We put a lot of time and energy in our work – extra hours, extra effort to get the contract or meet deadlines.  Hobbies can help give balance to the stress of our jobs, a needed outlet for creativity, or just release some pressure.  These are both good things. But why don’t we put the same effort into... >Read More

Tags: better parenting, character development, commitment, dads, family values, friendship, hardship and suffering, improving your marriage, parenting essentials, priorities, protecting your marriage, teenagers, teens, values

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April 12th, 2009 forced a change in my life. I remember making my way across the darkened parking lot and slipping in behind the wheel of my car in silence. Rain slipped down the windshield and I opened the window ever so slightly, hoping that the chilled air would remind me to breathe.  For 10 days I had sat... >Read More

Tags: adult children, better parenting, challenges & conflicts, change, character development, communication, death, divorce, family issues, hardship & suffering, healthy marriage, improving your marriage, job los, Joyce Simmons, new career, out of your control, parenting essentials, priorities, protecting your marriage, relationships, resolving conflict, Self, teens, values

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This fall my 18 year-old son, my first-born, my newly minted young adult, will be leaving home to start university.  I have never been an overly protective mother.  Over the years, he has often left home, even for extended times.  At 8 years old, he spent a week with members of our extended family whom he barely knew. After that... >Read More

Tags: adult children, better parenting, children, college, Family, leaving home, letting go, mothering, parenting, parenting essentials, relationships, son, teenagers, teens

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One clear September morning my son packed up his car and headed off to college.   Oh, I knew in my head that he was ready for the next stage of his journey.   Such a clear demonstration of maturity and wisdom is evident in almost any eighteen year old – what could possibly go wrong?!   I repeated like a mantra,... >Read More

Tags: adult children, better parenting, college, depending on God, faith, fear and anxiety, parenting essentials, Self, spiritual growth, teenagers, teens, trust, values

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When my children were first born, I did something radical. I didn't really decorate their room. Part of it was a money issue; we had so little cash, and we were trying to save for a down payment for a house. I thought putting our money into an apartment sized washing machine would be a far better use of our... >Read More

Tags: bedroom, better parenting, castle, character development, child, child's room, children, Family, kids, parenting, parenting essentials, Shelia Wray Gregoire, values

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I can still remember where I was standing and the way my daughter Aubri looked at me that fateful December day.  She came to me and said, “Dad, Dan really wants to talk to you to ask if he can be allowed to date me.”  I knew this day would come. I answered honestly, “Do you know how difficult this... >Read More

Tags: adult children, better parenting, dating, daughters, engaged couples, Family, family values, father daughter, parenting, parenting essentials, relationships, values

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Teach your kids to cook so you don't have to! Here's my philosophy in a nutshell: Each year after age 10, they learn to make one meal per year. So at 11 they can make 1. At 12 they can make 2. At 13 they can make 3. And so on, and so on, and so on. That way, when they move out... >Read More

Tags: better parenting, children, cook, cooking, Family, kids, parenting, parenting essentials, Shelia Wray Gregoire, teenagers, teens, values

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