Many parents wonder why calmness disappears so quickly in hard family moments, even when they sincerely want to respond better. The Power of Calm teaches that calmness is not the absence of emotion or the appearance of silence. It is the ability to govern thoughts, emotions, and actions according to truth. This chapter preview explores […]
The Power of Calm – Chapter 2 Free Preview! Read More »
How can parents tell when a child’s busy schedule is hurting family connection and emotional health? Research, including a 2002 review from the American Psychological Association on family routines and rituals, shows that predictable family rhythms are vital to successful child outcomes. Sometimes children know their lives need more balance even before their parents notice.
When Full Lives Become Too Full: The Hidden Cost of Over-Scheduling Our Children Read More »
Proverbs teaches that "a soft answer turneth away wrath," but many parents know that not yelling out loud is only the beginning. A parent can be quiet and still be stormy inside, and children often feel that hidden tension through facial expressions, tone, body language, and emotional distance. Teaching Self-Government calls parents to a deeper
“A Soft Answer” and Yelling Inside and Out Read More »
Peace is not simply the absence of disagreement. In families, communities, and nations, peace begins when people govern their own thoughts, words, and reactions before trying to control someone else’s. Teaching Self-Government applies this principle first in the home, where children and parents learn calmness, respectful disagreement, and connection even when opinions or emotions are
The Truth About War & Peace Read More »
Many parents worry that correcting children too often will damage connection, but children still need steady teaching, clear expectations, and calm follow-through. In Teaching Self-Government, correction is not shame or control. It is a loving teaching process that helps children practice better skills and learn how to govern themselves. By Nicholeen Peck In today’s parenting
Why Parents Should Correct Their Children More Often Read More »
Why do children often resist right before they learn better behavior? Growth usually requires a tight spot: a moment when a child has to practice calmness, accept a limit, or choose a better skill instead of staying in old behavior. This article explains the Hour Glass Principle and why parents should not panic when teaching
The Inevitable Behavioral Tight Spot That Parents Must Face Read More »
Why do so many loving parents feel ashamed for calmly setting boundaries? Children need parents who are willing to teach, correct, prepare, and lead with love. This article encourages parents to reject the shame that comes from modern confusion and remember that principled parenting is a gift to children, not a burden. by Nicholeen Peck
Parents, Be Not Ashamed to Parent Read More »
What truth helps teens understand why parents still guide and correct them? Teens want freedom, but they also want to know that their parents’ guidance has a reason. When parents explain their role with calmness and respect, teens are more likely to see boundaries as preparation for adulthood instead of rejection or control. By Nicholeen
Tell Your Teens a Truth They’ve Been Waiting to Hear Read More »
How can gratitude change the emotional tone of a family? Thankfulness begins as a choice of focus, but it rarely stays private. When parents notice and praise small good things, their changed focus can soften their own hearts and invite children into a more loving family pattern. By Nicholeen Peck Challenges happen to us all.
The Contagious Cycle of Thankfulness Read More »
How can a person love life and see good days when the world feels divided or disappointing? Self-government gives us a way to stay free inside, even when events around us are uncertain. Instead of letting anxiety, politics, or disappointment govern our hearts, we can choose calmness, truth, love, and purposeful action. by Nicholeen Peck
Loving Life and Seeing Good Days Despite Disappointment Read More »
What can parents do when modern parenting pressure makes them stumble? Every parent meets obstacles that can pull them off balance, but stumbling does not have to mean falling. With prepared parenting reflexes — calmness, acceptance, teaching, and a clear sense of roles — parents can recover quickly and keep leading with love. by Nicholeen
When Parents Stumble… Read More »
How can parents help children leave their comfort zones without being unkind? Children need loving adults who see their potential, stay calm during resistance, and invite them to do hard things with support. A gentle push, given with safety and purpose, can help a child discover courage that comfort alone would never teach. by Nicholeen
Comfort Zones | Why Kids Need Someone To Push Them Read More »
What kind of power should parents have in the home? Teaching Self-Government rejects fear-based power and points parents toward calm influence, earned trust, and principled leadership. The real power parents need is not intimidation; it is the ability to guide hearts while governing their own. by Nicholeen Peck “I was so afraid of him…When I
Parenting With Power! Read More »
How can parents stop letting disrespect or defiance push their buttons? Calmness does not mean pretending rude behavior is fine. It means having a plan for governing your own emotions first, so correction can stay firm, respectful, and focused on teaching instead of reacting. by Nicholeen Peck In 2009 our family was featured on a
“My Mom Doesn’t Have Any Buttons” Read More »
What happens when parents are silenced or made afraid to lead their families? Children need loving guidance, open communication, and principled correction from the people most responsible for them. When a culture trains parents to step back, the home can lose the very influence children need for security, identity, and self-government. by Nicholeen Peck In
Canceling Parents Has Negative Consequences Read More »
Why does sacrifice matter so much in family leadership and freedom? Parents, grandparents, and ancestors often pay prices that children may not fully understand until later. Their work, faith, service, and perseverance teach that love is not merely a feeling; it is the willingness to give for the good of others. by Nicholeen Peck History
They Paid The Price Read More »
What does healthy parental command look like without fear or force? In Teaching Self-Government, command is not domination. It is calm confidence, clear structure, consistent follow-through, and warm leadership that helps children feel secure while parents guide the home. by Nicholeen Peck Having command is not a bad, dominant, or militant thing. Feeling calm command
“I Finally Have Command” Read More »
How can strong homes help repair social problems? A peaceful society is not built only in public meetings, schools, or laws. It begins in homes where children learn truth, work, respect, calm communication, family roles, and the skills of self-government. by Nicholeen Peck Society, with all its innovations and intricacies, has lost the vision of
Home Power – The Solution to Social Ills Read More »
How can parents teach sincere apologies instead of forced apologies? The words "I’m sorry" can heal when they come from a humble heart, but they can also become social performance when the heart is not engaged. Teaching children about apology starts with helping them understand conscience, repair, and the condition of their own hearts. by
“I’m Sorry” Shows A Lot Read More »
How can parents tell the difference between a child’s personality and behavior that needs correction? Understanding personality helps parents appreciate differences, but it should not become an excuse for harmful habits or poor choices. Wise parents learn to honor who a child is while still teaching skills for better behavior. by Nicholeen Peck Discerning between
Correcting Behavior Vs Understanding Personality Read More »
How can parents talk with children about hard topics without damaging connection? Children need parents who can discuss serious concerns with calmness, privacy, respect, and clear words. When parents prepare how they communicate, difficult conversations can become moments of trust instead of distance. by Nicholeen Peck Parents have to navigate some pretty tough topics in
How To Talk To Your Kids | Bridging The Information Gap Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck Traditions are much more than activities we regularly do for fun or foods we regularly eat. After all, traditions make up a large percentage of social small talk and family discussion, and they help us get to know each other. Traditions set us apart from others as they demonstrate our uniqueness and
Are Traditions a Source of Peace or Stress? Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck Punishment is a topic that evokes much debate. In the Bible we are told that the Lord loves those whom He chastens, and that enduring chastening brings us closer to God (Hebrews 12). In Webster’s 1828 Dictionary the word chasten means “correct by punishment…to purify from errors or faults.” But, to punish
Punishment and Parental Authority Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck Ironically, in an age when business communications and social networking are easier than ever due to technological advances and global platforms, families are struggling more than ever to feel connected as groups. When the problems facing families seem endless and intricate there is one principle that we must keep in mind. “Our
Vital Focus For Improving Family Togetherness In A Disconnected World Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck Children sometimes say, “I wish my parents would stop getting involved in my life.” But is that what they really want? This idea of having total freedom without any oversight, teaching, or correction sounds very attractive to a child . However, when a person looks at the long-term effects on children who
No More Standing on the Parenting Sidelines Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck Many parents want their children to learn to take responsibility for themselves: to learn self-government. A self-governed person, no matter the age, will be able to show the following characteristics. They can: give themselves instructions, follow through on commitments, accept the consequences of life, talk openly with people, discuss a difference of
Increase Confidence by Telling Yourself “No” Read More »
There are times when I do things I wouldn’t normally do just because I wouldn’t normally do it. It’s a kind of self-check to make sure that I’m still open-minded and hopeful, instead of resting in a bias. Allow me to give you some context into my life so that you can understand why it
Toxic Barbies & The Great Happiness Debate Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck Self-government, a key principle of individual and societal freedom, is culturally rejected by some academics. This malicious movement, if adopted by society, will undermine our cultures, our families, our economies, and our personal empowerment. Luckily, the solution to cultural warfare has a simple yet powerful and effective solution; strengthen the people by
Cultural Rejection of Self-Government Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck Honoring self-evident family roles promotes increased family identity, a functional family culture, and secure children. In order to honor the family roles of children and parents, it’s vital that we understand what family roles are and how they help us succeed. Misconceptions about roles have confused so many people and discouraged young
Family Roles Are Often Misunderstood Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck In the book of John, in the Bible, when the woman was “taken in adultery” and cast at the feet of Jesus, why didn’t he stone her? It was the law. Why did he get down on her level to think and show love to her as he told her that she
To “Spare The Rod” Or Not | About Spanking Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck Let’s Celebrate! June 1st, the Global Day of Parents, is dedicated to celebrating the impact that parents have on raising children. Not only is a parent required for the biological creation of a child, but parents are vital to the social, moral, emotional, and academic formation of the child as well. No
UN Global Day of Parents Is June 1st! — Why? Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck There is an attack on motherhood. However, May, the month of flowers, birds, and life, the month that reminds us of all that we are grateful for, brings our hearts back to the simple, yet powerful lessons of our mothers. Lessons of gratitude, strength, work, and love, that mothers teach, need to
May Is For Mothers Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck When children are little they ask “Why?” about everything. They want to know: “Why is sky the blue?”, “Why can birds fly?” and “Why do we have to eat our vegetables?” While some questions are cute and fun to answer, others seem like a stall tactic or an annoyance. After a few
Why Parents Must Explain Why Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck The many messages telling us how we ‘should’ live our lives can be dizzying. It seems to me everyone has a plan for us; from advertisers to organizers. For years, I’ve sat in committee meetings and witnessed presentations laced with presumptions and conclusions based on someone else’s value system – their plan
What Matters Most Wins Out Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck “It’s harder for children nowadays with all of the technology and temptations and bad examples”, a mother said to me at a recent conference where I was speaking. We talked for a moment about the differences between her childhood and the childhood of her children. She was concerned. She felt lost and
Today’s Complexity Demands More Simplicity Read More »
by Nicholeen Peck Sometimes it’s nice to find out that something we’re doing is really working to bring about good things. Positive online posting makes a big difference in our world, even if it doesn’t always seem like there is time to do it. This week a parent, who attends my weekly digital parenting support
Positive Online Posting Makes A Difference! Read More »
“My daughter is so ungrateful! All I do is serve her, but she doesn’t care about me or what I feel. And, she never helps out, even when I ask nicely,” an exasperated mother told me about her teenage daughter. In a later conversation, Emily, the daughter said to me, “I never get anything my
Mindset Makes or Breaks Family Bonds Read More »
Love runs deeper than many people realize, and the outcomes of love are significant. We all recognize when we don’t feel loved or when we have a hard time feeling love for someone who isn’t behaving lovingly. But, what we don’t often recognize is that love isn’t something that can be turned on and off
It may seem trite and slightly overused to say it, but the old adage, “Make every day Christmas,” has more power than you might think. In fact, maybe, just maybe, the way to have life feel like Christmas every day is to truly live the spirit of Christmas in our relationships at Christmas time. Practicing
Practice Good Relationships This Christmas Read More »
Nearly every day parents ask me how to help their “wayward young adult” or how to heal the heart of their “disconnected teen.” Children displaying unnatural affection by disconnecting from loving parents is an epidemic in our modern society. Normal human development involves increasingly seeking for autonomy as a person launches into adulthood. However, turning
Parents Want To Rescue Their Youth From Confusion Read More »
Families are concerned about their children who are struggling with stress and anxiety. Why are stress and anxiety so prevalent nowadays, and what can families do to help in loving ways? Understanding Stress and Anxiety Stress and anxiety are real feelings that many children suffer with daily. According to Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Center
7 Tips For Reducing Stress and Anxiety In Children Read More »
An exasperated mother said to me, “My teenager doesn’t like to work hard. She expects everything in life to be easy. How do I teach her to like work?” “Do you like work?” I asked the mother. “Most people who don’t see value in work, or don’t like work, are taught somewhere along the way
Two Ways To Guide Youth Toward Purposeful Living Read More »
When people don’t speak the same language, it’s hard to understand each other. Likewise, when parents and children don’t speak the same language, then they can become disconnected because of lack of understanding. Understanding creates a feeling of respect and bonding in relationships and is a vital component to creating family unity and solving family
The Vocabulary Gap And Its Effect On Families Read More »
Some people seem to be naturally patient, while others seem to struggle with increasing patience because of their strong/hard natures or how they were nurtured. However, when patience is more understood, we all might find that we’re taking more steps toward patience than we think we are. And, if we keep taking those steps, then
4 Steps For Increasing Your Patience Read More »
It’s currently commonplace to see youth aggressively confronting adults when, not too long ago, that behavior would never have been condoned. And, sadly this aggressive behavior is being misinterpreted as behavior necessary for the emotional safety of the child. If parents want to be the ‘safe place’ for their child, then it’s vital that they
Being Your Child’s Safe Place Read More »
“I think I ruined my child,” a mother told me in desperation as she explained some of the behavior problems and disconnection problems her teenage son was having. She was being honest with herself about mistakes that she might have made in her son’s upbringing. My heart ached for her. She might have unknowingly done
Self-Governed People Train Their Focus Forward Read More »
Mom has a bad knee, but that doesn’t stop us from making multi-generational memories to last a lifetime. Months ago, when I asked Mom to accompany me on a trip to Alaska, she said, “Sure, I’ll come if you really want me to go with you. I don’t move very fast anymore because of my
7 Lessons Aging Mothers & Grandmothers Teach Their Families Read More »
As nice as it would be to have complete control over outcomes, it isn’t humanly possible. Cause and effect is a principle of life that we can usually rely upon, but sometimes there seems to be another will for our days and experiences that turns our plans upside down. Sometimes these unexpected turns can create
When Things Don’t Go Your Way… Read More »
It sometimes seems like teens don’t want to listen to adults tell them what to do or not to do, but in reality, teens and children are always hoping that adults will teach them discernment. When a person doesn’t know who to follow or what to believe morally, then that person ends up feeling lost
Children & Teens Want to Know More From Parents: Teaching Discernment Read More »
As part of learning cause and effect and growing into healthy adulthood, most children occasionally test boundaries by willfully choosing disobedience or even rebelling against parents. While taking risks and being a little bit rebellious here and there are usually healthy signs of normal development toward adulthood, obedience is required for wisdom and learning, too.
Obedience To Parents Changes Hearts Read More »
Diplomacy is dying. MSN’s Feb 18, 2022 article called, “Is This The Year Of The Angry Parent? The GOP Hopes So,” talked about how parent anger about masks and social issues was helping the GOP and causing a problem. Yahoo News declared, “A parents’ revolt is currently sweeping the nation,” in their Feb 18, 2022
The Death of Diplomacy And The Impact On Children Read More »
Sharon and Michael always enjoyed their downtime in the evenings watching DIY, design, and food programs. They felt like their time together as a young married couple was meaningful and educational since they both loved creative projects, and they got the “downtime” they needed at the end their busy workdays. This nightly ritual quickly became
From TV-Addicted to Time Together! Read More »
Our youth are stuck in a social vortex that’s forever spinning ideas past them but never leading them to truth. Every person has an inborn desire to know why they are here, where they are going, and what life’s all about. Scientists and socialists, as well as academics and activists, all attempt to promote purpose
4 Simple Steps For Helping Youth Find Purpose In Life Read More »
Christmas stories are the best! They really have a way of teaching our hearts about the true meaning of Christmas, when the to-do lists seem to take over the month of December. Even though many of the best Christmas stories involve someone giving a gift, the stories aren’t really about giving. They are about something
The Key To Experiencing Christmas More Fully Read More »
Sadly, teaching strategies for proper social and emotional health are often unorganized and conflicting. Parents are left feeling like they need to choose between teaching children to have self-control and teaching children to be emotionally heard. These choices seem like opposites to most people. But, to a person who has true emotional intelligence, both of
One Easy Way To Increase Emotional Maturity In Children Read More »
We can’t afford to serve two masters anymore because our children’s hearts and minds are a prize to be won. For years now, society and media have dually honored both animalistic sexual license as well as humanely nurturing the innocence of children and admiring the goodness of God. Unsurprisingly, basic nurturing and some of God’s
Children, The Sexual Target? Read More »
Authentic grandparents who actively engage with their children and grandchildren establish a foundation of security and hope for the younger generations that can’t be found elsewhere. Grandpa had a boat and regularly took me and the rest of his large family out for rides and on water-skiing trips. These were fun memories, but one boating
A Global Need For Authentic Grandparents Read More »
When was the last time you felt lonely? In order to thrive during these socially unusual times, and even times that aren’t unusual at all, it’s important to understand the difference between being alone and experiencing real loneliness, and what we can do to combat the loneliness epidemic that seems to be sweeping many countries.
Combating the Loneliness Epidemic Read More »
An online school teacher was recently giving me the highlights of his career. He proudly told me that his favorite part of his job was that he gets to teach children discernment. I could see how this would be exciting for him but was also instantly concerned. A series of “what if” questions came to
Are You Teaching Children Discernment? Read More »
“That girl was so rude!” a girl about age 12 said to her mother as she skated off of the roller rink. Immediately her mother started toward the mother of the “rude” girl to tell her to control her daughter and to tell the daughter to apologize for her unkindness. This mother clearly loved and
Helping Children Deal With Offensive Situations Read More »
My views have changed. During my teen and young adult years, I thought that women needed to do everything men did, and women did, in order to be strong. But, now that I have seen every dimension of womanhood firsthand, I see that my views of women and myself lacked depth and understanding when I
Raising Daughters Into Strong Women A Different Way Read More »
Two to three times per day, my 17-year-old son spontaneously comes up to me as I’m coming down the hall or when I’m standing in the kitchen, and wraps his arms around me and gives me a tender, loving hug. “Oh, Mom…I love you,” he says. These hugs are some of the highlights of my
Hugs, A Habit of Heart Change 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
Stand Out & Speak Up – Self-Government Principles For Our Day! (Curriculum) Read More »
Chris W. shared this shocking story with me about his experience last week with his son at a California park. “My son and I were playing soccer at a park in the bay area of California. Multiple African American boys came up to my son and started punching him in the head for no reason.
Is Critical Race Theory Hurting Our Children? Read More »
There is a myth that parents from past generations didn’t understand or care about the feelings of their children as much as they should have or as much as modern parents do. This isn’t true. I’m never a fan of putting whole generations of people into boxes just because there are a few horror stories.
3 Ways to Deepen Family Bonds and Increase Emotional Understanding Read More »
“I don’t have the time to catch every little thing the kids do. I run a business, I have a large family, and I homeschool. Isn’t there an easier way to stop the bad behaviors than having to correct every one of them? I think I need the condensed, quicker approach to parenting,” said Gwen,
Preparation —The Long View of Parenting Read More »
Think of the voices that surround our children. Voices leading children to love money, God, family, power, popularity, prestige, entitlement, activism, intellectual achievement, personal worth, truth, pleasure-seeking, time wasting, productivity, industry, judgment, despair, and more. It’s easy to see how some of these voices mislead and hurt a child’s potential. Yet, these voices oftentimes come
Hurting or Helping Children | The Battle For Hearts And Loyalties Read More »
A teenage girl talking back to her mother in an airport about her emotions said, “We have to let our emotions out. I’m being true to myself. I won’t stuff my emotions just because you don’t want to hear them!” The mother, who had told her daughter that she couldn’t use her phone anymore, was
Emotional Power Vs Emotional Bondage Read More »
Even though there seems to be more self-absorbed people around us than ever before, calling someone a narcissist may miss the mark. In fact, many people who seem to possess narcissistic behavior, might just be prideful. There is a difference. People all over the world share their relationship struggles and personal development goals with me
Narcissism, The New Normal? Read More »
Children need to feel love from their parents more than ever before. And, our neighbors need love too. That unconditional, deep and abiding love will help our children weather the storms of life. Love is the truth that fills the soul and gives life hope and meaning. Maybe, during this time of social and political
“I Love You No Matter What” Read More »
Relationships require selfless service to survive. Although there are multiple reasons people site for their relationship dysfunctions, from infidelity to arguments, relationship problems usually all have two things in common: dishonesty and selfishness. According to The Institute For Family Studies, the leading causes of divorce are: infidelity, incompatibility, drinking or drug use, growing apart, a
What Breaks Relationships And How To Fix Them Read More »
Think about Santa. He works all day every day without pay to get ready for one exciting night when he works harder than he has ever worked before in order to bring happiness. Think about Jesus. He worked every day of His mortal ministry; teaching, leading, healing, walking, serving others, and travailing to prepare Him
The Dignity of Work & The Will to Choose It Read More »
In 2012, a woman attending one of my Teaching Self-Government parenting trainings began to cry in the middle of my presentation about different styles of parenting. She timidly raised her hand and I called upon her to speak. Through sobs and tears she said, “My mom was that modern progressive, permissive type of parent you
Reclaiming The Right To Parent Our Own Children Read More »
When I was a little girl, my brothers used to tease me. Every time I was teased or called names by them, I allowed myself to become emotional. One day when I was upset, my father said to me, “Nicholeen, if you don’t let the teasing work, then it won’t be fun for them and
Where We Give Our Attention Matters Most Read More »
The political climate is pretty hot right now! Threats, scandals, verbal attacks, social unrest, corruption, and control tactics are all part of the current political scene. People are preparing for the worst no matter what the United States election turns out like. What preparations are the most effective? Preparing your own heart to be calm
Having Self-Government During Political Drama Read More »
There are more sources for comedy than ever before with online video platforms, social media memes, and GIFS, yet people aren’t happier. In fact, depression and suicide statistics that are increasing all the time show us that people are sadder and more hopeless than previous generations. No program, hotline number, or amount of money or
If You Love Me, Smile! Read More »
If there was one lesson I craved to know as a child, it was how to know if something was right or true in a world of confusing voices. I remember sitting intently at church waiting for the magic teaching that would help me really learn how to know when I found truth, or when
What They Don’t Discern Can Hurt Them Read More »
Shut down doesn’t have to feel like shut down! Due to current restrictions caused by COVID-19, many families aren’t traveling as much as they normally do this time of year. Even local activities in many areas are still difficult to enjoy because of closures. But, that doesn’t mean we should stop having fun as a
Giving Your Family A Reason to Care About Family Read More »
Sick, horrified, disgusted, and worried are just some of the words that describe how I felt when an innocent search through the student portal of the Utah Online Library database pulled up graphic porn in a resource that was supposed to be for children about daddies. The resource said that daddies were adult men who
Our Destiny and Daddies Read More »
Our family loves games! We play card games, board games, outdoor games, sports, and imagination games. Sometimes we have conversations about games we play, but most of the time we talk about things of more substance such as family, improving relationships, truths we’ve found, books we’ve read, experiences we’ve had, memories we share, family history,
Talking About Nothing: Is It Healthy? Read More »
When teaching and training children, many parents don’t often think about the heart and bond of the child, and how the child is processing what the parent does and says. Since children often misunderstand us and situations, then relationship disconnections occur. Parents are more dedicated to the spiritual, social, and academic success of their children
They Don’t Want to Disappoint You Read More »
No one likes errors, but we don’t need to handle them in ways that set everyone up for failure. We’ve all been there. We finally have time to go online to buy that perfect gift or to look up that news story we want to know about, and instead of successfully purchasing or reading the
Save Room for Error Read More »
A mother recently asked me how to help her daughter feel motivated to do anything besides sit around the house. She isn’t alone. With the new quarantine lifestyle, many families are thriving with the increase of family time, personal time, and relationship-building. But, even the most involved parents can still find that their child might
Simple Solutions for Lack of Motivation Problems Read More »
One of the primary roles of parents is to be a leader of their children. Dedicated, motivated parents are usually one of two kinds of leaders; ambitious leaders or led leaders. While ambition seems like a powerful quality in a leader, it’s flawed because ambition is self-serving. On the other hand, a leader who is
The Truth About Ambitious Parents Read More »
Could it be that Coronavirus could actually cure your family? Now families have to be together all the time. Some families think this sounds awful. If a family is thinking this, then they are in need of lots of family time, not the contrary. In an effort to turn this pandemic into a blessing for
The Coronavirus Cure For Your Family Read More »
Trapped! That’s what many people feel like they are right now. Many children are complaining of being bored, or worse, having way too much screen time. Stress is infiltrating more homes globally by the day because businesses are closing their doors, people are losing their jobs, bills are still coming due, social distancing is making
How to Thrive When You’re Trapped Inside Read More »
Why do we cater to our stresses and forget to choose calmness? After all, calmness is the only state where we truly feel safe and empowered. Stress, anger, and frustration never lead to true empowerment or peace, only emotional bondage. In 1998, when I was the young mother of a small baby and a toddler,and
Choosing Calmness Amidst All the Stress Read More »
Creating quality, loving family relationships requires discerning between what actions are really quality and what actions are nothing more than conformity to social norms. Creating these quality relationships doesn’t require elaborate planning, just time. Strong family relationships are built upon many components, such as good communication, honesty, trust, love, forgiveness, bonding, listening, shared vision, and
Carving Out More Family Quality Time in a Fast-Paced World Read More »
Much emotional agony is avoided and more relationship healing is possible when a person learns to listen with love. There were two similar conversations that had very different results. The first conversation was between a mother and her son. The son told his mother about a problem he was having with a friend, but she
10 Lessons for Listening With Love Read More »
As I held my 15-year-old son’s hand and watched the magic of Christmas unfold around me with lights and nativity displays at the city center, I felt that date with my son was a parent’s dream come true. Who doesn’t dream of the perfect parent/child memory? We all want them, but could our desire for
How To Create Magical Family Memories Read More »
During this time of year when there are lists of things to do and places to go, don’t forget this one simple truth: people are more important than things. People are worth more of our focus than lists. We may think that the lists of things make the holiday perfect for the people, but that
Making Any Holiday the Perfect Holiday Read More »
Some might think that optimistic people are fake or somehow disconnected from reality, but I know for a fact that positivity is one of our choices no matter what circumstances are before us. Russell Nelsontaught that our “joy has little to do with the circumstances of our lives, but everything to do with the focus
A Vow to be Positive Read More »
Family traditions instill personal and family identity and bind families together throughout their many phases of growth and change. After children and grandchildren are grown and gone off to live their adult lives, the traditions remain as reminders of the sweetness of home and family, what is most important in life, and who they really
Family Traditions that Bind or Break or Unity for Christmas Read More »
“Do you see those sweet sisters over there? They inspire me. They couldn’t be more different, but they also couldn’t be more full of love toward each other than they are,” a friend of mine pointed out to me one day about two ladies who were her good friends. She went on to explain, “One
1 Easy Way to Wrap Your Holiday Gatherings In Love Read More »
“But what if they just keep talking back and are driving me crazy,” a mother asked me while I was instructing a group of parents on how to teach their children to accept “no” answers. The mother of three told the group she knew she needed help becausesometimes she feels so crazy, or out of
Who Drives You Crazy? Read More »
Are we holding our children back?In the past 80-100 years, society has started holding children back with an artificial extension of childhood instead of empowering them forward toward purpose and adulthood. Thomas At age 12, Thomas Edison convinced his parents to allow him to leave home in order to sell newspapers to Grand Trunk Railroad
The Artificial Extension of Childhood Read More »
Remember your family meetings! Family meetings are the core of Teaching Self-Government. If you have weekly family meetings, the whole family will stay focused on their family government. See what happens when you miss a few weeks, it’s noticeable. In my home it’s especially noticeable with Dad. He has less patience and focus as a parent when we miss our family meetings.
Family Meeting Tips Read More »
When one of our foster daughters lived with us years ago, she did something that the others hadn’t done. She spent the first few weeks very intently watching me. She watched the way I kept house, the way I parented my children, the time I spent reading scriptures and good books, etc.
Who Wants Realistic? Read More »
Perfection in parenting is nearly impossible to measure. God, the Perfect Parent, sets the perfect example. But we will always fall short because our attitudes, desires and intentions are not always as perfect as His. However, one of the many lessons from our perfect Godly Parent that we can focus on perfecting is our exactness.
Not Perfect, But Definitely Exact Read More »
Children aren’t perfect, and neither are parents. However, parenting isn’t about being perfect. And, there’s no such thing as a perfect child. Of course, perfection isn’t the goal of my parenting anyway. My goal has always been to create joyful adults. Joyful adults are those that know what their mission in life is and they’re
Parenting with Grace Read More »
