Some children seem to have the knack of making friends easily, while others struggle. If your child is one who has a hard time making friends, there are 4 things you can encourage them to do. First, smile so people will know you're friendly. Second, compliment your new friend so they know you like them. Third, ask questions to get to know your friend better. Fourth, invite your friend to our house to play. ...

Not in the U.S. Open, but in his personal life. Last year, the world was shocked to learn of golfing great, Tiger Woods', many indiscretions. He faltered personally and professionally. Now, on the brink of a professional comeback, he's out of the game again. Can we show him grace? At what point is it ok to start cheering for him again? Whether or not you choose to root for him in his professional life, we should...

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...

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. ...

The best way for your child to learn to be a good decision-maker, is to involve them in your everyday decisions. For example, if you are in the market for another car, ask your child to research it with you on the Internet, go with you to the car dealer to look at cars, discuss with you the options…new or used, lease or purchase, low or high mileage. Sure, you'll ultimately decide, but bringing them into the...

November is National Adoption Awareness Month. There's a great need for loving, adoptive families. Children in the U.S., and around the world, are waiting for a family to call their own. A survey by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption found that 4 out of 10 adults have considered adopting a child, but many families don't pursue it. Misconceptions about adoption sometimes deter them from taking the next step…...

Just remember the four Cs. First, check your emotions. Before you speak to your teen, make sure you're in a state of mind that's calm rather than emotional. Second, be confident that what you are saying is in their best interest, not just yours. Third, be clear in what you tell them, ask them to do, or not do… don't beat around the bush. Fourth, be concise in what you say. Don't repeat yourself over and over...