I had worked with Joe and his family for several months. During those months, I had watched the same scenario repeat itself over and over. Every time Joe did something, his mother lectured. It didn’t matter if he told his mother a lie or asked for help with a problem, she would respond the same...

February 2, 2013

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Praising Your Child

by John Salmon

Parents can promote good behavior, maturity, and positive growth in their children through encouragement and praise…well, most of the time. Encouragement and praise can also undermine a child’s growth and maturity. “What’s that you say?” It is true. If we, as parents, want encouragement to promote maturity and positive growth in our children, rather than...

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Family Shepherds

discipline encouragement parenting parenting myths praise

January 26, 2013

Help! My Teen Lies to Me!

by John Salmon

Yes, it is true. Teens lie. Teens argue. Teens often want to have their cake and eat it too. They want to be given the freedom of independence while relying on their parents’ supportive cash for gas money and money to go out with friends. It is a very confusing time—for teens and parents. As parents, we...

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Family Shepherds

boundaries character complaints healthy development honesty limits teen

January 19, 2013

A Magic Bullet?

by John Salmon

I have spent what seems like a lifetime in search of some way to buffer my children against stress. The world seems to bombard our children with demands and pressures, “you have to’s” and “you better’s.” You know what I mean, the “You have to do perfect on the state assessment tests (PSSA’s for us) or...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

parenting play stress management worry

January 12, 2013

3 Signs You Are A Helicopter Parent

by John Salmon

Are you protective of your children? Perhaps even a helicopter parent? Children need a parent to protect and guide them, no doubt. They need parents who will teach them right from wrong and hold them accountable to those standards. They benefit from parents that will support them and advocate for them when necessary. However, in...

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Family Shepherds

boundaries helicopter parent limits parenting

January 5, 2013

Heroes: Step Aside, Competence Awaits

by John Salmon

Several years ago, I watched a 6-year-old leaping up and down in an attempt to grab a bar and hold onto it while sliding across a low hanging beam. She had done it several times, but had now grown tired. So, she jumped and missed the bar several times. Each time she missed, she would...

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Family Shepherds

competence encouragement helicopter parent parenting struggle

December 29, 2012

But I Really Neeeeed Them!

by John Salmon

I remember standing in a checkout line behind a mother and her preschool age son. As they waited their turn, her son examined the candy shelves. His eyes lit up when he saw gummy bears. He turned to his mother to ask if she would buy them for him. She shook her head “no” but...

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Family Shepherds

acceptance healthy development listening needs parenting role model

December 8, 2012

Christmas Shopping Increases Children’s Competence

by John Salmon

“Ho, Ho, Ho! ‘Tis the season” for giving gifts…and that means shopping. Shopping is work (for me anyway)! But, shopping also provides an opportunity to raise children with character, children who feel competent. Have you ever thought about what goes in to getting someone a really good gift? First, we have to think like they do: What...

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Family Shepherds

christmas competence holiday parenting teach

December 1, 2012

That Was Awkward…

by John Salmon

I sat in the car waiting for my daughter to finish her music lesson, come into the parking lot, and hop into the car. While I waited, one of her friends walked into the parking lot, briefly looked around, and began walking in my direction. She stared at her phone as she walked, thumbs quickly...

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Family Shepherds Grace

parenting safety teach

December 1, 2012

4 Ways to End Grumbling in Your Family

by John Salmon

How can our children and spouses become blameless and innocent, above reproach and shining like lights in the darkness? Ancient wisdom tells us that we become blameless, innocent, and above reproach…shining like stars in the darkness when we “do all things without grumbling and disputing.” That would make for a tremendous home life, wouldn’t it?...

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Family Shepherds Grace Honor

discipline gratitude limits listen parenting

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

KISS–Keep It Short & Simple

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Praising Your Child

Help! My Teen Lies to Me!

A Magic Bullet?

3 Signs You Are A Helicopter Parent

Heroes: Step Aside, Competence Awaits

But I Really Neeeeed Them!

Christmas Shopping Increases Children’s Competence

That Was Awkward…

4 Ways to End Grumbling in Your Family