In 1909, Sonora Dodd created the concept of Fathers' Day to celebrate the many sacrifices her father had made to preserve his family after her mother had died. She described her father as a selfless, courageous and loving man. Today, more than 100 Fathers' Days later, more than 24 million children in America live in fatherless homes. The absence of fathers from their children's lives has led to poverty, low...

The old saying goes that girls often choose husbands who are like their dads. How does that sit with you? Our girls are watching us for an example of what to expect from their future spouse. Are you kind to your wife? Do you encourage her? What about your daughter… do you hug her and tell her you love her? Are you there when she needs you? If you aren't, it's not too late to change. Sit down with your...

My kids have taught me a lot of things…and I can tell you, it's a very humbling experience. One thing that they've shown me over and over again is my lack of patience. For example, my impatience with the grocery store cashier during check out, or the waitress at a restaurant, and my impatience driving them to school. You get the picture! It's kind of embarrassing to admit. When they point out my impatience...

Most of us have one or two things we'd rather not share with the outside world, but some people are slaves to their secrets. Extramarital affairs; drug, alcohol and pornography addictions; spouse or child abuse – all are secrets that can consume and destroy lives, marriages, families and jobs. If you live in that bondage, or you're hiding something from your spouse, children or friends, it's time to come clean....

Laugh together. It's no joke. Laughter not only makes us feel good, but according to research cited in the Canadian Family Physician journal, it releases chemicals associated with bonding. A hearty belly laugh increases oxygen in your blood stream and gives your heart a work out. That releases even more feel-good endorphins. Humor helps us cope with stress; it relieves tension and creates a feeling of intimacy,...

It drives you crazy when he makes snap decisions, but his resolve was one of the reasons you fell in love with him. It bothers you that she's always talking to her friends, but her bubbly personality is what drew you to her in the first place. So what should you do? Spend the rest of your lives irritated with each other? Of course not. Instead, you should remember and appreciate those things that first...

Every family has those moments. You know the ones…the grownups who just can't seem to get along when the family gets together for the holidays. Well, why not take a page from history? For many years, the Presidential family has been given a turkey for their family meal. The bird is intended to be roasted, fried, baked or fricasseed, but instead of getting what he deserves, the President pardons the poultry. ...