My wife, Susan and I were already blessed with three children. But then, 10 years ago, our hearts were moved to adopt. We were given the opportunity to adopt two older children, ages 12 and 9. So we flew several thousand miles into a remote area of Siberia, Russia. Once there, we went to a little orphanage and found two children who needed a mom and dad to love and care for them. Susan and I got to be that mom and...

As our little girls grow into young ladies, one of our biggest concerns becomes the boys in their lives. As parents, we know the danger of a fragile heart in the hands of an immature boy. But unless we understand the issues, our girls will probably remain blind to the emotional and physical consequences that come with being physically intimate. So here are some key factors to be aware of that may increase your...

Many studies have shown that parents do have a big impact on what their kids decide to do for a living. Here are three ways to influence your child’s career choice. First, be a student of your child. Watch your kids carefully and take mental notes on their natural skills, interests, and areas of giftedness. Second, validate your child’s gifts. When you see those interests and gifts emerging, it’s important to...

As our boys start growing into men, one difficult thing they’ll face is learning to deal with their anger. So the next time your son becomes angry, your first step should be to help him identify his emotions. This means exploring together the hidden factors that have contributed to his anger — not just the surface reasons. The second step towards handling anger is teaching your son that he doesn’t have to be ruled...

Every child faces challenges growing up. But culturally, certain childhood challenges come with a greater social stigma. Here are 3 ways your child may be silently struggling and how to support them. First, statistics show that 1 in 10 young people suffer from mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. If your child suffers in this way, talk openly with them about it. Create an environment to help them...

We like to think that kids have it easy—that their lives consist of nothing more than good, old-fashioned fun. But that couldn’t be further from the truth because each day your child faces huge amounts of pressure. They’re pressured to get perfect grades and be accepted into a good college. They’re pressured to “fit in.”  They’re pressured to have sex. They’re pressured to use drugs and drink alcohol.  They’re...

As families become busier, I notice fewer kids doing chores. Instead, professionals are hired to care for our lawns, wash our cars, hang our Christmas lights, and clean our houses. And while that’s understandable and sometimes necessary, releasing our kids from all work at home can deprive them of a good work ethic. So I challenge you to teach your children to work hard by doing these things. First, create...