They fight ALL.THE.TIME.
I remember when my older kids were growing up it was always two against one. The older one was USUALLY the instigator. It’s not uncommon for our kids to fight and argue. As parents we can help them learn how [...]
My kids just aren’t getting enough sleep
Let’s face it. Teens are busy. We encourage it sometimes, don’t we. But it’s no secret that teens need more sleep than us. But with school activities and time with friends, this can mean late nights and early mornings. Sleep [...]
Delay social media as long as you can
Idols. We all have them. No, they’re not always statues. They’re anything that replaces our wholehearted need and desire for God. For kids, it can be social media. As parents of tweens or teens, my suggestion -- keep them off [...]
They’re hiding things from us
As parents, many of us have had teens do things that are against the rules, then try to hide it from us. How did we handle it? Sometimes not very well. While we all hope our teens make wise choices, [...]
Memorizing the 10 commandments, my kids?
It may seem like old school, but is it really? Don’t we want them to come to faith in Christ and grow in Him? Memorizing the Ten Commandments with our kids can help. They’re not just a set of rules [...]
Respect isn’t only earned.
Four times this week I’ve seen Facebook messages or tweets about young people failing to respect their elders. One post was from a 17-year-old who was sitting in a restaurant when a loud group of young people were asked by [...]
I worked really hard, Dad, but failed.
I don’t know about you, but it tears my heart out when I see my son or daughter work their tail off preparing for something and then fail. I heard this story recently where this high schooler, who really struggled [...]
He has his first girlfriend, is middle school too young?
In my opinion, yes. Kids have a difficult enough time just grooming themselves, let alone dealing with romantic relationships. Since kids are surrounded by bad outside influences from the culture, I hope you’re talking about purity and how to treat [...]
They lost their temper again
My dad always told me that my temper would get me into trouble some day. He was right. How do we talk to our teens about losing their temper with friends? It can be difficult. Emotions can be strong. As [...]
They won’t listen, but they’re my step-kids
As parents, we’re called to love and guide our kids, whether they’re biological and step. But parenting step-kids who are disobeying can be a challenge. The Bible does offer guidance, though. Ephesians 6 is clear, “Children OBEY your parents.” In [...]