we’re entitled to; rather, it’s something we must earn. For kids, earning respect can be a transformative journey that paves the way for stronger connections with parents, teachers, and peers. In this blog, we’ll explore three key ways […]
Earning Responsibility As children grow older, they should also grow wiser, more accountable, and self-reliant with each passing day. Responsibility, however, isn’t an innate trait that magically blossoms with age; rather, it’s a skill that requires careful nurturing over time. Teaching kids to be responsible isn’t merely about assigning chores; it’s about instilling in […]
What it Means to Earn What they say is true: anything you can dream of is possible to achieve. That is, as long as you are willing and able to put in the hard work to get there. That’s why it’s crucial to instill in our children the timeless virtue of earning things through […]
Be Prepared! As the sun sets on summer and the crisp breeze of autumn begins to fill the air, the excitement of a brand new school year comes knocking at our doors. It’s a time of fresh beginnings, new challenges, and endless possibilities. To ensure you step onto this path with confidence and enthusiasm, […]
Proactive Training Imagine a toolbox for kids—one filled not with hammers and nails, but with a special power: proactivity. This is a tool that helps them shape their own success, step by step. Just like how planting a seed can lead to a vibrant garden, teaching children to be proactive– especially when it comes […]
Proactive Socialization The back-to-school season is just around the corner once again, so right now is the perfect time to help our kids use their confidence to make new friends. Introducing yourself and meeting new people can be a tough task for children, but that’s what proactive socialization is all about! Being the first […]
Don’t Procrastinate In the whirlwind of modern life, procrastination has become a common roadblock for kids when it comes to taking charge of their responsibilities. Often tempted by distractions and the allure of instant gratification, kids may delay their tasks, leading to stress and missed opportunities. However, teaching our young ones the value of […]
What it Means to be Proactive In a world filled with endless possibilities, empowering children to take charge of their actions and destinies is a crucial aspect of their growth and development. Being proactive is not just a fancy term; it encompasses a range of qualities that can shape a child’s future for the […]
Learn a New Skill One of the hardest decisions for children to make is how to spend their free time. With Summer in full swing, and school out of the equation for the next few months, this problem can be intensified even further. However, have no fear; by harnessing the potential of our leisure […]
Be Creative As the sun shines brighter and school doors close for the summer, children find themselves with ample free time to explore their creativity and let their imaginations soar. With all this extra time in the day, it’s important to teach our kids how to spend it wisely by staying productive. A great […]
Practice Hobbies Summer is here, all rejoice! For kids, this is a time of freedom from textbooks and classrooms; a chance to dive headfirst into adventure. While the allure of lazy days may be tempting, there is immense value in encouraging children to stay productive during the summer months. By engaging in fun hobbies, […]
60 Minutes of Play a Day! Picture this: a world where kids are superheroes of play, where laughter echoes through the air, and every moment is an adventure waiting to happen. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the incredible reasons why it’s absolutely essential for kids to be active for at least […]
Stay Active with Your Family Summer is the perfect time for families to embrace the great outdoors and engage in activities that promote physical fitness and strengthen family bonds! Encouraging children to stay active during the summer not only benefits their physical health but also fosters a sense of adventure. In this blog, we […]
Play Outside With Friends Summer is knock, knock, knocking at the door, and it’s about time for kids to answer it’s call with boundless enthusiasm. As the days stretch longer and the air gets warmer, it’s important to spend a portion of our time each day in the great outdoors. It’s a world where […]
Stay Hydrated ***A brand new, audio podcast version of this blog post is now available on Spotify!! Visit podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mpama-changing-lives to listen.*** With summer just around the corner, it’s time to prepare ourselves for the beaming sun and rising temperatures. As the thermometer climbs, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize hydration to keep our bodies cool […]
Limit Screen Time ***A brand new, audio podcast version of this blog post is now available on Spotify!! Visit podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mpama-changing-lives to listen.*** In the digital era we live in, screens have become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it’s our smartphones, tablets, computers, or televisions, we find ourselves constantly drawn to their glowing […]
Finishing the School Year Strong! ***A brand new, audio podcast version of this blog post is now available on Spotify!! Visit podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mpama-changing-lives to listen.*** The school year is drawing to a close, and it has surely been full of lots of grit and hard work. With the end in sight, it’s important to tap into your […]
Never Give Up! ***A brand new, audio podcast version of this blog post is now available on Spotify!! Visit podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mpama-changing-lives to listen.*** As kids grow up, they learn how to start setting goals for themselves. Whether it’s achieving good grades in school, winning a sports competition, or learning a new skill, staying determined to […]
Determination and Confidence **A brand new, audio podcast version of this post is now available on Spotify! Visit podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mpama-changing-lives to listen. Similar to determination, confidence is often considered one of the keys to success, and for good reason! When it comes to determination and reaching goals, confidence can save you from giving up, and […]
Determined for Success A brand new, audio podcast version of this blog is now available on Spotify! Visit: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mpama-changing-lives/episodes/003-Determined-for-Success-e23cukb to listen, and check out all of our other recorded episodes on our Spotify page. Determination is the key to success, and is one of the most important traits that parents can help their kids […]
Staying Positive in any Situation An audio podcast version of this blog post is also available for your listening! Visit: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mpama-changing-lives Learning to stay positive is an important life skill for everyone, but our young ones may not be masters at managing emotions just yet. However, with the help and support from their […]
Doing Things that Make Others Happy To listen to our BRAND NEW audio Podcast version of this post, visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/3z9FknRJbhGAFQrvIRZX5I Teaching our children to do things that make others happy is an important lesson for them to learn. As parents, we want our kids to develop into happy, successful individuals who contribute positively […]
Doing Things that Make You Happy When times inevitably get rough, one of the best tools we have to stay optimistic and deal with stress is doing things that make you happy. In life, we may not be able to control the events that happen, but we can always control how we react and […]
Optimism: How to Deal with Stress With Spring now in full swing, there are many good things that we can look forward to; rising temperatures, greener trees, budding flowers, and more! It’s clear that Spring can be a time to relax and enjoy what’s around us, but it can also come with many stressors– […]
External Problem Solving It’s no secret that everyone will experience times when they are faced with an obstacle that they may need help to overcome. When we see someone going through one of those times, it’s natural to want to reach out and lend a helping hand, but it can be difficult to know where […]
Internal Problem Solving Internal problem solving is a crucial skill for kids and young adults to learn as it can help them overcome common internal struggles and avoid potentially dangerous situations. People of all ages are likely to face common obstacles that require self-reflection to resolve, so it’s important to practice the necessary skills. […]
Problem Solving: Reasoning Problem Solving can often become a problem itself if you don’t have the right tools. This is why we are going over a wide range of the different skills that are necessary for problem solving throughout the month of March! Our goal is to help our community build the proper toolbox […]
Problem Solving: Adapting When a problem arises, it is inherently necessary to learn how to adjust your actions and adapt to the new environment in order to succeed. Problems on the road to success can come from 2 places: either something you are doing, or something you aren’t. If we keep approaching the issue […]
Critical Thinking Problem Solving is a very important skill set that we believe everyone should always develop and keep in their toolbox. The ability to solve problems efficiently is not only useful in personal life, but is a highly sought after trait in the professional world. Critical thinking is one of the essential factors […]
Team Companionship Teamwork has been the word of the month this February, and we’ve got one more full week to discuss its importance. This week, our chosen character focus relating to teamwork is Team Companionship! As you read, we will be talking all about how to bring up and encourage your team through this […]
Being a Team Player The season of flower bouquets, chocolate truffles, and heart-shaped candies is right around the corner, with Valentine’s Day coming up this week, we think that makes it the perfect time to continue February’s focus on Teamwork by discussing how to be a team player. Afterall, teamwork is all about the […]
Team Leadership This week, we’d like to start off with a few questions right away. For our parents, think about the best boss you’ve ever had at any job. What made them your favorite? What things did they do that make them stand out amongst other bosses? What qualities did they possess that made […]
Teamwork It’s hard to believe it, but we’re already on our way into February of 2023! We hope January was as awesome for everyone as it was for us, and that you were able to practice your goal setting and achieving skills. Before we set sail into the new month, just remember the bottom […]
“The Sooner You Start, the Sooner You Finish” With January coming to a close, it’s time to wrap up our talk about Goal Setting. We’ve talked about how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals, staying determined to reach those goals, and how to utilize accountability throughout the whole process. This week, we will be discussing the […]
Accountability We hope everyone has been having a fantastic start to the New Year so far! It’s hard to believe that we’re already almost 1 month down in 2023, but that’s why it’s super important to stay focused on your goals and keep your eyes on the prize. This week, we will be continuing […]
Staying Determined to Reach Our Goals As we venture further into January and the New Year, we want to keep our focus on goal setting and achieving for our students and families. The past couple of weeks, we’ve discussed how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals, and how to make sure you are able to accomplish […]
Goals We Set are Goals We Get! Welcome to 2023!!! We hope you have all had an amazing start to the brand new year, and are ready for 365 days of new opportunities. Let’s keep up all the success we found in 2022, and see what records we can break in 2023! One of the […]
Goal Setting This week, we’re in that magical time right in the middle of the Holiday Season. The coming weekend will usher in the beginning of a brand new year, 2023! As is tradition with this time of year, it’s time for you and your family to start thinking of your New Year’s resolutions. […]
Generosity for the Holidays The smell of Gingerbread cookies in the air, snow falling peacefully on the ground, and the warmth of a nice cup of hot chocolate are all signs that one of the most special times of year is upon us: the Holiday Season! No matter what Holidays you celebrate, this time […]
Do it Right or Do it Over! Throughout the month of December, we’ve focused on First Time Listening, which is an important skill for children to practice and develop. We aim to help our students become the best listeners, so that they are able to focus and follow directions properly. This skill is crucial […]
First Time Listening As a parent, you strive to see your children become great at listening and focusing. Young kids are still learning how the World works, and might not have full comprehension of the fact that they need to listen to what they are told to do in order to succeed. However, just […]
The Importance of Thanksgiving Featured Article: https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving November is starting to draw to its close, which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner! We’re so excited for this special time of year, where we get to spend time with our family over a nice, filling meal. With the Thanksgiving Feast now only a […]
Who Are You Thankful For? Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, so it’s time to finalize our lists of the things and people that we are thankful for this year. Before you can give out your thanks, it’s a good idea to create a physical or mental list of who specifically you are […]
Showing Gratitude We are steadily making our way through November, and getting closer to Thanksgiving each day! It’s time again to start preparing and gathering our gratitudes in time for the special Holiday. Last week, we talked all about what Gratitude means, and why it is important to show it (missed last week’s blog? […]
Gratitude The crisp Autumn air, the changing colors of the falling leaves, and the smell of pumpkin spice all mean one thing: November has arrived. With Thanksgiving approaching, There’s no better time to show our thanks and Gratitude to those close to us than this penultimate month of the year! This month, we will […]
Kindness for the Environment Golden Rule Challenge: Week 4 We are extremely excited to be rounding off our month-long Golden Rule Challenge with our fourth and final week. This week, our challenge sheet asks students to perform one kind act each day for the environment. We want to promote environmental kindness in order to […]
Kindness for Yourself Golden Rule Challenge: Week 3 So far, our awesome Golden Rule Challenge for the month of October has been going strong, and we’re super excited for the arrival of Week 3! This week’s challenge asks our students to do one kind act each day for family members, but that also includes […]
Kindness In School Golden Rule Challenge: Week 2 We’re excited to be hosting our Golden Rule Challenge in the Month of October! This week, our challenge asks students to perform one random act of kindness for classmates and teachers in school each day. This can include picking up something a classmate dropped, helping the […]
Kindness Golden Rule Challenge October is National Bullying Prevention Month, which means we will be bringing back our Golden Rule Challenge at MPAMA! Each week of October, we will be sending out a challenge sheet that includes the instructions that tell you how to complete that week’s task. All the challenges revolve around having […]
Confidence: Self-Determination and Certainty To round off our month of confidence talk, we are focusing on using confidence to build self-determination and certainty in our students. So far, we’ve discussed the Three Rules, participation, and speaking up, and how confidence plays into these different skills. Not unlike the rest, self-determination and certainty are two […]
Confidence: Speaking Up One thing we all want for our children is the ability for them to speak up for themselves. Whether it’s standing up to a bully, telling adults when something is wrong, or asking the teacher when they need help, speaking up is an important, yet often an overlooked task. Underdeveloped confidence […]
Confidence: Participation Aside from helping us make new friends, confidence is important for the new school year to make sure classes are fun and educational. Every week, teachers spend countless hours preparing plans for each day’s class; they craft lessons that need to teach the necessary material, yet maintain children’s attention. However, a large […]
Practice the Three Rules of Confidence With the start of the new school year, the opportunity for our children to make new friends and set up a successful school year comes once again. We all want to see our kids have high self-esteem so they can make friends with their new classmates. To do […]
Helping Our Kids Become Better People Featured Article: “14 Little Ways to Encourage Kindness,” Kristine Breese Parents, we know that you strive to see your children grow up into well-mannered, disciplined people with moral compasses and good hearts. However, the responsibility of nurturing kids to ensure their good character often falls solely on […]