Index: Work Ethic

The air was sticky with moisture and it was noisy from the sound of parents and siblings talking in between heats. The next heat of swimmers was on the blocks ready to swim the 400-meter freestyle event. The age group of swimmers was 13 to 14 year olds. As I observed the young boys standing on the blocks I quickly… Read more »

Historically, as young people approached the age of 18, they would start to spread their wings and transition into adulthood by stepping outside of their comfort zones. Sadly, times have changed.Today, many teens are feeling increasingly more inadequate to attempt adult tasks. In fact, they often don’t even feel comfortable talking to adults. In the midst of this fragility epidemic,… Read more »

“If our society is coming apart at the seams, it is because the tailor and the seamstress in the home are not producing the kind of stitching that will hold under stress. In the name of giving advantages, we have too often bartered away the real opportunities of our children.” (1981, Be Thou an Example, Gordon B. Hinckley)In these modern… Read more »

Parents and school administrators have requested that I make a short, free curriculum that parents can use to help their children navigate some of the social issues children are often forced to encounter at young ages. This curriculum is basic but deep, and it’s a principle-based lesson plan to help parents prepare their children to be free-thinking, discerning, loving, and… Read more »

Parents are meant to shepherd their children toward truth and safety, as well as in learning skills, in order to prepare them for the purposes of their lives. But not all shepherds are the same.Two sisters were given some sheep to care for, and a promise that the sheep would be of great value if tended properly.The younger sister wanted… Read more »

Freedom in the family is the key to raising children who are freer and more independent. The problem is, most people don’t understand freedom. Many families institute complete license without consequences assuming that’s freedom and that it will lead to independent children. But in reality, it leads to emotional bondage and relationship dysfunction. Personal freedom and independence are nurtured best… Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss Nicholeen’s weight loss journey and just how it applies to self-government. Do you wish you could shed few pounds, especially around the holidays? Is there more going on besides making good health choices that is making it hard to reach your goals? Listen in to hear Nicholeen’s perspective and some tips to help… Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss how individual strengths play a key role in understanding yourself and others. Once you know what your own strengths are, you know how you can change and what areas you can focus on and have an increase in. And, once you know what others’ strengths are, you can learn how to change to… Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss why bonding is so important to self-government and three key components of improving your bond with those you love and have influence on. Also, what is “bonding,” exactly? Listen in to find out! https://tsg-podcasts.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/November/TSGPodcast41-BecomingBetterAtBonding-Nov30-2020.mp3… Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss the possible correlation between cleaning the house and developing good problem solving skills. Are they actually related? What would be a reason that they could be? Is it a service or a disservice to do the cleaning for your children? Listen in to figure out the connection! https://tsg-podcasts.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/November/TSGPodcast38-CleaningUpYourProblemSolvingSkills.mp3… Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss seven ways to make the school year more exciting! There are mixed emotions when going back to school. “I can’t wait! I love learning!” “Ugh. I don’t want to go back to school.” No matter where you or your child fall in those range of emotions, there is a lot you can do… Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss the principle of Duty. What is duty, exactly? And, once we know what it is and how it benefits us, how do we teach our children to have a sense of duty? Duty is different from obedience. So, listen in to gain some awesome tips on how to teach and inspire duty. https://tsg-podcasts.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/August/TSGPodcast26-TeachingChildrenToHaveDuty-Aug08-2020.mp3… Read more »