The Family Minute is a program of our national nonprofit organization, Family First.  Here at Family First, our ultimate desire is to provide parenting, marriage, and relational truth that helps people love their family well.  Family Minute is one of three programs we have to help deliver that truth…the two others are All Pro Dad and iMOM.  All Pro Dad and iMOM encourage and inspire dads and moms through free...

The moments you have with your teen right now are moments you won’t always have.  Because of this, I’d like to encourage you to be strategic in how you spend your time.  As Susan and I watched our five kids grow up, we were intentional about setting aside evenings and weekends just to be there for our teens.  Here are 3 ways to help you be available for your teens.  First, be selective in your socializing.  Make...

If you’re looking for a way to scale back on expenses, why not commit to a credit free Christmas this year? Resist the temptation to spend money you don’t have on material things that ultimately have very little meaning, and provide very little satisfaction.  Start by using this money saving Christmas gift planner to organize your list.  But remember, the Christmas season isn’t about “things,” it’s about...

There’s another project at work, another practice to drive your kids to, another meal to cook, another trip to take…the list goes on.  So how can your marriage not only survive, but thrive in those seasons of busyness?  Here are 6 ways.  First, set aside a few minutes during your day to stay in touch.  Shoot a quick text or a make a short phone call to your spouse just to let them know you’re thinking of them. ...

Of course you do!  Well a little planning and a lot of great printables will go a long way in making your holidays more joyful and less stressful.   So plan now to get all of the printables you need at iMOM.com!  Start with our printable gift planner to save time and money.  Also check out iMOM’s printable calendars, Christmas Eve Checklist, and my favorite – story cards that will help you share the real meaning...

Today is Black Friday — the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season. But a great bargain isn’t so great if it means spending the holidays in extra debt. Here are three tips to ease the after-Christmas bills blues to help you make the most of the big sales. Instead of getting carried away by all the big sales and promotions, set some limits in writing before you leave the house. If you haven’t already,...

When we take a good, hard look at ourselves, we don’t always like what we find.  Thoughts of worthlessness begin to creep in and we become discouraged.  The truth is that while we aren’t perfect, we are valuable.  So the next time you find yourself feeling like you don’t have a lot to offer, here are 3 truths to keep in mind.  First, you have gifts.  Instead of being overwhelmed by your weaknesses, try embracing...