It's tough to stay in touch with your kids when you spend most of your time at work… and they spend most of their time in the classroom. One family handles it this way: When the kids get home from school, the first thing they do—even before they head to the refrigerator—is call their father. It's not just a once-in-a-while thing. Dad puts it on his calendar… and sets that time aside every day, so he'll be free...

One way you can get involved is by starting an All Pro Dad's Day or iMOM Morning chapter at your child's school. These once-a-month breakfast gatherings for parents and their kids are fun and informative. After breakfast, there's lively discussion on a topic that's relevant to school age children, and plenty of interaction. It's a great way for kids to connect with their mom or dad in a meaningful way, and to...

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...

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. ...

Last night, as I stood at the kitchen sink, my son tried to push me aside, without saying a word. Well, rather than just correct him, my wife and I decided to employ a little role-play. As I stood at the sink again, she played the role of my son and said, "Dad, will you please excuse me? I'd like to wash my hands." I said, "Sure, come on in." and then moved out of the way. You see, telling our kids how to do...

A good listener? Hardly. But maybe a good lecturer. So what does it mean to be 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 really going...

It's tough. In a "me" focused world, getting your kids to focus on others is challenging. So, how do you do it? Well, last night, we took a shot at it…with a little coercion…we got our teens together. We assembled some "manna" or food bags for the homeless and hungry. We filled large zip lock bags with non-perishable items like granola bars, beef jerky, peanuts, fruit cups, and vegetable juice. Now, when we're out...