Family by God&#039;s Design

Fix It, Clean It, Replace It, or Lose It

I worked as a school-based therapist in an inner-city middle school for several years. It was a great experience. I met many wonderful students and amazing teachers. Still, at times I thought we missed the mark when responding to students’ misbehavior. For example, one day a group of girls had a “wet paper towel party”...

consequences discipline misbehavior parenting

August 1, 2016

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Increase Your Spouse’s Sexual Desire

A study recently published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Read Article Abstract Here) revealed a simple way to increase your spouse’s sexual desire for you…and you can do it anywhere! Here it is: the secret to increasing your spouse’s sexual desire for you. You can increase your spouse’s sexual desire for you...

Celebration Honor

intimacy service sexual intimacy value

July 30, 2016

Discipline: Time Out or Tuning In

Parents have attempted to use “time out” as a popular discipline technique for years. Unfortunately, it is often misused and, as a result, leads to more arguing and greater parent-child conflict. You might have had the experience of trying to give your child a “time out” only to find yourself in a drawn out argument...

discipline emotions parent child relationship parenting validation

July 25, 2016

What? That Can Increase Family Happiness?

Well, a study published in the Journal of Public Health (read more here) confirmed another way to increase happiness in your family. To some, this method of increasing happiness will come as a shock and lead to a resounding groan. To others it will lead to a collective shout of joy. What could increase family...

Celebration

family meals happiness

July 23, 2016

Help Your Children Internalize Great Values

As parents, we want our children to internalize positive values and the discernment to make wise choices. We encourage them to begin developing this kind of maturity early in hopes that, over time, they will internalize the skills necessary to do so independently. How can we help our children internalize the positive values and behaviors...

consequences discipline maturity parent child relationship parenting value

July 18, 2016

Think Like a Child to Discipline Well

Learning how children think helps parents discipline well. It’s true. Knowing how children process information gives parents crucial information for effectively stopping unwanted behavior and teaching desired behavior. Take lying for example. Studies suggest that up to 96% of children lie (see Help! My Teen Lies to Me for information on teens lying). So, if you...

behavior discipline healthy development moral development parenting

July 16, 2016

12 Simple & Creative Summer Activities for Your Family

Having fun with your family does not have to be expensive this summer. Try some of these ideas. Go get ice cream cones together. Go for a walk in the woods. Have a picnic at a local park…or in your back yard. Enjoy an evening of stargazing. Tell stories about various constellations. Enjoy a free...

Celebration

family intimacy fun laugh play summer

July 11, 2016

Changing the World: Families Sharing Grace

Watching the news today saddens me. The world is troubled. Vengeance, power grabbing, and insecure self-obsession have reached an all-time high. They have hit the streets in our communities…and our communities have become more dangerous and isolated as a result. They roam the halls in our schools…and our children suffer, even going from class to...

Grace

acceptance family intimacy forgiveness sacrifice serve

July 9, 2016

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3 Steps to Teach Children Better Behavior

Effective discipline involves teaching appropriate behavior, not just punishing negative behavior. In fact, the most effective discipline focuses first and foremost on teaching positive behaviors with these three steps. Model the behavior you want to see in your children. If you want honest children, model honesty. Tell them the truth. Keep your promises so they...