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...

When your kids talk back, the last thing you want to do is engage in a verbal tug of war. Instead, it’s best to have wise words prepared for some of the most common ways that kids talk back. For example, when your child says, “That’s not fair,” respond with, “Being fair doesn’t mean treating you the same way I treat others. Let’s do what’s right for you and everyone involved.” When your kids say, “Everyone else...

Most families don't have a plan for dealing with anger. They just continue on, hoping things will get better. When families don't resolve their anger, however, they just keep trying to start over. Trying again is helpful, but we each need to have a bigger plan if we want negative patterns or anger to change. Five Steps toward an Anger-Management Plan There are five essential steps in helping children deal...

Author Joe White suggests seven ways to motivate our children in whatever they do.  First, have realistic expectations of your child.  Not every child will make straight A’s or start on their sports team.  Second, be a model of motivation.  Your child needs to see you loving your work, exercising, and celebrating goals achieved.  Third, make sure your child breaks a mental and physical “sweat.”  Don’t over protect...