Character Development Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Kathleen Hassan

Believing Your Own “True Lies” – Thoughts on the Schwarzenegger Scandal

Anyone who really knows me, knows that I love Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has inspired me so much over the years - someone who has overcome the odds, dreamed big and accomplished so much. I am disappointed in the news, but not surprised. To me, this represents a larger than life projection of the ego and symbolizes the illusion of grandiosity in our culture. I find it actually hopeful that it is all coming crumbling down. Rather than judge him or anyone, I can simply say a prayer of gratitude "there but for the grace of God go I." All my "big dreams" and grandiose thinking was all ego and if I had ever got what I really thought I was supposed to get, I might actually find myself in the same place believing my own "True Lies" and thinking that my larger than life persona was who I really am. [...]

By Kathleen| 2011-05-21T09:18:45-05:00 May 21st, 2011|

Teen Girl With the Weight of the World on Her Shoulders

A Response to Jayleene what can you do when the world’s weight is on your sholders? i feel like i might just break down completely…and then end up Back in Rehab..but instead of outpatient in will be Inpatient…my problem is something that you spoke about when you came to my school..thou it’s not somthing you talked alot about..i guess it’s hard for people to understand what i do..and i don’t feel like saying cause i get judged. or called crazy. so whatever. but i guess i just need help..i need to know what to do so i can help myself..to stop my hurting. Hi Jayleene – thank you so much for reaching out to me. That is a HUGE accomplishment and it is like your soul is tugging on your sleeve trying to get your attention to wake up and discover your true power. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing [...]

By Kathleen| 2009-04-09T10:42:19-05:00 April 9th, 2009|

Parents: Giving Advice to Tweens & Teens

Finger wagging advice NEVER works! The other day I received a request from a journalist who is writing an article for Good Housekeeping and she was looking for tips on how to give advice to tweens and teens. Being right up my alley, I immediately dashed off an email with 9 tips that absolutely flowed out of me and onto the page. I still haven’t heard back from the writer as to whether or not she’ll be quoting me in her article and the way it usually works is you find out just before the publication goes to print. I’m not holding my breath, but just happy to have been asked and figured I may as well share that information with all of you instead of waiting for the article to come out. So here’s what I wrote to her: My name is Kathleen Hassan and I am known [...]

By Kathleen| 2017-03-07T14:55:51-05:00 March 5th, 2009|

6 things to do before your teen goes away for spring break

I just received this google news alert and thought it was important enough to re-post on my blog for your consideration. SunSentinel.com February 27, 2009 No matter where teens are traveling for spring break this year, Family Circle magazine has six things you must do before your teen goes away. Sit them down and talk to them about the behaviors you expect from them. Reinforce the same things you taught them when they were younger: trust their instincts, don’t wander off with strangers, stress that there is safety in numbers. Set up communication rules. Find out if your teen’s cell phone will work wherever they are traveling. If it won’t make sure they have money for a pay as you go phone that they can purchase when they arrive. Decide on a specific time every day for your child to call or text you to check in. Make sure you [...]

By Kathleen| 2009-03-02T10:49:59-05:00 March 2nd, 2009|

We Are One ~ Yes We Can!

I am in awe of the entire inauguration. My hope is that parents use this as an opportunity to open up meaningful communication with their kids and will focus on the underlying message of love and faith that was so clearly demonstrated throughout each speech, song and prayer. My greatest concern and greatest hope for our nation is in the hands of the young women of our country. It astounds me that during the inauguration I still received emails from teen girls who are struggling with inner conflict. Until we help these young women to heal, there is no possible way for them to espouse what is to me the greatest quote of today’s proceedings, “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” I watched part of it through CNN and Facebook and am astounded by this new technology which allowed me to be part of something bigger than just me [...]

By Kathleen| 2009-01-20T10:17:42-05:00 January 20th, 2009|