Kids Take Lessons From National Debt Binge

‘Don’t do as I do, do as I say,’ could be the governmental finger wag lecturing kids on fiscal fitness. How can we expect kids to learn about credit/debit and healthy financial management skills with restrained realism when we’re handing over the national credit card with a ‘put it on the tab’ mall mentality? It’s becoming more … [Read more...]

“My Gift Card’s Worthless? That’s So Unfair!” Cry Foul to the FTC

I don’t know about you, but with California schools on the skids, turning pockets inside out in a pathetic, penniless shrug, parents have been asked to contribute to fundraisers that also include purchasing ‘e-scrip’ and ‘gift cards.’ While it’s a seamless digital ‘give’ plugging in a school as a partner/affinity program, our … [Read more...]

Shaping Youth Interviews ATB Director Darryl Roberts

Last Friday I broke policy and posted America the Beautiful: “See it. Support it.” sight unseen! 48 hours ago I saw it; applauded it. 24 hours ago I started a ‘social media scramble’ to rally a posse of social media pals to “Tweet it, Digg it, Blog it, Friend it," and NOW, I’m asking YOU to get your keister  into a seat and spike the … [Read more...]

Kids, See How You’re Smart: Use Your Intelligence(s!)

There’s nothing more heart-wrenching to me than a child self-critical of his or her brainpower, tossing off statements about ‘the smart kids” while excluding themselves from this tribe. I see this often in my work at Shaping Youth, and it’s painful to observe, much less ‘counter-market’ because media and classroom ideals often reinforce this type of self-selection. On … [Read more...]

Amy Jussel On Kids’ Media Management and Childhood Matters

Why ‘Amy Jussel’ instead of ‘Shaping Youth’ in the headline today? Because this time it’s personal…That’s mama code for ‘don’t do as I do, do as I say’ on the media management front from my own tween experience regarding familial cellphone contracts, texting and mobile media. I was on the radio with talk show host Nurse Rona Renner (podcast to be archived here) who runs … [Read more...]