Family by God&#039;s Design

Don’t Be Fooled, Teens Want to Talk

The media often stereotypes teens as sullen and not wanting to talk to adults… avoiding meaningful conversations with adults 24/7/365 days a year. By twisting information to fit this stereotype, we (the adults in their lives) avoid responsibility for our part in a teen’s lack of interaction with us; and we begin to interpret a...

Family Shepherds Honor

communication curiosity parent child relationship responsiveness

December 14, 2024

An Invitation

Families benefit from phrases that begin with “Let us…” or “Let’s….” “Let us” offers an invitation to engage with one another, to do something together. It is an invitation to a deeper relationship. Sometimes the invitation accompanies fun. Sometimes the invitation comes with work. Even if the invitation suggests a work activity, it implies that...

Celebration Grace Honor

family relationship intimacy parent child relationship relationship

December 2, 2024

Relationships, Family, & Physical Health

A lot of people make a New Year’s resolution to live healthier. They make it a goal to eat better, lose weight, exercise more, or rest better. These are all positive goals that can increase physical health. However, I would like to suggest pursuing growth in an additional area that will influence physical health as...

Celebration Honor

family relationship health marriage parent child relationship relationship

November 25, 2024

Is Saying “Thank You” Really THAT Important in Families?

Have you ever wanted to just hear the words ” thank you” from a family member? After all, a little thanks would help you feel appreciated and add joy to your life, right? If you’ve had that desire, you’re not alone. In fact, research conducted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign confirms your sentiment and...

Family Shepherds Honor

family intimacy family relationships intimacy marriage parent child relationship

October 19, 2024

“Boys Will Be Boys”

If you have sons, you know they can be a handful. They’re constantly on the go and full of energy. In fact, boys are wired to learn through experiential play and activity, especially in their younger years. They learn by touching, moving, and interacting. Running around, picking up frogs, sticks, & rocks, building ramps for...

Family Shepherds Honor

boys parent child relationship parenting play risk-taking

July 6, 2024

The Work of Children…and Adults

Fred Rogers is credited with saying, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” I agree. Alison Gopnik also agrees. She reviews research in her book The Gardner and the Carpenter which suggests: Review that...

Celebration Family Shepherds

parent child relationship parenting play

June 22, 2024

The Success of the “Good Enough Parent”

Donald Winnicott, a British pediatrician, coined the term “good enough mother” in the 1950’s. Today, however, many parents fear that “good enough” just isn’t good enough. They strive to become the “perfect parent.” But becoming a “perfect parent” just isn’t possible. In fact, striving to become the “perfect parent” will backfire and create even more...

Celebration Family Shepherds

activities development parent child relationship parenting play

June 10, 2024

Five Things Teens Want You to Know

Ellen Galinsky, author of The Breakthrough Years, surveyed over 1,600 people between 9 years old and 19 years old and their parents. She collated their answer into five important messages teens want adults to know about them. One, teens want adults to understand their development. All too often adults view teens as “deficient adults”–immature, moody,...