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Dependence or Independence?

It seems like everything we hear today links strength with independence… it’s the American way, right?  Well, independence is great if you’re talking about things like freedom and finances, but not when it comes to family relationships. There’s only one independent Being in the universe and it is not you or me!  We are made to be dependent.  A child should depend on, and live under, the authority of his mother and...
Apr 08, 2024 / Relationships and Communication

9 Steps to Prevent Child Abduction

Well, actually the concept of “stranger” can be confusing to children, so instead, teach them to recognize unsafe situations. Warn against adults who might stop to ask for directions or help in finding a lost pet. Tell your children never to go anywhere with an adult who doesn’t know the family password. Teach your children that it’s OK to run away or cause a loud scene if they feel someone might be dangerous....
Apr 05, 2024 / General

Vision Exam

The other day, my son tried on my reading glasses.  “Wow!” he said, “I can see really good up close, but far away—it’s blurry.”  That made me think … all children, whether they need glasses or not, are “near-sighted.”  Like my son, they only see what’s up close… what’s happening today at school or tonight after dinner.  Stuff in the distance —college, marriage, career—that’s more fuzzy and out of focus.  Parents...
Apr 04, 2024 / General

How to Extinguish an Old Flame

Well, for a flame to exist, you have to have fuel.  You know those old pictures you have tucked away… the love letters you’ve saved… the texts you exchange… the seemingly harmless flirtations on Facebook.  These are the fuel that—given a spark—might just become a raging inferno.  So, the first step to extinguish an old flame is to get rid of the fuel source.  Throw out the reminders, get rid of the pictures of...
Apr 03, 2024 / Saving Your Marriage

Read the Lyrics

Recently, I asked my son for his iPod so I could check out the songs he was listening to.  I Googled the lyrics for the songs, and most were just fine.  But I did find a couple that weren’t.  I sat down with him and showed him the objectionable lyrics.  While reading through the words, I think we were both a bit surprised at the coarse language, degradation of women and sexual content in the lyrics.  After he...
Apr 02, 2024 / General

3 Stands to Take in the Midst of Adversity

Do you stand strong when faced with adversity? I’m Mark Merrill with today’s Family Minute. Everybody experiences adversity at some point. And I know a man who has faced it head on…his name is Tony Nathan. Tony lived through some tough times in the early 70’s when segregation and discrimination were rampant in Birmingham, Alabama. The movie, Woodlawn, which is now on DVD, tells Tony’s story…a story of strength...
Mar 29, 2024 / Character

7 Ways to Know You Are Being a Good Dad

As I travel around the country and speak with a lot of fathers, I’ve found that there’s one question that comes to the mind of most dads: “Am I being a good dad?” Well, here are 7 practical ways to help you answer that question.  First, you’re being a good father when you really listen to your kids.  That means giving them your full attention and not constantly looking at your phone or laptop.  Second, you know...
Mar 28, 2024 / Fatherhood

FAMILY FIRST PROGRAMS

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The Family Minute is a daily radio feature that offers everyday advice on marriage, parenting, and family relationships.

Mark Merrill

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