Family by God&#039;s Design

Mom’s Doing the Heavy Work, Carrying the Load

I almost hate to write this blog. The information forces me to look at myself and consider…do I need to make some changes? Am I part of this statistic? Does my wife notice? But I get ahead of myself. Let me explain. Research from the University of Bath and the University of Melbourn revealed that...

Family Shepherds Honor

family relationships mother schedule stress management

April 21, 2025

Sedentary Activities Good for the Family Brain

Sometimes we just need to relax, kick up our feet and rest. But not all sedentary activities are equal when it comes to the brain. A study conducted by researchers at the University of South Australia looked at 397 adults over 60-years-old and found that some sedentary activity had a more positive impact on the...

Celebration

activities brain development cognitive health exercise rest

April 19, 2025

What Parents Learn from Driving Rats

In a previous blog, we learned What Laughing Rats Teach Us About Family. Well, now I found a study in which rats that drive teach us an important lesson about children and family. Yes, you read that right. Rats learned to drive in this study. The researchers constructed little cars made of plastic, complete with...

Celebration Family Shepherds

fun motivation parent problem-solve

April 12, 2025

Personal Beauty & Kindness…Really?

A study published in the International Journal of Research in Marketing revealed interesting findings about perceived personal beauty and kindness. The study actually confirmed findings over a series of seven experiments. Specifically, this research suggests that people who feel good about their appearance channeled that good feeling into deeds of kindness toward others. In one...

Celebration

family intimacy generosity kindness

April 7, 2025

6 Practices to Build a Haven for Family Connection

Family life can become rushed…and the more rushed it becomes the more stressful it feels. Unfortunately, that’s the mode of our world today—rushed and stressed. But you can make your home different. You can incorporate some simple practices in your home that make it a place of respite, connection, and calm. Let me offer a...

Celebration Family Shepherds

connection fun intimacy physical affection

April 5, 2025

You Want to Do That Again?!

Have you ever grown tired of your child asking for the same book night after night? Or watching the same movie over and over…and over again? Before long, they’re actually quoting the book and the movie, so you not only get to read it and watch it over and over, but you hear it quoted...

Family Shepherds

child development competence healthy development learning security

March 31, 2025

Mom’s Talking Oxytocin

Research suggests that oxytocin plays an important role in relationships. Specifically, it reduces stress and aids in developing interpersonal bonds. It also seems to contribute to building trust and social understanding across the lifespan. Isn’t that something we all want for our children? Well, I have some great news. A study published in Development and...

Family Shepherds

emotional development emotional management parent child relationship parenting

March 29, 2025

Beware of Friends When…

We all need friends. Even married couples need more friends than just their spouse. Our friends provide support, companionship, and joy. However, we must exercise caution in our friendships, especially when we’re married. If not, the boundaries between friendship and romance may begin to blur and damage our marriages. If not addressed, the friendship may...