Many parents mean well; but, sometimes unintentionally discourage their kids.  How? First, they offer too much help.  As a result, their child may think their parent doubts their ability.  So, when your child learns to ride a bike, show them how, hand them a helmet and let them go.  It’s okay if they fall once or twice.  Second, parents compare their kids to others.  Comparison can break a child spirit.  There...

Before he was THE Mozart, Wolfgang was just a normal kid.  He had good days and bad days, he played jokes on his friends and he got into trouble.  What set him apart was the encouragement he got from a father who recognized his talents.  But what if his dad hadn’t been listening?  The world may have missed out on one of the greatest musical geniuses. Now, think of your own child whose hidden talents are just...

I know there are times when I’ve said things I wish I hadn’t. This can be especially true for a parent who, in stressful times, tells his kids to “shut up” or a spouse who says harsh things to his mate – things he later regrets. You can’t rewind and erase your words, so choose your words wisely. Here’s how. First, in a heated moment, remember that silence is golden. You will never regret a harsh word you never...

If you have a safe deposit box at a bank, you know that you need two keys to open it to get to your valuables inside.  The bank holds one key and you hold the other.  In the same way, in a marriage, a husband and a wife each hold a key to a good relationship.  Both need to come together, work together, struggle together, and dream together to unlock the priceless treasures of a happy marriage.  When you do these...

Recently, my friend Danny and I were talking when he suddenly stopped me and asked, “Mark, how are you wired?”  I replied, “Well, I have to write down just about everything to make sure I do it. Let’s put it this way, if I need to encourage someone, I have to write it at the top of my calendar.” Danny couldn’t believe it. “You are really that robotic?” he said. “I never knew that about you.” He then suggested that...

I was having some problems with my TV. The cable technician told me I just needed to reboot the box to clear the line.  Guess what? It worked!  Well, if you’ve been married for any length of time, you’ve probably been hurt by your spouse. If hurts aren’t dealt with and truly forgiven, bitterness can harden your heart to the point where you just don’t like your mate anymore.  Past hurts and disappointments tend to...

I was dropping my daughter Emily off at school and then going to speak to a group of men about being better dads. On the way, my daughter said, “Dad, why do you teach men to be better fathers when you haven’t mastered it yet?” That hurt, but it was a good question that I wanted to answer. So I said, “I want to share with the men the mistakes I’ve made and the things I’ve learned as a father over the years.” My...