Once when my wife and I were about to go out, my daughter said, “But Mom, I want you to stay here!”  My wife replied, “No honey.  I’m going on a date with Daddy.”  Wow, I felt like a million bucks. My wife was protecting her time with me and making us a priority. Our kids need to know how much we love them…that they are a priority to us as well…but, that they are not the center of the universe.  If they think they...

Disciplining our children takes dedication and effort. It also helps to mix in a little creativity. So get out of the discipline rut with our twenty one creative consequences. If you have younger children who are messy, try this: set the toy somewhere out of reach but within sight for a few days. Seeing it, but not getting it, will remind them to pick it up and put it away next time. Here’s another one…want your...

Divorce is never easy on anyone, but teens often channel their emotions into destructive behaviors. A recent survey from Pediatrics journal shows that teens of divorcing families are twice as likely to use drugs or alcohol. They are also more likely to act out through physical fighting, property damage, and stealing. Others may experience depression and anxiety. But the good news is that parental support can help...

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...

Webster’s Dictionary says a legacy is “something handed down from one who has gone before.”  Fathers, we will eventually be that “one who has gone before”—we will leave a legacy…good or bad and how we live will influence our children and descendants for generations. Sure what you say to your kids is important, but what they see in you is equally important. So be a man of character, conviction, and passion. As...

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...

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...