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...

You’ve seen them in the stores, at Little League, or at ballet class.  Spoiled kids acting out...as their parents just stand there.  Here are some ways you might be spoiling your kids.  First, you do everything for them.  Instead, take time to teach them how to do the task themselves.  And let them know there will be consequences if they don’t follow through.  Second, your kids boss you around and talk...

If they are, remember your position.  You’re there to be an encourager, not to be overbearing.  No child wants to be embarrassed by a parent who’s screaming and yelling uncontrollably.  I was coaching my son’s baseball game a few years ago and I got frustrated with the umpire’s calls.  So, what did I do? I got mad…threw my hat on the ground and walked off the field. Youth sports can bring out the best…or the worst...

I appreciate a strong work ethic. But I also know it’s challenging to teach our kids the importance of work. Here are some things you can do to meet that challenge…10 Ways to Teach Work Ethic to Your Kids. First, create opportunities for them to work at a young age and do so often. Second, let your children do some of the  jobs at home such as cutting the grass or cleaning the bathrooms. Third, make sure your...

Be a great coach.  Children who started out in Little League are playing in baseball’s All-Star game tonight.  Because of the encouragement and validation their coaches gave, they were able to make it to the big leagues.  Coaches want to win. But more importantly, a great coach wants kids to have fun, get exercise and learn good sportsmanship.  A child wants to be valuable to the team…to be an All-Star.  To make...

I’m not talking about having enough talent… I’m talking about being able to handle the criticism.  Those judges can be pretty harsh.  One night they’re singing your praises, the next, they’re tearing you to shreds.  Well, in most things our kids do, they have to be prepared for criticism.  Hopefully, the person giving the critique will offer it kindly.  Even if they don’t, we need to teach our children how to...

Several years ago Money magazine performed a tax season experiment. Forty-five tax professionals participated in preparing the magazine's tax return. The result? Forty-five different bottom-lines. That’s hard to believe.  Now think about all the “professionals” out there who might give you many different bottom lines on how to be a better parent. But all should agree on these three things that your kids need from...