We love to watch competitions—to see our favorite athlete in the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the World Series, the World Cup, or any number of various competitions. Many of us also love to compete. Competition hones our skills and motivates us to improve. Why not use that competitive spirit for good in your home? Let...

Celebration Grace Honor

May 12, 2014

20 Family Rules for Social Media…Straight from God!

by John Salmon

Social Media tools have grown faster than I can keep up. I cannot come close to keeping up with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest while throwing a few pics out on Snapchat. I still have trouble texting. Even more confusing, I often wonder why people choose to post what they post. I’m not the only...

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Grace Honor

character communication consequences encouragement family relationships intimacy legacy limits marriage priorities respect structure

March 2, 2013

Planting the Seeds of Confidence in Children

by John Salmon

We want our children to gain confidence as they mature. Confidence allows our children to explore the world around them and find areas of interest. Confidence gives them the ability to bounce back after a rough day or perceived failure. Confidence enhances their social interactions. It gives our children the strength to take advantage of...

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Family Shepherds

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February 23, 2013

Are You Giving Your Family A Mud Bath?

by John Salmon

I remember giving my children baths when they were infants. They loved to play with the bubbles and the little toys we put in the tub. Sometimes, we would come home from a hard day of play and they would be so filthy a bath just wouldn’t cut it. You know the days: days when...

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Grace Honor

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February 23, 2013

4 Steps to a New Child

by John Salmon

Parents help their children replace problem behavior with more appropriate behavior. It sounds so simple when stated in that sentence; but, every parent knows that helping children grow is anything but simple! Here are four steps that just might ease the way a little. At the very least, these four steps for helping change behavior...

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Family Shepherds

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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 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

October 13, 2012

My Mom Kept That…Art?

by John Salmon

My daughter took a pottery class in 6th grade. You can see the beautiful pottery she made in her class in the picture to the left. Her grandmother (my mother) visited us soon after she finished the class. While visiting, she noticed and admired the pottery my daughter had made. While encouraging my daughter’s talent,...

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Family Shepherds Grace

acceptance encouragement holiday mother mother's day

September 15, 2012

Teach My Children What? And When?

by John Salmon

Effective parents use verbal instructions as one method of teaching their children. To effectively teach our children, we have to answer two questions. First, what do we teach our children? Second, when do we teach our children? First things first–what do we teach our children? Here are 6 “what’s” that family shepherds teach their children....

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Family Shepherds

acceptance affirmation availability consequences discipline encouragement limits parenting teach time

August 25, 2012

Do You Parent With a Club or a Staff?

by John Salmon

Some parents raise their children with a club, others with a staff. A club is used for beating things. Some parents seem to only have a symbolic club for parenting. And, when the only tool you have is a hammer…well you know what I mean. A staff, on the other hand, is used to guide...

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Family Shepherds

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Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Welcome to the Family Games

20 Family Rules for Social Media…Straight from God!

Planting the Seeds of Confidence in Children

Are You Giving Your Family A Mud Bath?

4 Steps to a New Child

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Praising Your Child

Heroes: Step Aside, Competence Awaits

My Mom Kept That…Art?

Teach My Children What? And When?

Do You Parent With a Club or a Staff?