I'm talking about timing in marriage – specifically, when it comes to discussing things with your spouse. You want to talk to your wife about the phone bill so you bombard her as soon as she walks in the door from work. Your husband is sick with the flu but you go ahead and bring up the broken sink anyway. Or, your wife is exhausted, and just as her head hits the pillow you bring up the budget. All bad timing. ...

It happens a lot... after the kids go off to college. Mom and Dad wake up the next day, sit down at the breakfast table, and wonder who the person is they are looking at. Reality strikes. They realize they don't even know each other anymore. Somewhere over the last few years, they've gotten so involved in their children's lives that they forgot about each other. Well, the best way to prepare to be an empty nester...

A lot of parents have a hard time telling the difference. And that's a problem. You've seen it…a mom dressed like her teenage daughter. A dad who offers his teenage son a beer while they watch the game. When mom or dad becomes a buddy, the child loses out on the most important relationship…that of parent and child. Your kids have plenty of friends, what they need from you is guidance, love and boundaries. They...

December 7th marks the day in 1941 when more than 2,000 Americans died in the surprise raid by the Japanese on the U.S. Pacific fleet. It was the first time an enemy attack was carried out on U.S. soil. But, of course, it wasn't the last. The few surviving veterans of Pearl Harbor have a saying: "Remember Pearl Harbor… keep America alert." So talk to your children about the importance of protecting our country,...

One way you can get involved is by starting an All Pro Dad's Day or iMOM Morning chapter at your child's school. These once-a-month breakfast gatherings for parents and their kids are fun and informative. After breakfast, there's lively discussion on a topic that's relevant to school age children, and plenty of interaction. It's a great way for kids to connect with their mom or dad in a meaningful way, and to...

If you look at how many of us live our lives, you would think the answer is clear… image is key. Your image is how you're viewed by others. We spend a lot of time creating our image… with our house, our car, our clothes, our friends . . . just so people will see us a certain way. Sometimes it's real, sometimes it's not. But your identity is who you are. It's real…it never changes. When you're clear about your...

Divorce… infidelity… the devastating loss of a child or spouse… these things, and others, can shatter a family. So, how do you begin the rebuilding process? First, survey the damage. Talk about it with each member of your family… really listen to the feelings they express, and be open about your own. Second, seek help from a trusted advisor or pastor who can help you sort out your emotions. Third, be patient—with...