Susan and I were already blessed with three children, but then, our hearts were stirred and moved to adopt two children from Siberia, Russia. The kids were 9-years-old and 12-years-old when they came into our home. They came carrying pain, hurt, insecurity, and instability. That was 10 years ago. We now look back at the last decade and remember the struggles we went through but also the joys we’ve experienced....
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Many kids would rather stare at a screen than stare at the pages of a book. And when playing video games becomes obsessive and all consuming, then problems will soon follow. The signs for addiction are obvious. It’s the 8-year-old who has a meltdown when he’s told to put his iPad away. It’s the teenager who lets his grades slip because he can’t turn off the Xbox. To help control this growing issue, here are ways...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Words matter. Words either build up or tear down. And, as parents, we can never underestimate the power that a few careless words will have on our kids. Here are some things not to say to your kids. First, don’t say nothing. When a dad chooses work or television or friends or sports over his child, the impact is lifelong. Be sure to share conversations with your children daily to build a deep, lasting...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Our kids are now all out of the house in college or starting a career. But we still get to spend a lot of time with them. We like hanging out with them and with their friends. I think it’s fair to say that their friends enjoy time with us too. It’s because we invest in them. How? First, we’re available to them. Just like with our own kids, we’re available when asked to coach them and help them with anything they...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
The answer is simple: you have a huge impact on your child. But it’s up to you whether that impact is ultimately good or bad. Giacomo Bono—co-author of the new book, Making Grateful Kids, shares with us all about what it takes to make a good impact on our kids: gratitude. So how do we teach our kids to be grateful? First, demonstrate a spirit of gratefulness yourself. Second, teach your child to see obstacles as...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
As your child grows up, they will develop many relationships. But in those relationships, they are bound to make mistakes. That’s why it’s so important to teach your child what a true apology looks like. Here are some ways to do so. First, teach them that a lack of intent doesn’t excuse them from apologizing. Whether your child’s actions were purposeful or accidental, be sure they know to apologize no matter what....
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
As parents, it is our duty to keep an eye on our kids. That includes looking for any danger signs you might see as they travel through those young years. Here are some warning signs that your child may be headed for trouble and solutions to lead them back on the right road. First, your child may be headed for trouble when they have excessive mood swings. If they’re going from extreme highs to extreme lows, instead...
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
