To really love your child, you must know them.  And knowing your child comes through spending time talking with them.  My wife has done an awesome job of this with her “Pillow Talk” questions—open-ended questions she asks to get our kids talking.  This way, they were able to stay connected in the midst of their busy lives.  I encourage you to share meaningful conversations with your kids by using these 20...

Millions of people will be glued to the television this Super Bowl Sunday. If you plan on watching the game, why not make it a family activity? Start with a game plan for the day. It might include firing up the grill, or letting each child choose a favorite snack food.  You can also play Super Bowl trivia or predict the score at the end of each quarter. Give fun prizes to the winners. If it’s not too cold, Dad can...

You may have said, “If there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know.”  But, how often will someone who needs help actually “let you know” they need it?  It’s EASY to offer help.  But it’s BETTER to actually help.  Here are some ways you can do just that:  First, tell them “We have some groceries (or home-cooked food) we’d like to bring over…when would be a good time?”  Making extra of your next meal or...

You've heard that two wrongs don't make a right, but it's possible that you can right a wrong with the written word. Maybe this has happened to you. You say something in the heat of the moment, you take a joke too far; someone you love gets hurt. You need to apologize, right? Why not try something a little different. Write it out in a note, you can even use our free stationery. A note can be a well thought...

Behind the bratty child may be a workaholic parent. Behind the gossiping man or woman might be an emotionally removed spouse. And behind the alcoholic son may be an abusive or alcoholic father.  We know the truth all too well: Hurt people hurt people. So how can you keep your hurts from leading you to hurt others? Here are 3 ways to break the cycle. First, explore old wounds. Admit you’ve been hurt and try to...

After 15 years of sharing with you through this Family Minute radio feature, I’ve decided to dive deeper in providing truth-filled marriage and parenting advice.  By creating The Family First podcast, I’ll be able to connect with you on a more personal level.  Not only will it allow me to hear your questions, but also will enable me to provide you with answers to your most pressing relational questions.  The...

The best evenings at home with my kids weren’t spent with each of us with our fingers on our smart phones or watching TV.  The best times were nights when we sat around on the floor and played Monopoly, a game of cards; or, when we played kick ball in the back yard. “Throwback Thursday” is a day when we can look back on how things used to be and post a picture from long ago. Maybe we could take the idea a step...