We continue with a look at the fruit of the Spirit as it relates to parenting. Frankly, gentleness in parenting isn’t always easy, especially if you’re like me, and you’re a little intense. The dictionary defines it as being “mild [...]
It seems like everybody has some. A neighborhood, school, or church where there is a whole family of boys or whatever—just running and screaming and picking on each other. You envy those families who have nice, quiet compliant kids. But, [...]
One of the saddest parenting stories in the Bible is the one about Eli the priest in 1 Samuel 2. The Bible says his sons were scoundrels. They were greedy and immoral. What did Eli do? He talked to them. [...]
Deep down, our kids really want Mom and Dad to be in love and on the same page. But, sometimes, they test us. They go to one or the other and complain about our spouses. Don’t get mad, though. Listen. [...]
In your parenting, do you find yourself generally expecting your kids to behave poorly? Do you assume the worst? Or do you assume that they’ll do well and are actually surprised and saddened when they fail to do their best? [...]
I asked one what they disliked most about their parents. First, she said, “Well, I like my parents.” Then she said, “But it does drive me crazy when they tell me we’re going to do something like go to an [...]
If it’s any consolation, I’ve been a married frustrated parent when it comes to my kids. But, if you’re single and you’re facing these kids alone, my heart goes out to you. In a marriage, you’ve got backup. If I [...]
One day my wife and I weren’t having very good days. It’s not often that we both have a bad day on the same day, but it happened this day. We got home, and we started complaining about work, people, [...]
Do you have that “perfect” child? I don’t either. But, seriously, do you have that one who requires the absolute minimum of parental input? My oldest daughter was like that. She was a great student, responsible, and respectful. No matter how [...]
As our parents head into the twilight of their lives, are you finding that you’re not just parenting your kids—but your parents, too? I have friends who are looking at caring for their mom and dad. If you’re considering it, [...]