Thanksgiving is just three weeks away, and the holiday season is beginning to stir with its familiar rhythm of preparation, reflection, and anticipation. For our family, Thanksgiving has always been more than a meal or a gathering—it’s been an intentional moment to anchor ourselves in gratitude and to make thankfulness a defining part of our Family Identity. When our boys were five and three, we started a simple tradition. Each Thanksgiving, like many families, we’d [...]

Why Teaching Courtesy Matters A child’s behavior often reflects the values and training they’ve received at home. When children act out or behave in ways that embarrass us, it’s usually not because they’re “bad” — but because they haven’t yet been guided in how to act courteously. For us, we realized that our constant need to correct or restrain our kids stemmed from our own lack of intentional leadership in teaching moral courtesies and practical [...]

Our mindset plays a powerful role in shaping our happiness and success in every area of life. In today’s world—where we’re constantly exposed to social media, 24/7 news, and a nonstop flow of information—this influence is more intense than ever. Navigating uncertainty, discouragement, and tough times demands real emotional strength. Many of us have felt the weight of increased stress and anxiety, and if left unchecked, it can show up in harmful ways. Parents often [...]

Life is busy.  With school, kids' sports, and various activities, our daily life can easily feel hectic and overwhelming. Picking up Chic-fil-a on the way from practice can easily become the norm, rather than the exception, for getting everyone in the family fed.  However, we discovered that Family Mealtime can actually make a significant impact on your family. Current research shows that having a shared Family Mealtime has tremendous benefits for marriages and families.  A [...]

Among the expressions of unwanted behavior that we encounter during the course of parenting, Whining and Temper Tantrums seem to span all ages. Toddlers and Teens resort to whining when they don’t get their way, just as 3 year olds, 4th graders and high schoolers can all throw temper tantrums when they get frustrated. Unfortunately, you may even notice this behavior in adults as well! As school is in full swing, many homes experience a [...]