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...

June 21, 2013

Oh Man…Over-Scheduled Again?!

by John Salmon

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” That may have rung true for Bess in Porgy and Bess, but summertime is anything but “livin’ easy” today. We have a constant rush of activity, even in the”long, lazy days of summer.” Children have swim practice, soccer practice, hockey conditioning, baseball practice, band camp, dance class, football conditioning,...

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Celebration

availability fun intimacy play schedule summer

May 18, 2013

2 Ingredients for a Family Cycle of Joy

by John Salmon

Do you want a family filled with joy? I do. I want to build a family that plays together, laughs together, enjoys one another’s company, and looks forward to family gatherings with joyful anticipation. If you want to have that kind of family, there are two things you need to know. First, a joyful family...

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Celebration

availability fun laugh memories openness play security

May 11, 2013

What Do “Twinkle Twinkle,” Oxytocin, & the Sacculus Have in Common With Family?

by John Salmon

I know, I have a long title and now I start with a story…it’s all wrong. But stay with me, please… My family has a long history with “Twinkle, twinkle little star.” It all started when my children were little and could not pronounce “twinkle.” Instead, it came out as “tinkle.” Being the loving father...

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Celebration

fun intimacy laugh music parent child relationship play

April 6, 2013

Time for a Family Spring Photo Race

by John Salmon

No, I’m not talking about getting the spring family photos or even the lovely spring photos of prom dresses and spring formals. I’m talking about a Great Family Race. This family celebration takes a little bit of preparation but results in fun, laughter, and time together. To begin, pick a destination that your family...

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Celebration

activities fun intimacy laugh play traditions

March 30, 2013

What We Do For Marriage & Family

by John Salmon

Last week I read a post by The Romantic Vineyard about “What we do” to keep our marriage strong. I wanted to add some “we do’s” to the list as well. What do we do on a regular basis to keep our marriage strong? Interestingly, most of the things I thought of not only build a stronger...

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Celebration Honor

fun hugs marriage music parent child relationship physical affection

January 5, 2013

LOL-On Safari for the Elusive Smile

by John Salmon

The smile—you know, that infant giggle that brings joy to a mother’s heart, the hearty laughter of a child telling silly jokes, that elusive expression that goes into hiding through the teen years, the “raucous guffaw” of the adult watching comedy. We love to smile…and laugh. A recent review of a study on smiling and...

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Celebration

fun intimacy laugh memories play

September 29, 2012

My Daughter Saved Mr. Potato Head

by John Salmon

I don’t mean to brag or anything, but my daughter did save Mr. Potato Head. It happened when she was about 3-years-old and we went to the “dollar-theatre” to see Toy Story 2. In one scene, Mr. Potato Head and the other toys faced the dilemma of crossing a highway without being seen. With great stealth,...

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Family Shepherds Honor

acceptance admiration discipline fun healthy development parent child relationship parenting

September 22, 2012

Book Review: Family by God’s Design

by John Salmon

Family by God’s Design was written by John Salmon, PHD, and published in 2011. Since its publication I have had the privilege and joy of talking about its content with various Christian camps and churches. If you have not had the opportunity to review Family by God’s Design yourself, here is a brief summary. God designed...

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Book Reviews Celebration Grace Honor

acceptance availability connection discipline family relationships fun holiday intimacy laugh marriage parenting play resource rituals time traditions

September 3, 2012

What I Learned at Family Camp-2012

by John Salmon

I just got home from a wonderful weekend at Camp Christian. Jim and Terri Jones organized a relaxing and inspiring weekend for the family. I enjoyed seeing old friends, making new friends, and getting the opportunity to speak about “The Wanted Family.” One of the joys of speaking is the insights and ideas other people...

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Celebration

family camp fun intimacy play traditions

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

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

Oh Man…Over-Scheduled Again?!

2 Ingredients for a Family Cycle of Joy

What Do “Twinkle Twinkle,” Oxytocin, & the Sacculus Have in Common With Family?

Time for a Family Spring Photo Race

What We Do For Marriage & Family

LOL-On Safari for the Elusive Smile

My Daughter Saved Mr. Potato Head

Book Review: Family by God’s Design

What I Learned at Family Camp-2012