In the rush of family life, we often neglect to communicate our love to our spouse. We forget to make those verbal deposits of admiration and affection into our family bank of honor. Sometimes we might even begin to replace verbal deposits of admiration with withdrawals of criticism or complaint. We need to take a...

Honor

April 18, 2015

Through the Parenting Maze

by John Salmon

The art of parenting has gotten lost amidst media hype and controversy. Instead of focusing on effective common sense aspects of parenting, the popular media turns our attention to the sensational and controversial. Tiger moms, free range parents, helicopter parents, attachment parents…a dizzying array of parenting styles presenting the opportunity to debate and argue, which...

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Family Shepherds

attachment discipline helicopter parent limits love parent child relationship parenting parenting myths rules structure value

April 6, 2015

The Making of a Little Narcissist

by John Salmon

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...

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Family Shepherds

affection discipline healthy development parenting self-image validation value

March 28, 2015

Cut the Puppet Strings

by John Salmon

Children are not our puppets. We cannot control them. (Learn more in Children Are Not Our Puppets.) In fact, if we hold our children on puppet strings, we do them a disservice. We interfere with their healthy self-image, intimate relationships, and ability to assertively take a stand for what they believe. What can you do...

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Family Shepherds Grace

confidence consequences consistency independence limits parent child relationship parenting rules student value

March 23, 2015

Parents, Are You a Chipper or a Sculptor, Part 2

by John Salmon

Parents have a huge responsibility. We are responsible for the next generation, the future of our society. The relationships we build with our children will shape the world in which we grow old. The unspoken values we pass on to our children will impact how future generations interact, resolve conflict, and share resources. The subtle...

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Family Shepherds Uncategorized

competence confidence discipline encouragement parent child relationship parenting value

March 22, 2015

Parents, Are You a Chipper or a Sculptor

by John Salmon

Parents carry a huge responsibility. We are responsible for the next generation, the future of our society. The relationships we build with our children shape the world in which we will grow old. The unspoken values we pass on to our children will impact how future generations interact, resolve conflict, and share resources. The subtle...

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Family Shepherds

competence confidence criticism emotional health parent child relationship value

March 14, 2015

Four Ways to Fill Your Family with Meaning

by John Salmon

Feel happiness. Experience less stress, less anxiety, and less depression. Discover more control in your life. Sound good? Research suggests you can experience these things by adding meaning to your life. When we become part of something bigger than ourselves we find meaning…and meaning contributes to greater happiness. Specifically, adding meaning to our lives, becoming...

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Celebration

comfort connection family intimacy fun happiness intimacy kindness value

February 28, 2015

Nurture Your Children’s Success

by John Salmon

Every parent wants to raise successful children. We want children who work to the best of their ability, children who willingly face a challenge and learn from it. However, 36% of children in the US will not attempt a difficult, strenuous task. Instead, they quit. Take a moment and think of the irony. We want...

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Family Shepherds

consequences discipline family intimacy family relationships identity limits parenting routine value

February 9, 2015

Parental Assumptions & the Cycle of Discipline

by John Salmon

What do you believe about your children’s behavior? When they misbehave, what assumptions do you make? When they behave well, what do you think? Many parents don’t take the time to answer these questions. However, the answers you give impact your children’s behavior, your children’s belief about themselves, and your response to your children’s behavior....

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Family Shepherds Honor

consequences discipline label punishment rebellion value

January 10, 2015

10 Habits for a Happy Family

by John Salmon

I remember singing this chorus as a kid: “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap). If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap). If you’re happy and you know it then your face will surely show it. If you’re happy and you know...

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Celebration Family Shepherds Grace Honor

acceptance appreciation family relationships happiness love parenting value

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

15 Phrase Your Spouse Needs to Hear

Through the Parenting Maze

The Making of a Little Narcissist

Cut the Puppet Strings

Parents, Are You a Chipper or a Sculptor, Part 2

Parents, Are You a Chipper or a Sculptor

Four Ways to Fill Your Family with Meaning

Nurture Your Children’s Success

Parental Assumptions & the Cycle of Discipline

10 Habits for a Happy Family