Many studies have shown that parents do have a big impact on what their kids decide to do for a living. Here are three ways to influence your child’s career choice. First, be a student of your child. Watch your kids carefully and take mental notes on their natural skills, interests, and areas of giftedness. Second, validate your child’s gifts. When you see those interests and gifts emerging, it’s important to...

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 job descriptions just cover general areas of responsibility. Few job descriptions actually capture what a typical workday is really like. So, I'd like to take a stab at a real dad job description that every father needs to know. A dad must be a Cheerleader. He will strive to be present at and loudly cheer during sports, music, dance, and other performances. A dad must be an Energy Conservationist. He will...