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, neal black, parenting, parenting essentials, relationships, values

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The story is told of a couple that grew to find little to appreciate in one another. The daily tally of things one did that annoyed and aggravated the other was a growing list. More and more they did less and less together. In desperation the woman visited a counselor and took along her journal of all the attitudes... >Read More

Tags: annoyed, commitment, communication, couples, Family, FamilyLife Favs, fight, focus, healthy marriage, improving your marriage, irrations, marriage, priorities, protecting your marriage, record of rights, relationships, resolvingn conflict, spiritual growth, 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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Here are some tips for helping your family live generously. Breaking down financial barriers to be free to live generously   1. Live within your means Save up for purchases and pay cash rather than buying on credit. If you do use credit, pay the whole monthly balance so that your resources aren’t drained away in interest. As...... >Read More

Tags: better parenting, character development, children, FaithLife Financial, Family, generous, giving, parenting, parenting essentials, share, wealth

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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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The most valuable things we offer our children cost nothing. But there are many other things we give them that cost money.  The most expensive is often the opportunity for them to attend college or university. Without financial assistance, our children may have to forego post-secondary education or graduate with loads of student debts.  We want...... >Read More

Tags: budget, challenges & conflict, children, communication, education, Family, finances, healthy marriage, improving your marriage, parenting, priorities, resolving conflict

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