Parent/Teen Mediation

Teens often struggle to make life choices and establish their separate identities as they mature. As parents we know this can create immeasurable angst and strain family ties. Parent/teen mediation can bring parents and teens together in an environment that encourages and supports communication and balances power which is often the barrier to parent/teen communication. Mediation allows people to communicate, negotiate and craft agreements that are mutually acceptable. Some of the common sources of dispute between parents and teens according to North Star Youth Court and Youth Mediation in Fairbanks, AK, are: 

Conflict question: How do you think Bin Laden's death will affect the war on terrorism?

I believe that there are many who want to take his place. Hopefully, the in-fighting will weaken Al Qaeda, but we will have to see.

The culture of terrorism is difficult for the Western world to understand and I believe this has been the downfall of countries now fighting it. Until the world powers understand that they have to go beyond taking defensive measures against terrorism, we will continue to have to walk through metal detectors, be sniffed by bomb detecting dogs and be living in a dangerous world.

The covert operation that killed Bin Laden is more the type of operation that terrorists can understand. It was secretive as they are and used the utmost force and determination as they do. Hopefully, this show of an in kind tactic will send a strong message to terrorists the world over that the United States will no longer just defend itself from their abuse, but will use powerful offensive tactics to undermine them and destroy this scourge on humanity.

Workplace Conflict: Have you ever had a conflict in the workplace and if so, what did you do about it?

Let's hear about your experience with workplace conflict. What happened and what did you do about it?

Conflict Resolution Tip: Fight or Flight? Try Assertiveness!

Watch this video! It gives you a great way to assert yourself and stand up to others when necessary.

Conflict Resolution tip: Using words to satisfy your needs

 If we can state our needs in a way that others can grasp and understand, it is much easier to get our message across and create understanding. This is true not only in conflict situations, but in everyday life. Watch the following video to see what I mean.

Conflict Question: Did Terry Jones Get What He Wanted When He Burned the Quran?

Terry Jones, the Florida pastor who threatened to burn a copy of the Quran on the anniversary of 9/11 last year, followed through with his threat last week. Anyone following the news knows what happened to 24 people in Afghanistan following the book burning. He reported that he had to take a stand and be a risk taker as were our founding fathers, the first Christians and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Did Terry Jones get what he wanted when he burned the Quran?  Let us know what you think about this.

Meatloaf Freaks Out on Celebrity Apprentice

Okay, I admit that I have fallen prey to the Donald. I have been watching Celebrity Apprentice this season, for no other reason than to see how Nene Leakes handles the competition. The celebrity "Housewife" is known for her blatant attacks on others who disagree with her. Her non-stop yelling bouts are what drives the drama on her show and makes her stand out in the cast. But last night, it was Meatloaf, the famous rock star and real celebrity who stole the show.