1.47 million orange slices! That’s how many our family provided over the years at our boys’ activities and sporting events — or at least it felt like that many! So what’s the deal with orange slices anyway? When Trevor and Alex were young, their favorite part — like most kids that age — was the orange slices at the end of the game or activity. For them, nothing was better than sharing sweet, juicy slices [...]

Our adult children enjoy that their siblings are a part of their inner circle. When our children were college students they connected regularly about life’s issues. When our kids were in high school and middle school, they leaned on each other during times of drama, accepted one another’s company among their friends, and shared life as part of the Marr team. The connection and loyalty we see today did not appear suddenly in adulthood; it [...]

This week, we conclude a two-part series about blessing your children from Lis and Dave Marr. Here is a link to Part One – Daughters: The Dad Foundation – How Dads Can Bless Their Daughters — And Why It Matters Boys grow up watching their dad. More than words, dad’s actions speak the language kids understand. Boys watch and absorb dad’s mannerisms over time; the way he works, the way he relaxes, the things he’s [...]

This week we begin a two-part series about blessing your children from Lis and Dave Marr. Today, it’s all about daughters and next week, sons. A father’s blessing has a power few forces in a child’s development can match. For daughters especially, dad’s words, presence, and affirmation shape the woman they carry into the world. In this often vicious culture full of pressure, comparison, and insecurity, a father has the rare affirming opportunity to anchor [...]

A wonderful young mom recently asked Lis for some insight into what to do because she’s hit a new developmental threshold with her daughter which is similar to the challenges we had as young parents. When the family is on the move and has to be somewhere at a certain time, you need everyone in the family to get ready to the extent of their ability. Think about the complexity of the statement: “In 30 [...]

Over the years, we have taken many courses and attended many conferences on marriage, parenting, and relationships.  We love going to these events because we always come away with some new ideas and tips, as well as reminders of things we’ve let slide or have forgotten about over the years.  However, it seems that no matter how excited or recharged we get from these events, we’ve found that after a few months go by, our [...]

Besides creating a loving, safe environment to grow up in, what is a top skill a parent can teach a child that will absolutely ensure the best possible chances for success in life? There was a study done that provided clear evidence that the home conversational environment for a child dramatically affects their academic future. And their academic success in life dramatically affects their economic success in life. The study was documented in a terrific [...]

As we begin each new year, we are excited to share our top ten parenting tips. This list highlights the best practices and addresses some trends we have observed over the past year. Some of these tips may be familiar to you, while others might be new.  Be sure to click on the highlighted link if you wish to “dig a little deeper. Regardless, we hope this list serves as thoughtful encouragement to you as [...]

Over the years, we’ve shared many stories that have encouraged us as parents—but this one has become one of our favorites during the holiday season. Each time we revisit it, we are reminded of the quiet, powerful ways children absorb what we model and how wonderfully God works through the simplest moments. A few Christmas seasons ago, a mom and dear friend of ours took her two boys, along with their aunt and cousin, on [...]