Family by God&#039;s Design

Is Our Culture Toxic? Protect Your Children

Much has been written about smartphones, screens, and the belief that they have contributed to a rise in anxiety and depression among our children and teens. Truly, the increase in smartphone and screen use by our children and teens does coincide with the rise in anxiety and depression among the same group. But at least...

parenting respect screen time smartphones

February 10, 2025

Let Them Play…And Learn

Children seem to have less and less time for free, independent play in our society. Many preschools have even become more “academic” in their approach. But independent play, especially pretend play, offers amazing opportunities for children to learn and grow. For instance, pretend play utilizes imaginative scenarios and characters to practice executive functioning skills such...

healthy development maturity play

February 8, 2025

The Danger of the “Little White Lie”…& What to Do About It

Have you ever lied to your spouse? Maybe not a “big lie” but a “little, white lie”? Or, perhaps more likely, a lie of omission? If you have, you’re not alone. Generally speaking, people become “less than honest” with their spouse in response to fear. Specifically, we may fear being evaluated or judged. As a...

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February 3, 2025

Raising Supportive Young Adults

Children grow into adults. (Thank you, Captain Obvious.) We want our children to grow into adults who engage in prosocial behaviors, show empathy to others, and support others in healthy ways. A study from University of California found that adolescents who receive emotional support from family and friends became more supportive of others in young...

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February 1, 2025

Decreasing the Stress of Modern Parents

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, parents are struggling more than ever to cope with the stress of parenting. Changing social norms and growing social pressures have contributed to 48% of parents reporting that their stress is “overwhelming” most days. We begin to realize the significant repercussions of this growing parental stress when we recognize...

family relationship schedule stress management

January 26, 2025

Parents, Don’t Leave a Hyper-Critical Legacy

Effective parents discipline their children. They lovingly teach their children family values and priorities. They promote healthy lifestyles and healthy interactions. Some parents, however, become overly critical in the response to the stress of parenting. They have well-meaning desires to instill healthy values in their children but become hyper-critical in the process. Their children don’t...

anxiety child development criticism parenting

January 20, 2025

They’re A Bad Influence on My Child

Have you ever found your children hanging out with peers you believe are “bad influences”? You might even fear those “bad influences” will get your children involved in negative behaviors. After all, most delinquent activities occur outside the home and away from adult supervision. It’s a legitimate concern. The question, however, is what can a...

friendship misbehavior parent child relationship parenting peer interactions

January 13, 2025

Transcendent Thinking & Your Teen

Our teens and children face many struggles, obstacles that can potentially harm them. There are, however, also factors that can support and strengthen teens. One of the most important factors of course is a strong, supportive family. A study published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence and completed by a team from CANDLE (USC...