Okay, the school year is pretty much underway.  So do you know the answer to the following questions: who are your kids hanging out with?  Who do they spend the most time with?  Who do they talk to on the phone the most?  Who are the three people they text the most?  Who are their Facebook friends? An involved parent will know the answers to those questions.  And studies show that involved parents can help keep...

Over the years, I’ve worked hard to teach my two sons, now 18 and 17, the most important things in life.  Here are the 8 things every father should teach his son.  First, be a gentleman. A firm handshake combined with looking the other person in the eye carries with it respect and strength. Opening a car door for a woman, standing up at the table when she is seated is what a gentleman does as well. Second, honor...

We want to be liked. We want to fit in. We want to be invited. We want to do what others are doing. Well, so do our children. And they’re especially vulnerable during their impressionable teen years – a time when they are seeking their identity as a person. So we need to show our children, by example, how to stand against what is wrong and stand for what is right… no matter what others may think or say. If we do...

It’s a simple equation— A more involved parent = a better student, a better school, and a better community.  That's where Family First's school breakfast programs come in. All Pro Dad's Days and iMOM Mornings bring moms and dads to school once a month for a time of bonding, encouragement, and fun.  And they're easy to start—we provide everything you need! So make sure your kids aren’t missing out.  Start your own...

Gone are the lazy, hazy days of summer.  As a parent, you may be breathing a sigh of relief, but don’t think your vacation starts just because your kids’ vacation is over.  In a few weeks, parent/teacher conferences will take place.  Take this opportunity to open the lines of communication with your child’s teacher.  Here are 7 questions you need to ask your child’s teacher.  First, is my child performing up to...

Yesterday, I gave you three ways to motivate your child.  Here are the final four.  Fourth, give your child a “carrot”…a reward such as money for A’s or B’s. Fifth, be a cheerleader.  Children need affirmation…cheer them on…“good shot,” “way to go.”  Sixth, dream with your child.  Ignite her dream of being a musician.  Take her to see an orchestra.  Seventh, help your child set and own goals.  If your child owns...

Susan and I were driving our daughter, Emily, to college.  Questions invaded my mind… “Did I prepare her?” “What did I miss?” “What else do I need to tell her?”  I realized that it didn’t make sense to try to squeeze a bunch of lectures and life lessons in at the eleventh hour.  I had purposefully prepared her for this since she was a little girl.  Here are four things I taught her and always want her to remember...