Pornography is a destructive and pervasive issue in our culture today. Ignoring it is simply not an option. So, here are the 3 B’s every parent or grandparent must know when talking to a son about pornography. First: Be Real. He needs to know that you know that the poison of pornography is out there. Second, Be Vulnerable. Most men have seen it, either on purpose or inadvertently. Third, Be United. Let him know...

Every good relationship is built upon honesty. So when we notice our child struggling to tell the truth, we know it’s time to take action. However, Dr. Scott Turansky explains that “common discipline techniques don’t quite address the problem” of lying. Instead, here are some specific ways to encourage honesty. First, be sure to teach your child the difference between playing make-believe and lying. It’s important...

When my boys were young, I couldn’t imagine what they’d be like as men.  But before I knew it, they were growing up.  Learning to catch in the backyard turned into Friday night touchdowns.  The spelling bee turned into the SAT.  And chasing girls on the playground turned into looking at girls in their prom gown.  But before our boys become men, there are a few things we need to teach them.  First, teach him to be...

Discipline is an appropriate wake-up call for our kids when they continue to misbehave over and over. But being too harsh in our discipline can cause significant damage. So when harshness becomes the normal way you treat your kids, it may be time to re-evaluate. To help fix this parenting problem, here are two steps to take. First, prepare in the morning how to patiently teach your child a lesson when rule...

We all make bad decisions sometimes. But when those bad decisions happen over and over, they lead to bad habits. Here are a few common bad habits that moms may want to break. First, break the habit of telling your child “I’ll be right there” and then forgetting about it. If your child doesn’t get attention from you, they may go looking for attention in the wrong places. Second, break the habit of spending money...

As a boy grows up, there are many people who will influence, impact, and inspire him. But, as his father, you want to be the main voice he hears. You are, and should be, his most important role model for life. So as your son grows and matures into a young man, be sure that you give him what he needs. First, he needs you to be present—in the little moments and in the big moments. Second, he needs you to affirm him...

Everyone knows that moms have unique relationships with their sons. They want to protect their sons, nurture their sons, and rescue their sons in any and every situation. But sometimes, this leads them to raise a mama’s boy. So how can you build up your son to be a warrior, not a wimp? First, understand that warriors are not couch potatoes. Your son is designed for activity, adventure and boldness. Second,...