Many elementary school teachers report
that they are spending between 35% and 75% of their time responding to student behavior problems and inattention, instead of teaching reading, writing and math. Too many children do not have the social skills to learn the academics that teachers are committed to teaching.

Despite the best of intentions and considerable effort, there just is not enough parenting time and energy available to fully handle all the responsibilities on hand at
home, at school and in the community.

55% of marriages end in divorce and far too often beleaguered and overwhelmed single moms, dads and grandparents are doing their absolute best to parent, teach, raise and afford their children. Too often they can’t keep on top of it all.

Many children spend too much time alone or with limited parental engagement. Despite intentions to the contrary, many children spend innumerable hours occupied by television, movies and video games

Far too many of our children are hungry and pressed from harsh economic realities. Stable and viable employment is not the norm in many households. Children and families know too well the realities of stressed housing, subsistent economic conditions and food stamps. Social skills teaching and learning are the least of the priorities.

Too many children know first-hand the misery and consequences from alcoholism, drug addiction, domestic violence and family instability. Social skills problems and relationship deficits occur frequently.

With the pace of life often hectic and logistically next to impossible, too many children are negatively influenced by peers
and older children.

When the cover of Newsweek (9-13-04 Issue) trumpets “Undisciplined Children” and cites problems setting limits and saying “No,” there is a significant problem that needs attention.

A growing number of children are headed
in the wrong direction and behaving in
ways that impede friendships and learning
and success. These children are handicapped in relationships and entering daycare and school with a serious and compounding disadvantage.