After raising 5 teenagers, my wife, Susan, and I have learned a few keys about communication. So here are 7 C’s for communicating with teens. First, be calm. Rather than go into a conversation angry or upset, be sure to keep calm. This creates an environment for you and your teen to talk without the pressure of emotions. Second, be confident. Teenagers can be very persuasive. But it’s important to stand your...

Let’s face it: No family can be happy all the time. But having a vision of your family as truly happy most of the time is something worth thinking about. So here are 3 ways to be the happiest family on the block. First, spend time together. This means reserving time and energy for your kids in the evenings or on the weekends. Second, celebrate together. Create family traditions to help you celebrate birthdays,...

Before you pack your bags and call it quits, here are some questions to ask. First, ask, “Have we done everything we can to rehabilitate our marriage?” It’s important to fight hard for your marriage—whether it’s by seeking counseling, slaying addictions or reprioritizing your life. Second, ask, “Is there unresolved conflict?” Instead of covering up your hurts, try sharing and working through those feelings...

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...

Before you take the first step down that painful path, here are 3 truths to consider.  First, remember your vows.  You promised to have and to hold your spouse from this day forward for better or for worse.  This commitment was meant to be for a lifetime.  Second, remember what marriage is.  It’s not a conditional contract, but an unconditional covenant of love.  The difference?  A contract is all about what you...

You might want to avoid them or fix them.  Instead, focus on how to handle them.  Here are some different types of difficult people. First, there’s “The Hammer.”  This person is hard on everything and everyone, so don’t take it personally.  Try to separate the way they communicate from the points they make or you may miss some good feedback or information.  Second there’s “The Bubble Buster.”  This person doesn’t...

We should honor our moms every day. But since we “officially” get one day out of the year to recognize the woman who changed our diapers, wiped our noses, and came to all our games, let’s put a little extra effort into it. Here are 4 ways to honor your mom this Mother’s Day.  First, write her a handwritten letter. Thank her for how she provided for you and loved you through your best days, and your worst.  ...