CLAFLIN — Former NFL player for the Minnesota Vikings and team captain in 1983, Keith Nord, was in Claflin last week to work with students and parents of USD 112 on coming together, leadership and character education.
At the parent’s session, the motivational speaker spoke of the importance of making connections with children while they are young and to maintain that connection as they become teens so that the parents still can influence their children in decision-making. He also encouraged the parents to know what is going on in their community.
Superintendent Steve Woolf said, "Keith is the best person I know on bringing people together. I’ve seen him do it across the country. He does a super job."
Nord encouraged the parents to speak directly to the teens about beliefs, character and integrity and quit worrying so much about minor issues such as one bad grade or whether the students made the sports team.
In 15 years, character will be what matters, he said. He encouraged the parents to help their teens make important decisions about alcohol and sex before they were in that position.
"The greatest gifts we can make are our own choices," said Nord.
He suggested parents move out of their comfort zone and speak to their children about situations they will encounter, particularly sexuality and drinking.
"Most people in their lives make three important decisions," Nord said. First, he recommended a spiritual life because the distance from one triumph to another is a long way.
Integrity was second. Integrity is doing the right thing when it’s hard and when it costs. He reminded the parents that the kids are modeling their behavior.
The third one was developing a passion for something that you care about. "If you want your kids to have one, you have to have one," he said.
Nord also encouraged patience. "Parents want problems solved right away. The problems will always keep coming."
He assured parents that kids will get the grades they deserve. "Look at the big picture. Will it matter in 15 years?" he said.
He said parents should examine their own behavior. "Are your kids stuck? Are you in a relationship that is sick?" he asked.
The speaker also reminded parents that turmoil and mistakes look better on a 16 year old than they do on a 46 year old.
Teach your kids to ask, "How can I use this?" the speaker said, in regard to mistakes.
Developing self-esteem in children was another issue he spoke of. "The words we say as parents never go away," said Nord.
Be slow and steady, relaxed and patient in your responses, he said. "During times of high stress, help children learn we can treat each other with respect," he said.
Finally, he encouraged parents to have fun with their kids. "Fun seals the relationship," Nord said.
Earlier in the day, students went through a variety of leadership exercises based on real-life situations. By going through the process of making leadership decisions and acting on these decisions, participants learned the art of positive leadership. Nord also spent the next day at Wilson Schools.
