The old saying goes that girls often choose husbands who are like their dads.  How does that sit with you?  Our girls are watching us for an example of what to expect from their future spouse.  Are you kind to your wife?  Do you encourage her?  What about your daughter… do you hug her and tell her you love her?  Are you there when she needs you?  If you aren’t, it’s not too late to change.  Sit down with your...

In the midst of gaining great friendships, your child may also find some frenemies along the way. A frenemy is someone who says they’re your friend but who routinely does things to hurt your feelings or stir-up trouble. Disentangling your child from the tentacles of a hurtful “friend” may require a bit of maneuvering on your part. Here are two ways to handle your child’s frenemy. First, help your child understand...

Each day, our kids are experiencing new things and making new mistakes.  All the while, these moments are shaping and growing them.  As parents, we’re called to come alongside our children and lift them up as they grow.  Here are 5 ways encourage your kids.  First, let them make some decisions.  Seek out opportunities for your child make their own decisions regarding various situations.  After they’ve made a good...

The temperature… a little warmer, the grass… a little greener. The crack of the bat is in the air.  It’s that time of year again – Opening Day of baseball. Guys, remember when you were a child and you played in your first Little League game? Now, you’re grown-up. But just for today, you can relive your childhood dream of hitting that grand slam… and you can do it with your children. Take your kids to a game at the...

Giving teens room to grow while guarding them is a balancing act. But there are some things you simply must know about your teen’s friends. First, get to know them. Learn more about their friends by having them over to your house. You'll learn a lot through casual conversation. Second, get to know their parents. Introduce yourself to them and try to discern whether they have the same parenting mind-set.  Third,...

Just like anything else in life, parenting will bring out strengths and weaknesses in you.  For example, you may be great at spending tons of time with your kids, yet struggle to communicate well with them.  So, to help you honestly evaluate your relationship with your child, here are 15 questions to ask them.  First, ask your child, “How do you know I love you?”  Next, ask, “Do I spend enough time with you?”...

Over the last few years, I’ve watched all 5 of my kids grow up and head out into the world.  Though I can’t be with them as they journey into life after high school, I worked hard to prepare them.  Be sure to share these life skills for teens with them if they’re about to leave the nest.  First, make sure they know some basic cooking skills.  They’ll be much better off knowing how to prepare a few simple, healthy...