We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with GAC parents to help each child grow as Jesus did, in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. To continue fulfilling that mission, we introduced the Parent Partnership Series in the fall of 2023. Welcoming parents to campus to engage with the GAC community on these vital parenting topics and challenges facing our students has been valuable. The sense of community and support makes our Parent Partnership Series so impactful.

Raising Healthy, Joyful Achievers in a Hyper - Competitive World

Award-winning author Jennifer Wallace shared insights from her book Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic – And What We Can Do About It. Drawing on research and expert interviews, she emphasized that children’s self-worth should not be tied to external achievements.

Key Takeaways

• Ask open-ended questions to understand your child’s interests and motivations.
• Avoid projecting assumptions; let them express their thoughts first.
• Help your child identify their strengths by asking about their “superpowers.”
• Focus on helping your child discover their sense of purpose.

Raising Children in a World of Social Media & Technology - featuring Wait Until 8t

Brooke Shannon, founder of the Wait Until 8th Movement, led a discussion on fostering healthy tech habits. Joined by GAC’s Jes Guarneri, Aaron Jongko, and Dr. Derek Wilson, the event highlighted research on teen smartphone use and GAC’s commitment to developing responsible digital citizens.

Key Takeaways

• Wait until 8th grade for smartphone use to help protect kids from social media pressures.
• Set clear boundaries to encourage healthy habits, such as no phones at the dinner table or before bed.
• Educate teens on responsible smartphone use and it’s impact on their well-being.

Tips and Tools for Keeping Kids Safe Online

Titania Jordan, Chief Parent Officer at Bark Technologies, shared valuable tips and tools for navigating children’s phone usage, social media, gaming, and internet access.

Key Takeaways

• Be intentional about what you share online and model healthy technology use for your kids.
• Engage in open conversations about technology. This dialogue helps children navigate the complexities of technology and its impact on their lives.
• Foster an environment where your kids feel safe to share their experiences and protect them with practical tools like parental controls, time limits, and filters.

Additional Parent Partnership Series Topics

What is the future of AI and education? led by GAC and Ethos Leadership

Building Resilience During Exams or Other High-Pressure Seasons led by Summit Counseling and GAC Counseling

A Student-Athlete’s Guide to the College Recruitment Process led by GAC Athletics and College Counseling

The Science of Motivating Young People led by author, David Yeager, Ph.D.

Champion Sports Parenting: How to Support Your Child’s Sports Journey led by former professional athletes, Jeff Francoeur and Matt Stinchcomb