Parenting is never boring. There is always some new thing to enjoy or challenge to tackle. And while the parental climate is always changing from one stage of your child's life to the next, there are 12 truths about parenting that remain constant. First, parenting is "heart work." It's not about outward obedience; it's about the inward attitude of your child. Second, parenting requires prayer, patience and...

Many parents insist their children should not work at all. The reason? Their kid's "job" is to focus on school, sports and other activities, they say. Well, that sounds good in theory, but not in practice. All children should do some manual labor either inside or outside the home. Here are 5 reasons your child should work. First, we were all created to work and work is good. Second, work is necessary for...

Knowledge is a good thing. But it's simply the accumulation of information. A person can be a walking encyclopedia and still lack wisdom. Wisdom is supreme. It encompasses understanding, discernment and moral direction for our lives. So, how can you grow in wisdom? Here are three ways: First, listen to correction. Second, look to parents and grandparents for sound instruction and advice. Third, learn from, and...

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...

If a quick list of possessions or accomplishments just crossed your mind, consider this. True joy is an internal sense of satisfaction that isn't created or controlled by external factors. Inventor Frederick Koenig put it this way: "We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." What gifts are you surrounded...

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...

Bethany Hamilton dreamed of being a professional surfer, but at 13, she lost her arm in a shark attack. You'd think that would be the end of her career plans, but that's not the case. The new movie, Soul Surfer, will show you three things that Bethany did to realize her dreams. You can do them, too. First, put the pain aside. Before you can do anything about your circumstances, you have to be able to move...