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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As "Dr. Muriel" I have received many letters from teens and twenties who are addicted to cutting or self-harm. This epidemic has stunned me! Through research I learned that 13, 000 to 30, 000 girls and women use this as a way of coping. Even Princess Diana of England turned to cutting as a way to cope. When I started... >Read More

Tags: addiction, attitude problems, challenges & conflict, cutting, Dr. Muriel Larson, emotions, feelings, hardship & suffering, Life Issues, pain, parenting essentials, relief, resolving conflict, Self, self-harm, sexual problems, teenagers, teens

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#1 Parents must have the password The password is the key to unlock the door for full access into your child’s Facebook profile. It must be shared with the parents and only with the parents! This is essential for accountability and building trust in the relationship as it allows parents to spot check the News Feed and Inbox from time... >Read More

Tags: better parenting, children, essentials, Facebook, Family, FamilyLife Canada, FamilyLife Favs, internet, Jason & Kelli Krafsky, marriage, parenting essentials, peer pressure, social media, teenagers, teens

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New life is always a celebration! When a new baby arrives in your circle of influence welcome that little one with open arms. Don’t respond with disapproval if the circumstances around the birth have not been what you consider ideal. You have an opportunity to begin speaking into the heritage that little child will have. Your influence now can...... >Read More

Tags: baby, better parenting, birth, care, Celebrate, faith & spirituality, Family, growing in your faith, healthy, help, marriage, new life, new mom, newlywed, parenting essentials, priorities, teenagers, young mom

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