ParenTeen

The Simply Fearless Family Channel

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:15:00 +0000

I am thrilled to announce that SimplyFearless.com has launched! It is an on-line community dedicated to helping you design, create, and live:

Your Simply Fearless Life!

You can find articles about parenting and family through the Family Channel. I hope you will stop by, leave a comment, and continue to grow with me.

We are currently looking for contributors to submit articles in the following categories:

Health & Humanity

Fun & Friends

Family & Parenting

Solopreneurs & Blogging

Home & Office Design

Love & Romance

Spirituality & God

If you'd like to contribute an article (even one you've already written & published!), then send me an email at Cassandra@SimplyFearless.com.

Parenting a Teen is Easy {part 1}

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:26:00 +0000

3 teens from left to right: Noah, Carina & Charice

Each day I write down an intention and 5 Simple Ways to practice it. Today my intention is to take it easy. As soon as I wrote "take it easy" in my journal I felt this nice, calming peace settle through my body. Aaahhhh, I let out a sigh of relief and triple underlined the word "easy". Then I wrote it in big capital letters: EASY! Then I wrote "life is easy."

This past week has been a challenging parenting week and I might blog more about the specifics later. As I begin my day today with a grouchy, depressed teenager I am going to practice the idea that parenting my teen is easy. I mean, I know that it's challenging and confusing - believe me, I know! But, today it's easy. I'm just going to do the best I can and watch how it goes. I'm going to be open and honest with my teen about how I'm feeling and give her feedback on her behavior. And I'm going to do it all from this place of parenting my teen is easy.

I feel so inspired and ready to take on my day. I I can handle anything my teen throws my way. Wish me well and I'll let you know how it goes...

Is Insecurity Holding You Back?

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:13:00 +0000

Is insecurity holding you back?
Would you like more courage?
Clarity?
And confidence?

Our family relationships dramatically affect our level of confidence and how willing we are to put ourselves out there. The truth is that most of us allow disempowering family beliefs and patterns to stop us from going after what we want - we simply don't realize we're doing it! If you are ready to shine a bright light of awareness on insecurity and stop allowing it to hold you back, then you absolutely must attend our next FREE Coaching Group:

Simple Ways to Boost Your Confidence!
led by teen & family coach Cassandra Rae

Dedicate an hour to your success and join us to:

Over the phone on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 12pm Pacific Daylight Time {this call will be recorded}

In person on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 7pm in downtown Sunnyvale {space is limited to 6 participants and spots are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis}

This group is for adults and teens who are:

Registration is required for this FREE Coaching Group. To register click here

New On-line Resources for Parents & Teens

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:20:00 +0000

We are so excited to announce the launch of our brand new website and Family Resource Blog! They are absolutely beautiful because they were created with you in mind! Within our internet pages you will find inspirational quotes, powerful perspectives, book recommendations, and opportunities to receive support as you navigate through the challenges of life, family, career, and happiness. Our intention with our web presence is to provide you with a treasure trove of resources and information to help you rock out your family life and relationships!

www.SimpleWaysCoaching.com

www.SimpleWaysCoaching.com/resource

Follow the links above to check them out for yourself and be sure to leave a little commentluv while you're there. We love to receive your comments, questions, and feedback!

From ParenTeen to Simple Ways Coaching

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:23:00 +0000

I have some fabulous news. The 7 Simple Ways to Connect class has evolved into a brand new coaching practice! I am proud to announce that I have launched Simple Ways Coaching, which is dedicated to empowering people to simplify their relationships while deepening the connections of their heart's desire! It's all about healing, creating, and nurturing fulfilling connections with yourself, with others, and with your purpose, passion, and life calling.

It's all still coming together and I'm not exactly sure where it's all headed - that's part of the fun of it all - but I do know that it's headed towards greatness! I have created a new website, a new community blog, and I am working on a new personal blog. A great, big THANK YOU! to everyone who has been a part of ParenTeen! I'll keep ya posted :~)

Simply evolving ~
Cassandra

A Look into My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:44:00 +0000

Photography is a hobby of mine and today I thought I would share some recent photos - although I must admit that my husband took the photos that I am in! If you click on the photo, it will take you to my flickr gallery where you can view larger. Enjoy...

Isn't this photo cool?! I love the little critter hanging out of the bird's mouth! I was able to capture this because the nest of little birdies was very close to here and the momma or daddy bird was hanging out to make sure that I went away without disturbing their home. Awesome!

From left to right: Gracie, Me, Carina, My Mom
I love this photo! Even though Mom's eyes are closed - it's a true candid - even though we were posed!

I love taking photos of dead and dying flowers - it captures the "not so pretty" part of life that we tend to push away and shut out. We even do this to parts of ourselves that we don't like - but, it's just a natural part of being alive.

This is my promise bracelet. It's huge! And I wear it every day - even if it doesn't match - because I wear it to remind me of my daily intention. Today's promise is to connect: to share, to listen, to let go, to embrace, and to ask for help. Nice!

Will took this photo of us girls on Mother's Day. I super enjoyed getting together with Mom and Carina. We had some girlfriends over and we all enjoyed a lavendar foot soak along with a glass (or two or three!) of almond champagne - well, Carina got a sip anyhow :~)

Shockingly Simple Ways to Connect with Your Teen!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:54:00 +0000

Teens before my class ~ Teens after my class!

Connecting during the teen years is one of the biggest challenges for teens and parents alike. There are heightened emotions, power struggles, conflicting values, hectic schedules, and technology barriers. But, staying connected is also one of the most important factors. Here are three simple ways you can connect with your teen:

Simple Way #1: Share Something about Yourself
Get the ball rolling in your connection by sharing something about yourself with your teen. You don´t need to share your deepest, darkest secret (in fact, I advise you against it), but please do share something real. You are leading the way in the depth of your connection and believe me, your teen knows when you are being real. You can talk about something that happened at work, a story you heard on the radio, or something you read on the front page of Yahoo (this is a great way to find an interesting topic, by the way!). But, be sure to include how you feel about it or what your thoughts are – something that´s specific to you. Many parents expect their teens to open up without reciprocating. It simply doesn´t work. It´s very important to give what you want to receive in your relationship with your teen. Relationships are two-way streets…even parent/teen ones.

Simple Way #2: Ask an Open Ended Question
Keep the ball rolling in your connection by following up with a thought provoking and interesting question like, "What was the best or worst part of your day?" Simply avoid the standards like, "How are you?" and "How was your day?" You will get one-word answers like "fine" and "boring". And remember, if you ask a yes or no question, then you will get a yes or no answer and nothing more. Get creative and curious. Dare I say, even playful with your questions!

Simple Way #3: Be Quiet and Listen
Okay, this is quite possibly the most challenging Simple Way because we parents love to give advice, offer solutions, and just plain old talk! But, this is not the time to talk. This is the time to listen. Listening with an open mind and heart is one of the most respectful things you can do for your teen. And remember, that what your teen is sharing is about her and not you. She has a life to figure out and the less you feel inclined to fix her, the more she will open up. Needing to fix is actually a form of judgment, which will break a connection in an instant. Just being available to listen is one of the biggest motivators to inspire your teen to come to you and ask for support, help, or advice.

Well, Parents, I know that staying connected is challenging. But, it´s also vital to the health of your relationship along with your sanity! My hope is that it also now feels a bit simpler. Happy Parenting!

© 2008 Cassandra Rae

This article is part of a FREE telelclass I'm giving titled 7 Simple Ways to Connect for Teens & Parents. To learn more and to register, check out my website at http://www.CassandraRae.com

Overcoming Insecurity

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:57:00 +0000

In order to achieve our goals and bring our dreams to life we must take risks. Insecurity can be a HUGE factor in holding us back and in this 9 minute episode I share my personal experience with it and how I overcome it. If insecurity is something that is holding you back in your life or relationships, then this one is a must-hear!

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "Overcoming Insecurity" (this plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

7 Simple Ways to Connect for Teens & Parents

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:05:00 +0000

I am so excited to invite you to a free teleclass I am giving for teens, parents, and others who support teens and parents! The creation of this class has been an amazing journey for me and it is rich with practical tips you can put into practice to improve your relationship right now. I have really stepped up my game recently and this class is a product of me whole heartedly committing to helping teens and parents connect. It's interesting how what we are truly passionate about are the things we fear the most. But, I have been willing to step through the fear and this class is a direct result of following my heart and dreams. I would love to have you join us. Here are all the details:

7 Simple Ways to Connect for Teens & Parents

Over the phone on Tuesday, June 3, 2008* from 7 to 8pm Pacific Daylight Time
Led by: Cassandra Rae, certified professional coach
Registration required for this FREE class

In this one-hour class, you will have the opportunity to:

Learn practical tips you can use to improve your relationship right now
Receive support and encouragement
Connect with like-minded teens and parents
Share your process
Experience group coaching first-hand

Now, I know how busy you are and each Simple Way is short, sweet, and to the point. Quite literally, I believe that you can drastically improve your life and relationships just by spending a few minutes a day going through the 7 Simple Ways.

To register send an email to 7simpleways0603@aweber.com

Please visit my website for more information and to learn all you ever wanted to know about me! I hope you'll join us.

Warmly ~
Coach Cassandra Rae

*NOTE: If you can’t make the scheduled date and time, please register anyhow. You will still receive the class materials and it will be recorded, which means that you will have the opportunity to listen at your convenience.

Teens & Parents: tame your gremlin!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:52:00 +0000

Taming Your Gremlin by Rick Carson is a must read for teens and parents alike. It offers simple, yet powerful perspectives for shedding light on the dark side of humanity. Gremlins often speak through negative self talk, which can sky rocket during the teen years (for both teens and parents!) and Carson's book provides powerful techniques for how to process and move beyond the hurtful things we can say to ourselves. In its playful, zen-like style this book is easy to understand, to the point, and highly effective. It has personally helped me transform my life and relationships and I hope it helps you rock it out too!

Talking About Drugs

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Fri, 02 May 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Yuck!
Photo artwork by Elizabeth Salib

Zen over at Teens on Parenting posted a story recently about a teenage girl who overdosed on E at school. After reading it I was inspired to talk with my teens about drugs just to get a dialogue going. I must admit that what I learned was quite troubling...and also important.

The most shocking bit of information is that my 15 year old daughter Carina, who is a freshman in high school, has actually seen marijuana. She's even been offered drugs and says that people tend to classify her as a druggie because of her edgy style. You will be relieved to know that she is proud to be "straight edge" which is a no drugs, no sex, no meat (as in vegetarian) movement. I think she really likes the contrast between her outer appearance and her inner values. It sets her apart...and helps me sleep better at night!

The most troubling bit of information is that Carina went on and on about all sorts of drugs and what they can do to you. She was like a drug dictionary! In fact, she has actually done research on the internet about drugs. It struck me as a kind of twisted fascination. She even talked about wanting to experience it first-hand. Holy cow! How can my straight edge daughter be interested in drugs?!

So here I am absolutely freaking out and ready to enroll her in a 12 step program when a little voice inside of me says, "Hey, it's okay. No need to freak out because she is actually talking to you about all of this." I took a deep breath and kept listening...

"I don't think it's really about the drugs. It's more about the adventure and the risk of it. In fact, when I stop to think about it, what I really want is to help others who are using and want to quit."

Okay, so I don't need to call rehab...but, I do need to help Carina fulfill these risk taking desires. Our conversation quickly turned to other things she can try for the first time like rock climbing, voice lessons, and getting a job. So thanks Zen for inspiring this conversation. It was tough, but vital. I believe that it's talks like this that keep my daughter moving forward and on the straight edge!

**ParenTeen Challenge**
Start your own conversation about drugs. Use these two blog posts as a starting point and ask your parent(s) or teen(s) what they think about drugs on campus. Are they there? Are people overdosing? What are people doing about it? What is your experience with drugs? Remember that the more real you can be with one another, the more connected you can be.

Crimson Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:18:00 +0000

saveur sucrée
Photo artwork by alex (melfitano)

I love flickr.com where you can share your photos and be inspired by other photographers and their artwork. This photo is by a photographer who continually amazes me with his sharp eye for color, composition, and contrast. Bravo, Alex! I encourage you all to check out the rest of his gallery by following the links above.

**ParenTeen Questions for Reflection**

What inspires you to express your creativity?

Teens and parents don't always see eye to eye in creative expression. How do you reconcile your differences while allowing each other to be uniquely equal?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, challenges, ideas, and questions!

Is Perfectionism Holding You Back?

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:03:00 +0000

In this 8 minute episode I share my personal experience with perfectionism and how I am using it to propel me forward! If perfectionism is a hindrance in your life and relationships, then you've gotta tune in to this one...

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "Is Perfectionism Holding You Back?" (this plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

Spring Break Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:15:00 +0000

Carina, Me, and Elephant Seals on the California coast

Carina and I went on a trip with our friend Charice to visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. It was a lot of fun! Now I'm off on another trip to Las Vegas to celebrate my friend's bachelorette party. See you next week...

View the rest of our Hearst Castle pictures here

Say it How They'll Hear it

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:24:00 +0000

In this 8 minute episode I talk about giving your parent or teen feedback in a way that they'll actually hear it and want to work with you to make it better.

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "Say it How They'll Hear it" (this plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

Just Some Photos of Me & Gracie

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Me & Gracie

Gracie Dog!

She's Just Yawning, I Swear!

It is Your Job to Protect Your Feelings

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:29:00 +0000

Your relationship with your parents and/or with your teen can be highly charged. Yesterday I talked about creating safety so that you can open up to one another at deeper and more meaningful levels. Well, today I talk about balancing that out with a healthy dose of self-protection because it is your job to protect your feelings. Listen to this 7 minute podcast episode to learn more.

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "It is Your Job to Protect Your Feelings" (this plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

When Do You Feel Safe Opening Up?

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:06:00 +0000

In order to open up and connect with one another, teens and parents need to feel a sense of safety. In this 6 minute podcast episode, I talk about how to build the safety to begin to connect at more of a heartfelt level where each one of you feel accepted for who you are and how you feel.

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "When Do You Feel Safe Opening Up?" (this one plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

Happy Family Gathering...I think!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:49:00 +0000

Getting together with extended family is an important part of life. It can also be a source of stress and pressure. In this 6 minute podcast episode I share what I do to make the most of family gatherings.

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "Happy Family Gathering...I think!" (this one plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

Increase Your Confidence Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:51:00 +0000

Whether or not you are willing to give yourself credit directly affects your level of confidence in all areas of your life. Listen to this podcast episode to find out how you can increase your confidence today!

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "Increase Your Confidence Today!" (this one plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

What are You Judging?

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:52:00 +0000

Could your judgments of others really be hiding your own desires?! Listen to this 5 minute podcast episode to find out.

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "What are You Judging?" (this one plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

Teens & Parents: give yourself time

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:44:00 +0000

Relationship challenges can be uncomfortable and confusing, but don't fall into the "We have to resolve this right now!" trap. Listen to this 6 minute podcast episode to learn about giving yourself time and space as the first step to reconnect.

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "Teens & Parents: give yourself time" (this one plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

Teens & Parents: controlling or leading?

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:21:00 +0000

In this 4 minute podcast episode I explore the difference between controlling versus leading. Are you controlling or leading your life? Tune in to find out, then post your thoughts, comments, and questions.

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "Teens & Parents: controlling or leading?" (this one plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

Teens & Parents: how often are you connecting?

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:53:00 +0000

In this episode I talk about my daily practice and how I come up with the topics I discuss. I also challenge you to pick a topic, any topic, and talk about it at your family dinner, breakfast, or walk. Connecting with others is as easy as talking!

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post

2. Click on the post title "Teens & Parents: how often are you connecting?" (this one plays the audio in your browser through Quicktime and it seems to be the most reliable)

3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com

Teens & Parents: are you talking about sex?

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:22:00 +0000

This episode is all about sex. Let's break through the taboos and get real!

Your listening options:
1. Listen via the flash player embedded in this post
2. Click on the post title "Teens & Parents: are you talking about sex?"
3. Visit my podcast channel at MyPodcast.com