Family by God&#039;s Design

The Family Saboteur

A saboteur is attempting to kidnap the thought life of our children and shape the way they think about ourselves and others. This saboteur has become so pervasive that we often don’t even recognize it. It has infiltrated the media and our thinking with a message that damages our children and their ability to manage...

Family Shepherds Honor

cognitive health emotional health mental health self-image self-talk

October 27, 2025

Benefits of Early to Bed, Not So Early to Rise

As I write this blog, I feel the need to apologize to all the teens whose parents might read it. Breaking a cardinal rule of a good apology, let me say I truly apologize, but sleep matters. (Never include a “but” in the apology. Oh wait, never say never. Anyway, back to the topic of...

adolescence cognitive health parenting sleep

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

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...

brain development cognitive health development stress management violence

November 23, 2024

Real Vs. Artificial Intelligence

The other day I watched a young cashier try to count change when the automated cash register was down due to a power outage. The older gentleman making the purchase even gave the cashier a few pennies to make the change easier to count. The cashier had to call a friend over. Then, after a...

Family Shepherds Honor

brain development cognitive health healthy development

November 9, 2024

The Effects of Marijuana on Developing Brains

Marijuana seems to be growing in popularity and acceptance. However, we are still learning about its effect on the developing brain. As new information comes out, I would like to share it with you, allowing you to continue making wise decisions for you and your children. With that in mind, I want to share the...

brain development cognitive health health healthy development marijuana

May 6, 2024

Nurture Your Child’s “Why”

An old proverb tells us that “curiosity killed the cat.” Fortunately, our children are not cats because they ca ask “why” incessantly. But in actuality, curiosity helps children learn and grow, even survive. It contributes to more positive emotions and less anxiety. It leads to higher achievement as well as stronger, healthier relationships (see Six...

Family Shepherds Honor

cognitive health curiosity parenting relationship

November 20, 2023

Defeat the Stress of the Mess

Have you ever noticed that when your room or desk or kitchen becomes messy or cluttered you begin to feel overwhelmed? I know I do. When my room begins to get cluttered, my mind begins to feel cluttered and a little more anxious. When the sink becomes filled with clutter (dirty dishes), I feel stressed....