How To Avoid Raising Entitled Children
Last week, we celebrated my son’s 11th birthday.When my children were toddlers and preschoolers, I discovered the very real truth that it’s easier to celebrate one child’s birthday when all the children have something to do. And that was the catalyst for the Birthday Brother Tradition, whereupon the... Read More
Comparison is the Thief of Contentment
“Gracie gets super excited when her big brother comes into the room and calls out ‘bubba!’ Plus she says ‘doggy’ and ‘book’ and ‘ball’ and ‘milk.’ She’s just so bright and never stops chattering!” My Facebook friend was enthusing about her 9-month-old. My 15-month-old son was currently stuck... Read More
Playing the Long Game in a World Addicted to Instant
Do you know why it’s hard to teach your kids perseverance? Because the rest of the world is built around instantly fulfilling their every need. Do you remember Blockbuster Video? You had absolutely no guarantee they would have the movie you wanted to rent. It was very likely... Read More
Character and Values | Imagine The End
Tangerine Day
Do you remember parachute pants? If you do, sorry I brought it up. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, that’s probably a good thing. Parachute pants were slim fitting pants made of a similar material to that of a parachute. They made you hot in... Read More
Character and Values | Finance
Technology Tips: Tie Technology to Maturity Not Grades or Money
In this Technology Tip, Jon Acuff challenges parents to think about technological responsibility when giving their kids access to technology, not their ability to afford it or get good grades. Instead, look for maturity in them and see if they are in a place to use it in... Read More
How to Raise a Good Employee, I Mean Kid
One of the worst people to work with is the guy who says, “That’s not my job.” This sentence is universally hated in every country in the world. I’ve never been to Mongolia, but I guarantee there’s a guy who was supposed to help set up a Yurt... Read More
Character and Values | Elementary (K-5th)
Cooperation Starts at Home
How often as parents do we hear ourselves saying, “Just work together. Can’t you cooperate?” Sometimes we want to pull our hair out wondering if our kids will ever cooperate. And in those calm, introspective moments as a parent (we have those, right?), we have to ask ourselves,... Read More
Growing Compassionate Kids
Maybe you’ve had a moment like this in your home. You give your kids money for something at school, more than enough for whatever ice cream sandwich they’re hoping to buy. You ask them for the change only to find out that on top of the ice cream... Read More
Celebrations | Character and Values
Cultivate Thankfulness with a Thankful Tree
Have you ever planted a fruit tree? I’ve always wanted to but never have gotten around to it. I have done a little research, though. Do you know if you plant a two-year-old apple tree, it could take another five years to bear fruit? Pear trees can take... Read More
What I Learned from My Kids About Serving
I’ve been making a big mistake with my previous short-term mission trips. I’ve always thought of them more as group experiences rather than individual journeys for each kid. It’s easy to do when you’ve got 32 college students for a single weekend building a house in Mexico. Or... Read More