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How to Parent by Example

Last night, as I stood at the kitchen sink, my son tried to push me aside, without saying a word.  Well, rather than just correct him, my wife and I decided to employ a little role-play.  As I stood at the sink again, she played the role of my son and said, “Dad, will you please excuse me?  I’d like to wash my hands.”  I said, “Sure, come on in.” and then moved out of the way.  You see, telling our kids how to do...
Apr 02, 2013 / General

Resurrect a Dying Marriage

You feel like it’s flat lined.  There’s no pulse—not a breath of life remains.  Before you pronounce it dead on arrival, there are four basic tools you can use to resurrect that dying relationship.  First, patience.  It took time for your relationship to need resuscitation; it will take time for it to get well again. Second, determination.  Choose to be committed to each other for life, no matter what, and work...
Mar 29, 2013 / Saving Your Marriage

Sabbath to Refresh Your Soul

Chances are you answered, “Yes.”  According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, observing a day of rest, or Sabbath, has become a lost art.  Back in 1908, a psychologist said of the Sabbath, “People enjoy the freedom from all slavery of the clock, better and more leisurely meals, the hush of noise on the deserted street, the intensified charm of the sky… as well as rest, pure and simple, for body and mind.” ...
Mar 28, 2013 / Family Living

Marriage Battle: The Same Old Fight

During the Civil War more than half of the skirmishes took place in Virginia, and each battle was just a continuation of the previous fight. Same reasons… same territory… different days. Sometimes marriage is like that.  You have the same fights over and over about the kids, the money, the romance.  The list goes on and on. But rather than continuing to take up arms, join hands and draft a resolution. Flip the...
Mar 27, 2013 / Communication

5 Ideas for Effective Discipline

Do you know the power of silence?  I’m Mark Merrill with today’s Family Minute.  Sometimes we think that repeating ourselves over and over again in an angry, raised voice is the only way to get our children to obey.  I’m definitely guilty of that.  But here is a better way… Look your child in the eye.  Say it once in a calm, firm voice, and then be silent.  For example, you say, “Matthew, please brush your teeth...
Mar 26, 2013 / Discipline

Stop, Look, and Listen to Your Spouse

Author Pat Morley suggests that we stop, look and listen when our spouse wants to talk.  First, stop what you’re doing.  Put down your cell phone, turn off the TV.  Second, look directly at your spouse when they’re talking to you.  It shows you care.  Third, really listen to your spouse.   And men, that doesn’t mean telling her how to solve a problem.  It means identifying how she’s feeling with an understanding...
Mar 25, 2013 / Communication

3 Ways to Appreciate Your Spouse

Feel like all you do is clean the house, wash the clothes, pick up after others, and provide taxi service for the kids...  and no one notices? Or, maybe you feel like all you are needed for is to bring home a paycheck. A busy husband or wife can often get those feelings. So, what can you do? First, validate what your spouse is doing. Let them know that their seemingly mundane job IS very important and why. Second,...
Mar 22, 2013 / Communication

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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