It looks like Mom was right…again. (Don’t you hate having to admit that?) All this time I thought she was just torturing me by setting bedtime at 8 pm when I was little—even in the summer when the sun was still out! But, somehow Mom knew even before the researchers figured it out. Now, I...

August 3, 2013

The Secret Soil of Growing Healthy Children

by John Salmon

Shhhh…I have something to tell you, a tip to help you raise healthy, mature children. Here it is: the seeds of maturity grow best in the rich soil of acceptance. I know, it is not a great revelation, but, it is true nonetheless. The soil of acceptance nourishes an inner feeling of being loved and...

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Family Shepherds Grace Honor

acceptance children discipline parent child relationship parenting

July 27, 2013

Whose Problem Is That?!

by John Salmon

Joey approached his mom at ten o’clock last night and said, “Mom, I need a poster board to do my school project. It’s due tomorrow. You need to go to Wal-Mart and get me the poster board?” He had never mentioned this project to his mother before last night. Whose problem is that? Susie,...

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Family Shepherds Honor

bail out boundaries discipline healthy development limits parenting

July 20, 2013

6 Myths of the Perfect Parent

by John Salmon

There is a fierce competition in the world of parenting. If a child excels in sports, music, academics, or some other area, his parents are grilled by other parents–“What did you do to…?” “How did you get her to…?” “Did you make him practice…?” “What did you do when she didn’t want to…?” This barrage...

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Family Shepherds

discipline misconceptions parenting parenting myths

July 13, 2013

The Best Advice for Dads…Ever

by John Salmon

The other day, a new father asked me if I had any advice for him on parenting and fatherhood. I did not really think I had any unique words of wisdom. I mean, he had probably heard anything I would think to tell him. You know: · “Spend time with your kids now; they’ll be leaving...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

acceptance availability connection father intimacy parent child relationship parenting traditions valued

July 6, 2013

3 Tips to Motivate Your Child

by John Salmon

What did you do as a kid just for the fun it? I remember spending hours riding my bicycle. On the other hand, cleaning my room was not very fun or motivating. I recently read a review that described 3 factors that help build internal motivation. Contemplating these three factors (yes, I know–who contemplates motivation...

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Family Shepherds

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June 29, 2013

3 Responses to the Summer Mantra “I’m Bored”

by John Salmon

Summer has arrived. School is out and children are home. Soon, if not already, your children will come to you with an age-old problem. The summer mantra will begin. “I’m bored.” The first thought to sound in your head will go something like this, “What? Bored? How can you be bored? There is so much...

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Family Shepherds

activities discipline fun parenting problem-solve summer teaching

June 21, 2013

A Parent Stands, Stoops, & Stays

by John Salmon

I recently read a quote by Eugene Peterson from his book entitled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. Mr. Peterson was referring to “God’s posture of blessing” when he said, “God stands– He is foundational and dependable. God stoops–He kneels to our level and meets us where we are. God stays–He sticks with us...

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Family Shepherds Grace

acceptance availability comfort discipline parenting security time valued

June 15, 2013

Avoid Pushing 5 of Your Children’s Buttons

by John Salmon

I hate it when people “push my buttons.” Don’t you? Our children do not like to have their buttons pushed either. Effective parents learn to identify those buttons and avoid pushing them. I must admit, I still push a few buttons on accident; and, when I do, disaster ensues. So, I decided to look into...

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Family Shepherds Honor

discipline father limits mother parent child relationship parenting schedule

June 8, 2013

Teach Your Child to Remember the Future

by John Salmon

As parents, we want our children to have a great future. A great future has one ingredient that we cannot overlook. Adding this ingredient into the mix will help direct our children into a positive future. What is that ingredient? A memory! That’s right—a positive future demands a memory. Think about it… ...

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Family Shepherds

gratitude memories parenting problem-solve teach

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Mom Was Right…Again!

The Secret Soil of Growing Healthy Children

Whose Problem Is That?!

6 Myths of the Perfect Parent

The Best Advice for Dads…Ever

3 Tips to Motivate Your Child

3 Responses to the Summer Mantra “I’m Bored”

A Parent Stands, Stoops, & Stays

Avoid Pushing 5 of Your Children’s Buttons

Teach Your Child to Remember the Future