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...

Wounds in a marriage, big or small, can be difficult to deal with and every husband and wife can either choose to cover festering wounds in their relationship and prevent healing or they choose to expose those wounds and promote healing. Here are several reasons why a spouse might hide the hurtful wounds. The first is pride. It would be too embarrassing if others knew what really happened. The second is shame....

No one can imagine the devastation caused by a cheating spouse except one who has experienced it. Anger, sadness, confusion, embarrassment, betrayal, and rejection may be just some of the emotions that flood one’s mind and heart. And while there is no one answer for dealing with a cheating spouse, here are some steps you can take. First, don’t make any quick decisions on what you’re going to do even though you may...

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...

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...

In his book, Uncommon Marriage, Tony Dungy shares why couples often fight harder for their own pride than for the good of their marriage.  He says “it goes against our human nature” to apologize when we think we’re right and our spouse is wrong.  It may not be easy to take the high road, but here are 3 steps to fight for your marriage rather than your pride.  First, identify what the conflict is really about. ...