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...
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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...
Growing up, your son will ask some significant questions. Instead of allowing the world to provide answers, it’s up to you to give your son the truth. Here are 3 questions your son will ask himself and how you can answer. First, he’ll ask: What’s my purpose? Your job is to help identify his gifts and guide him towards the answer. Second, your son will ask: Do I have what it takes? Only you can answer this question...
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No, not peer pressure… parent pressure. You know, pressure to allow your child to do things that other parents are letting their kids do… watch movies, listen to music, and wear clothes that are inappropriate for your child. The right decision for your child is usually the road not taken by many. It’s sometimes a hard and lonely road for a parent, but one that is much more likely to lead to a good life for your...
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Sleeping on the job. An air traffic controller is supposed to oversee and direct all the planes surrounding their airport. It’s a stressful and tiring job which results in fatigue, and sometimes unexpected naps. Well, parental fatigue is big, too. And it’s affecting our kids’ physical and emotional safety. We can’t fall asleep in the control tower of our children’s lives. Every time our children leave the...
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That’s a question children hear all the time. And we enjoy hearing their answers… a doctor, a teacher, a fireman, a ballerina. But what if the question was not about what they wanted to do for a living, but who they wanted to be as a person? Less about career, and more about character. Imagine your child answering, “I want to be a person of integrity… of wisdom… of courage and conviction. I want to be patient…...
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Well, actually the concept of “stranger” can be confusing to children, so instead, teach them to recognize unsafe situations. Warn against adults who might stop to ask for directions or help in finding a lost pet. Tell your children never to go anywhere with an adult who doesn’t know the family password. Teach your children that it’s OK to run away or cause a loud scene if they feel someone might be dangerous....
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