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 [...]
At OneFamily, our mission is simple yet life-changing: to equip, encourage, and sustain families so marriages grow stronger and children thrive with intentional, healthy parenting practices. Today, that mission reaches even farther—across languages, cultures, and continents—through our expanding Spanish initiative UnaFamilia and partnerships like The Pucusana Project in Peru, where families in underserved communities are being transformed through hope, education, and relational support. https://youtu.be/YW21fRTh154 https://youtu.be/YW21fRTh154 No matter where a family lives—Colorado, California, or [...]
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 [...]
“OneFamily has been such a steady source of encouragement for us—reminding us that we’re not alone in this journey and giving us real tools to strengthen our marriage and deepen our family connection. We’re deeply grateful for the OneFamily community and the many ways they’ve poured into our lives and the lives of so many others.” For us, OneFamily, helping families thrive is at the center of everything we do. Every day, we equip parents [...]
We’ve all experienced it – the time when you thoughtfully held a door open for some stranger and they walked through it without a thought, as if you were born to serve them. What didn’t happen? Sure, the smallest of expressions, a simple “Thank you”. A teeny courtesy acknowledging this small gift you gave them didn’t take place. But more importantly, underneath that rote childhood learned response, the person would have needed to be aware [...]
When our boys were about six and four years old, we started a new family tradition that completely changed the way we connected as a family. Little did we know that this simple idea would spark countless meaningful conversations, create cherished memories, and strengthen our relationships with our kids in ways we never imagined! One of Rich’s favorite memories growing up was visiting his grandparents. On their kitchen table sat a small yellow box filled [...]
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) At some point you will be releasing your children into a world filled with adult challenges; they will certainly face situations requiring resilience despite feeling down-hearted. Whether facing finals week when sick, or social engagements [...]
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 [...]