Character Building

mothers

Can Teenagers Conquer the Culture of Disrespect Alone?

For years I’ve heard adults complain about how disrespectful teenagers are with a tone that suggests the teenagers should fix their problem. I found myself wondering if it was really totally the teenagers’ problem, and if it was possible for teenagers to fix the culture of disrespect all alone. After many years of helping families […]

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stressed mother

From Scattered and Over-Scheduled to Stress-Free: Self-Government for Adults

A friend of mine recently shared her journey “from scattered to scheduled” with me. She said, “I’ve struggled for years to try to conquer my inability to live a scheduled life. I saw people with their fancy planners and knew I needed to make a change, so I started a planner too. Now the problem

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10 things kids think about

10 Thoughts Children Have That Might Surprise Parents

“He’s not breathing really well, and they tell us he’ll likely die in a day or two…” a mother was explaining to a group of adults about her father-in-law, and her young son’s grandpa. Her son was sitting in an adjacent room with his good friend, but he wasn’t playing as his mother likely thought

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millenials

Have Millennials Been “Dealt a Bad Hand?”

Those born approximately 1982-2004 are often referred to as Millennials. They’ve been teased in countless online videos, articles and casual conversations. They’re often mocked for the way they see themselves, view the world, believe where happiness comes from, and for their position on the purpose of life. The characteristic of their generation that is most

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child hugging bear

Helping Children Feel Secure in an Emotional and War-Ridden World

In the United States we have a new president. Some people are elated about this and others are sorrowing. Regardless of where each of us is on this spectrum of election emotions, change is in the air. Change is difficult for all of us, but especially for children. Not only are the children of the

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cell phone

Is Giving a Child a Smart Phone Smart? Facts to Consider

The first cellular phone became available to the public in 1984. By 2007 Apple had made the Apple iPhone, which has since taken the cellular phone world by storm. In 23 short years, society went from brick-sized phones to handheld computers. Today, smart phones are everywhere. Even many of the tribal people in Africa now

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AdobeStock_27945278

Hope For Homes Everywhere!

Sometimes, no matter how diligently parents try to teach their children and unify their families, they are met with opposition. Sunday Evening 1986 “It’s time for family council,” said Dad, as usual one Sunday evening. “How long is it going to take?” “We hate family council!” “Urgh!” “I’m tired. Can I go to bed?” said

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Eye to eye

1 Skill To Improve Calmness For The Whole Family

While swimming with my family one day the calmness of our pool experience was interrupted by one very loud, very stressed mother. If only this mother was able to see the hearts of her children and everyone else in the pool area. If she could have taken a moment to do just one simple skill

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gardening boy

4 Ways to Help Children Enjoy Chores and Become Good Workers

“There is no substitute for hard work.” (Thomas Edison) Years ago, when I was planning a Teaching Self-Government trip to China, a good friend of mine said, “Nicholeen, what are you going to tell parents in China who don’t understand why their child should earn an extra chore? Most parents don’t have their children do

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Support Call 1-22-16

This call covers:

  • Sometimes people ask my opinion about parenting. Most of the time they just want a “quick fix.” What can I tell them?
  • “Work is the antidote for a sick character.” What if all you do is work? Then, isplaythe antidote?
  • Son is 13 and in puberty, but he shows no empathy for others around him. How can that be fixed?
  • 4-year-old daughter is picky about clothes and won’t wear anything she doesn’t like. This gets expensive and frustrating. What to do?
  • I have a 16-month-old granddaughter who loves to get into things. She doesn’t like no answers. How can I help her accept no answers at such a young age?

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Support Call 6-5-15

This call covers:

  • “McFarland USA” and character and strength.
  • I need ideas for what to do in the summer months when it’s too hot to go outside to play (AZ).Also, my 11 year-old son is constantly reading and avoiding people and social situations, just like his dad. He has no friends and he reads things that aren’t necessarily of use. What do I do?
  • I’ve found out that my 9 year-old son has been swearing at school, but when I ask him if he has, he denies it strongly. How do I help him see that this is wrong?
  • I’m trying to help my 5 year-old son understand natural and synthetic consequences and roles.
  • I’m having a hard time finding the right medication for my 7 year-old ADHD daughter. What she’s on now seems to be helping at school, but not at home. Suggestions?

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Support Call 5-22-15

This call covers:

  • My age 17 daughter is having too much online social time and isn’t spending time with the family when she is home. How can I help her?
  • When my son was younger, he threw something at me that required me to go to the hospital. Sometimes, when his siblings are mad at him, they’ll bring up the incident and tell him “what a bad person” he is. How do I help him through this?
  • My age 14 son has struggled with an almost daily masturbation addiction. We’ve gone to the bishop and made goals, but he keeps falling back into old habits. What do we do to help him overcome this issue?

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