Talking to your kids about sex is probably as uncomfortable for you as it is for them. But if you think it's ok to avoid that discussion—think again. The January 2011 issue of Seventeen Magazine interviewed teens for a national survey on sex, and the findings are disturbing. Teens are increasingly putting themselves at great physical and emotional risk by having pre-marital sex. And sadly, almost a fourth say...

If you're Bethany Hamilton, you get back into the water with your attacker. One October morning, the 13-year-old surfer and her best friend went out to catch a few waves when a 14-foot tiger shark attacked. The vicious shark took her left arm, and nearly her life. Because of the love of her family, her sheer determination and unwavering faith, Bethany overcame all odds to become a champion surfer again. ...

A lot of parents have a hard time telling the difference. And that's a problem. You've seen it…a mom dressed like her teenage daughter. A dad who offers his teenage son a beer while they watch the game. When mom or dad becomes a buddy, the child loses out on the most important relationship…that of parent and child. Your kids have plenty of friends, what they need from you is guidance, love and boundaries. They...

I'm doing some rehab for my injured shoulder. One exercise I do is to grab a PVC pipe with both hands. I have to struggle to hold on while my physical therapist jerks the pipe around. Why? It makes my shoulder stronger. We should welcome struggle in everything we do. Not because we like it, but because it makes us stronger. I struggle through disagreements with my wife. If I handle it the right way, it...

I'm talking about timing in marriage – specifically, when it comes to discussing things with your spouse. You want to talk to your wife about the phone bill so you bombard her as soon as she walks in the door from work. Your husband is sick with the flu but you go ahead and bring up the broken sink anyway. Or, your wife is exhausted, and just as her head hits the pillow you bring up the budget. All bad timing. ...

Is it taking your kids to the zoo? Reading them a bedtime story? Sure…good things. But loving your children's mother is absolutely the best thing you can do. Why? Well, a husband and wife, who let their kids know they love each other, provide a secure, safe environment for their children. Here's what a child thinks: "If Dad and Mom are happy with each other, then home is a safe place and a sure thing." A...

By the time boys are 4 to 6 years old, they often feel the need for a masculine role model. And that need doesn't change as boys grow older. If your son's father is not in the picture, another adult male you trust needs to be involved in his life. You might find a man to mentor your son through a mentoring program. Or, you might have some male relatives, friends, or neighbors who would be good role models for...