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...

Most kids generally understand that when you get your paycheck, you deposit it into a bank, and then the bank pays you a little something called interest for keeping your money there. In the same way, explain to your children that each time they tell the truth, a deposit is made in your “trust account.” When a lie is told, that account is depleted.  The more deposits that are made, the more you trust them and...

Does it seem like your kids turn to your wife more than they turn to you?  If they do, take a look at how you’re parenting.  Are you a listener, or a lecturer?  Do you praise your kids or put them down?  Do you show them patience or lose your temper?  Are you fun to be around or always edgy?  Do you spend time with them, or fill your schedule with other things?  Now, even though kids naturally turn more to mom...

It’s hard to know when to let go and let your kids, especially your teens, make mistakes or even fail.  But, sometimes, letting your kids make mistakes is the best way to help them learn.  Here’s a simple list of common situations to help you to determine when it may be okay to let your kids make mistakes.  First, let them fail a test. Sometimes all it takes one bad grade and one consequence to wake them up to the...

Now that school is in full swing again, you may notice that your child is starting to experience some pressure.  Children often feel socially and emotionally stressed through school.  As parents, we should look for ways to help them learn how to cope with stress in healthy ways.  Set a good example in how you handle stress.  If your children are fearful about something, listen to their concerns, and share how you...

To determine whether you should just insulate or completely isolate your child from potential temptation, bad influences, or pain, here’s a quick checklist.  First, what’s the risk factor? When your child asks to do something, you should first and foremost identify whether this activity poses a real threat to your son or daughter.  Second, has your child earned your trust? Have they consistently done what you’ve...

My wife, Susan, and I have five children and we’ve learned – sometimes the hard way – a few back-to-school lessons along the way.  Our kids have experienced every type of school – public school. . . private school. . . and homeschool.  And we have experienced every type of learner.  So we’ve taken all that experience and put it in a free Back-to-School ebook that will help make every year count!  Learn how to...