by Guest Author BJ Meurer, one of our trained coaches and seminar presenters. While relationships can be complex and require work to address underlying issues, in many cases there is a ton that we parents can do to shake things up and make positive changes...
Every once in a while, after hearing us teach a parenting seminar, a distressed parent will come up and say, "I never knew this information before. Is it too late? I think I've ruined my kids." One parent recently asked that question and I (Scott)...
Sometimes parents are afraid to be firm with their kids for fear that their kids won't like them or that they'll add too much pressure that their kids can't handle. Unfortunately, many children take advantage of their parents' graciousness and don't reciprocate in a positive...
Christmas is a highlight in the life of most children, but much of the benefit is focused on what they get. In fact, some children feel entitled and their expectations create tension. What appears to be demandingness puts a...
There’s a dangerous movement happening in education that that tells teachers don’t say no to kids. Rather use distraction and choices so that they feel empowered and don’t get upset when you set limits. But kids need to hear no sometimes so that they can...
There's a significant difference between punishment and discipline. Punishment gives a negative consequence, but discipline means "to teach." Punishment is negative; discipline is positive. Punishment focuses on past misdeeds. Discipline focuses on future good deeds. Punishment is often motivated by anger. Discipline is motivated by...
Conflict forces young people to wrestle with things in their hearts. Their desires, emotions, and beliefs get intertwined and they often aren’t thinking straight. Conflict also helps teens develop tools for handling differences in life. Three life skills are exercised in every conflict situation: Problem...
Many parents find themselves frustrated with emotional outbursts in their children and don't know how to correct without getting emotionally involved. One of the key indicators of maturity in kids is the ability to manage and communicate emotions in a healthy manner. But when they...
The Bible uses the term “stronghold” to describe a defensive structure. Although viewing God as our stronghold is a good way of looking at the idea, there is also a good picture of a person’s challenges hidden in that word. A stronghold, as mentioned in 2...
Kids bring their problems to parents. It’s what they do. Kids want solutions and parents have answers. Sometimes this is appropriate. A young child who wants to cut up an apple or a teenager who needs a ride home from an activity should receive help...