A friend of mine says a favorite memory of her father is how he would let her draw on his back. No, not with pens or markers, but with her finger. She would draw a picture and he would try to guess what it was. When my kids were growing up, I was the “tickle monster”—I chased the kids around the house, playfully tackled them to the ground, and got big laughs when the tickle monster attacked. You see, those are the...

Be a great coach.  Children who started out in Little League are playing in baseball’s All-Star game tonight.  Because of the encouragement and validation their coaches gave, they were able to make it to the big leagues.  Coaches want to win. But more importantly, a great coach wants kids to have fun, get exercise and learn good sportsmanship.  A child wants to be valuable to the team…to be an All-Star.  To make...

Every year, in the Tour de France, thousands ride their bikes over 2000 miles through the French landscape.  During the 23 days of the race, they climb mountains, and struggle against the elements…with only 2 days’ rest.  Years of training develops physical endurance to help them finish the race.  But the value of endurance isn’t just physical; it also applies to your marriage.  The ability to persevere through...

When teens are out of school they spend more time behind the wheel. That’s why they’re at greater risk during summer break. What can you do to help protect them?  Start by reminding them of the rules for driving and riding in a car. Insist that they wear their seatbelt. Let them know that driving is a privilege. Make sure they understand the dangers of speeding, drinking or texting while driving. Encourage them to...

According to a recent iMOM poll, the three things that couples argue about most are money, communication and discipline.  Sound familiar?  Conflict is natural in a relationship.  But sometimes, a small disagreement can escalate into a full-blown shouting match.  A useful tool couples can use to avoid a heated argument is a kind of intermission.  When things are getting hot, one person can say, “Let’s take a...

In its first week out, Disney’s “Finding Nemo” broke all sorts of box office records.  It quickly became one of the highest grossing animation films of all times.  In the movie, Nemo swims out a bit too far and gets lost.  His dad Marlin is determined to find his long lost son—no matter what it took.  Kids applaud when Marlin finally finds the wayward Nemo.  For whatever reason, maybe you haven’t seen or spoken to...

William Smart was an American Civil War veteran. He became a widower when his wife died in childbirth, leaving him to raise their six children on his own. Years later, his daughter wanted to find a way to honor her dad. She realized how hard it must have been for him as a single parent. So while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day, she decided what she would do. In 1909 she organized the first Father’s Day to...