A study recently published in the National Academy of Sciences reveals how to raise a narcissist, a person who believes they are better than everyone else. This study suggests several things that can contribute to the raising of a narcissist; however, one contributor is completely in our control. Every parent needs to know about this...

March 28, 2015

Children Are Not Our Puppets

by John Salmon

Our children taught us an important lesson when they were mere toddlers. It’s true. I remember the lesson clearly. They told us by their actions and words: “We are not your puppets. You cannot control us.” They remind us of this fact every time we offer to help them and they say “No, I do”...

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Family Shepherds

confidence criticism family relationships fear parenting rebellion self-image

February 14, 2015

Hide-N-Seek with a Twist

by John Salmon

What do you get when you cross hide-n-seek with a treasure hunt? A fun family activity entitled “Hide-N-Seek with a Twist.” (I know the title is not all that exciting, but the activity is a blast!) This family activity involves hiding, finding, and the treasure of affirmations. Here is how it works. Each family member...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

affirmation family fun night family intimacy family relationships fun play self-image

November 23, 2014

Teach Your Child Self-Control

by John Salmon

Parents want to raise children who have self-control. And why not? Science has shown that self-control offers many life changing benefits. People with self-control make better choices. Better choices lead to fewer negative consequences and greater happiness. Better choices can also lead to more success—better grades, better jobs, more money, better health, etc. People with...

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Family Shepherds

confidence discipline encouragement expectations parent child relationship parenting self-image

November 8, 2014

6 Tips to Raise Confident Children

by John Salmon

Do you want to raise a confident child? Of course you do. We all want our children to grow confident—willing to tackle healthy risks, able to stand firm in the face of opposition, willing to persevere through setbacks, comfortable with their ability to explore and achieve. With that in mind, consider these six tips for...

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Family Shepherds Grace Honor

acknowledgement chores confidence consequences family intimacy family relationships limits parent child relationship self-image validation value

August 15, 2014

A Neglected Ingredient in Your Child’s Happiness

by John Salmon

Many factors contribute to the emotional health, happiness, and success of our children. As parents we work hard to bring those factors together in our children’s lives. After all, we want happy, successful children. We want children who have resilient emotional health. To that end, we seek out opportunities for our children. We introduce them...

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Family Shepherds Honor

friendship happiness marriage parent child relationship parenting parenting myths self examination self-image spouse

July 19, 2014

Get Your Child’s Head in the Game with MEATT

by John Salmon

Parents like to see their children perform well. Who am I kidding? I like to see my children perform well. In fact, if you are like me, you may get more nervous than your children do when they get out on the field for the big game or up on stage for the first act....

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Family Shepherds Honor

encouragement healthy development parenting praise role model self-image teach value

May 24, 2014

You Can’t Unfriend Family

by John Salmon

I remember a saying I heard when I was 9-or 10-years-old: “You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friend’s nose.” All the boys laughed and the girls let out a loud “Ewww” in chorus. Still, we all got the implicit message: there are certain things you...

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Grace Honor

acceptance family intimacy forgiveness healthy development intimacy leaving home self examination self-image

May 10, 2014

Protect Your Child With a Blessing

by John Salmon

Kids can be mean! You know it and I know it. I see it on the playgrounds, in the school, and even on the internet. Our kids face bullying, cyberbullying, teasing, name-calling, and physical intimidation more often than we want to admit. Over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year and as many...

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Celebration Family Shepherds Honor

acknowledgement admiration appreciation healthy development parent child relationship self-image value

April 19, 2014

Put Your Children First…Really?

by John Salmon

Children are so important. I know it is an overused statement, but children are our future…and our present. Our children are change agents…in fact they changed our lives simply by entering into our world. They shaped our sleep patterns, eating habits, and priorities. We changed our schedule, our speech, our interests, and our activities in...

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Family Shepherds Honor

parent child relationship parenting priorities security self-image

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

The Making of a Little Narcissist

Children Are Not Our Puppets

Hide-N-Seek with a Twist

Teach Your Child Self-Control

6 Tips to Raise Confident Children

A Neglected Ingredient in Your Child’s Happiness

Get Your Child’s Head in the Game with MEATT

You Can’t Unfriend Family

Protect Your Child With a Blessing

Put Your Children First…Really?