I can’t think of anything that presents a shy teen with a greater challenge than starting high school and the stress of making new friends. This stress is felt by many teens. According to findings of the study “Shyness Versus Social Phobia in U.S. Youth,” published in the journal Pediatrics, nearly half of teens identify […]
Continue readingConsider this: The role dad plays in a child’s life has a profound impact on a child’s emotional intelligence and ability to win at some of life’s greatest challenges. Research led by John Gottman, professor emeritus at the University of Washington, concludes that dads who act as “Emotion Coaches” give their kids an advantage over […]
Continue readingFamily adventures in the great outdoors are an American summertime tradition. It’s an ideal time for dads to introduce their kids to the wonders and benefits of nature. While my kids are on their summer break from school, I’ve taken the opportunity to take them out for some trout fishing at the lake a few […]
Continue readingDads need to teach their sons to respect women. When fathers fail to step up and teach this important lesson, they contribute to a problem that puts their wives and daughters, and other women at risk of abuse and violence. Both men and women are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Women are entitled to […]
Continue readingDads who invest in growing their child’s faith increase their child’s chances of having a thriving faith as adults. A thriving faith increases your child’s chances of being an adult with high life satisfaction, a happy marriage and good health. Children’s spiritual development is often left up to moms. If children attend church or have […]
Continue readingIn the 1960s, Stanford University researcher Walter Mischel conducted a study of preschool children and their ability to exercise self-control. The study became known as the Marshmallow Test. In this study, Mischel invited each child participant to choose a reward. The choice was to receive one treat—such as a marshmallow—immediately, or two treats twenty minutes […]
Continue readingGenerosity doesn’t develop naturally. It’s learned. Who better to teach it than a child’s parents? If have a child, you know what it’s like to have your child defend their favorite toy from other kids by grabbing it and screaming, “Mine!” As a conscientious parent, you apologize and encourage your child to share. But children […]
Continue readingBe careful about giving career advice to your kids. A parent’s expectations for their child’s career choice carries a lot of weight. Your influence may lead them to choose a career that pleases you, even if it’s not their first choice. Or they may choose a career against your wishes just to spite you. I […]
Continue readingIt used to be difficult for me to find the right Father’s Day card for my dad. I’d browse the greeting card rack at the drugstore and read the verses printed inside each card. Some were meant to be funny. Others conveyed warm sentiments. But none seemed to match the way I felt about my […]
Continue readingOur kids are still at home, but my wife and I are preparing for our empty nest now. Our daughter is 20 years old and spreading her wings. We expect our 13-year-old son to be around for a few more years. But we’ve realized that if we don’t prepare now, once the nest is empty […]
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