You have a gift your child needs, an ability she cannot live without. Giving your child this gift will result in an ability she will cherish for a lifetime. She will reap the benefits of this gift over and over as it “keeps on giving.” This gift reveals the extent of your love for your...

December 20, 2014

Project Mealtime: A Sacred Expression of Love

by John Salmon

Family meals offer a smorgasbord of benefits for families. For instance, children whose families enjoy regular family meals earn higher grade point averages. Regular family meals contribute to lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and depression in adolescents. Dinner conversations boost vocabulary more than reading. And, stories of personal victories, perseverance, and fun moments...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

emotional health family intimacy family meals priorities traditions value

September 1, 2014

Dunkin’ Donuts & A Better Behaved Child

by John Salmon

I stood in line at Dunkin’ Donuts when a mother and her young son entered the store. They line was moving very slow. As we waited for the opportunity to pick out our donuts, this boy’s excitement began to bubble over. Suddenly, the levee that contained his excitement broke. He burst out into loud sounds,...

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Family Shepherds Grace Honor

acceptance acknowledgement emotional health empathy parenting patience politeness respect teaching value

June 28, 2014

Your Teen & the Importance of Sleep

by John Salmon

Sleep. I cannot seem to get enough of it, but get too much and I feel groggy, tired out, and lethargic…go figure. Still, sleep is a soothing balm of restoration after a long day. As adults, we need about 7.5-8 hours of sleep a day for “optimal functioning.” Our teens need closer to 8-9 hours...

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Family Shepherds

activities emotional health healthy development parenting sleep

June 23, 2014

Make Your Child “a Head Taller Than Himself”

by John Salmon

I enjoy learning about and teaching child development. Recently I read that “in play a child becomes a ‘head taller than himself.'” Most people probably do not use the phrase “a head taller than himself.” I had to think about what that meant; and, as I read the example, I realized it means a child...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

character emotional health fun laugh maturity parenting play

May 26, 2014

Why Do Children Misbehave?

by John Salmon

Parents often ask me how to change their children’s behavior. There are often several factors that contribute to children’s misbehaviors. And, each of these factors influence how a parent can best respond. Let me list just four factors that might influence children’s misbehavior…and a good response to each one. Children may misbehave out of a...

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Family Shepherds Honor

admiration consequences discipline emotional health emotions limits misbehavior parenting teach

March 3, 2012

Leading Children by Still Waters

by John Salmon

Last summer, several families at Camp Christian walked to a nearby stream. The fast moving rapids of the stream had carved out and smoothed the surface of a natural slide that ended in a pool at the bottom of a small waterfall. You could sit at the top of the “slide” and allow the rapids...

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Family Shepherds

emotional health family camp limits rest schedule time

January 28, 2012

I Want My Children to Have It All

by John Salmon

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” I want my children to have it all. That’s right, I want them to be lacking in nothing! Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not talking about them getting all the material possessions and privileges they think they deserve. No, that would just result in another spoiled...

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Family Shepherds Honor

acceptance availability emotional health laugh parenting security

April 10, 2011

Teaching Your Child to Handle Emotions

by John Salmon

Emotions are healthy–even emotions like anger, frustration, and sadness. They teach us to avoid harmful situations and learn from our mistakes. They allow us to express needs and seek out support. They help us learn about the world and people around us (Recognizing the Benefits of Emotions). Still, children need help from parents to learn how...

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Family Shepherds

emotional health intimacy limits listen priorities

March 27, 2011

Recognizing the Benefit of Emotions in Parenting

by John Salmon

What would you think if I told you I knew of a simple way to help your child grow while improving your relationship with him? Well, I do…accept their emotions. Emotions propel us toward maturity. They “integrate” our thinking, social interactions, motor ability, and language as we mature, especially in children (S. Greenspan workshop, 2009). For...

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Family Shepherds

acceptance emotional health empathy healthy development parenting security student

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Give Your Child the Gift of a Lifetime

Project Mealtime: A Sacred Expression of Love

Dunkin’ Donuts & A Better Behaved Child

Your Teen & the Importance of Sleep

Make Your Child “a Head Taller Than Himself”

Why Do Children Misbehave?

Leading Children by Still Waters

I Want My Children to Have It All

Teaching Your Child to Handle Emotions

Recognizing the Benefit of Emotions in Parenting