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...
Parenting is hard work. Sometimes the days are long and you feel challenged at every turn. You may feel like you’re making no progress at all and your joy is fading. Hopelessness threatens to fill your heart. How can a parent keep moving forward, providing...
Children can slow things down inside their hearts before the eruption, and you as the parent can teach them to do so....
Every family needs rules. Of course, an overemphasis on rules can hinder or even eliminate a positive atmosphere around the home. But too many families have moved to the other extreme, trying to eliminate rules altogether. This often results in confused expectations, anger, and disappointment....
One helpful tool is what we call a Break. This tool is an adult skill and helps any person who is off track start the process of getting back on track....