Family by God&#039;s Design

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,...

adolescence parent child relationship parenting teen

May 27, 2024

Smile, It’s Revolutionary

Smiling is revolutionary. Smiling at someone when they walk in the room makes them feel welcome. When we display a genuine smile, people around us start to smile as well. Smiling can also turn things around for the one smiling, moving them from a negative, pessimistic outlook to a more positive outlook. (Feeling negative? Pessimistic?...

family happiness parenting smile

May 20, 2024

The Long-Term Impact of Junk Food on the Teen Brain

Family life is busy these days. Families run from activity to activity stopping to grab something quick and easy to eat on the way. Unfortunately, those “quick and easy” meals are often high in fat and sugar. A University of Southern California study found that a high-fat, sugary diet during teen years may contribute to...

adolescence family meals healthy development parenting

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

April 29, 2024

“Take 10” Before Answering Your Children

Sometimes it’s best to not give your children an immediate answer. I know they’ll complain. After all, they want an answer “now.” However, there are times to “take 10” (or 20 or 30 or even a whole day) before answering. Not all answers come easily or quickly. In fact, let me offer 4 times it’s...

discipline parent child relationship parenting self-control

April 1, 2024

No One Told Me

When my wife and I had children, no one told me how difficult it would be to let them go, especially as they left home. No one told me the emotional challenge inherent in allowing them to leave home and begin their independent, adult journey through life. The first person I heard talk about the...

emotional health letting go parent child relationship parenting

March 18, 2024

The Parent’s Key

I like what Alison Gopnik said in The Gardner and The Carpenter: “The key to love in practice is doing things together, participating in the world in a way that acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of both of you.” Her book, and this quote, are about becoming a parent as a form of love. One...