We’re conditioned to react negatively to the word “no.” We don’t like to hear it… and we don’t like to say it. We thrive on saying “Yes” to ourselves—to our own wants and desires—to a new car, the latest gadget, an expensive vacation.  So why are we surprised when our kids expect instant gratification? If we can’t say “No” to ourselves, how will they learn to say “No” to themselves and realize the rewards of...

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...

A good listener?  Hardly.  But maybe a good lecturer.  So what does it mean to parent as a good listener?  Well, I’ll give you a couple of hints… its more than the absence of talking… and it doesn’t involve multitasking when your child is speaking to you.   Listening is the active process of hearing what our child is saying, looking at their eyes and body language for clues, processing it all to determine what’s...

It’s not some high-tech gadget you can pick up at a store… it’s a sense of belonging. So how can you instill that in your kids? At home, let your kids know they’re important to you, and to your family. Affirm their positive character traits, encourage their unique gifts, and let them know their thoughts and opinions matter. Then, when you’re out in public, praise them to others – and proudly claim them: “This is...

Let’s face it, common courtesy is pretty uncommon these days. Do you hold the door open for people? Do you say “thank you” when people hold a door open for you? Do you remember to say “please” and “thank you” to the sales clerk, the mechanic, or the person at the drive-thru window? Do your co-workers or employees think of you as a courteous person? And what about your spouse and children? Do you show them the same...

  We all want to get promoted in our jobs. And, if you have kids, your most important job is being a parent. Here are four things you can do to get promoted in your most important job. First, be honest. Honesty always wins. You should be honest with your child at all times, even when it’s painful. Second, be reliable and keep your word. When you commit to doing something with your child, put it on your calendar....

  One of the best things you can do as a parent is to strive to live a model life that is worthy for your child to follow. Here are 5 ways parents can be a role model for kids. First, model consistency.  Your child needs to see that you are the same person no matter who you are with. Second, model control over words. Words matter. Make sure the words that come out of your mouth toward your spouse, your child, and...