Blog

Screentime Overload: Spot It & Stop It in its Tracks Today!

Screentime Overload: Spot It & Stop It in its Tracks Today!

Recently, I was perusing a thought-provoking parenting article which sort of stopped me in my tracks—the topic?  The amount of screen time a kid en...
Let’s Collectively Hit Pause on Unnecessary Technology!

Let’s Collectively Hit Pause on Unnecessary Technology!

I’m writing this on my trusty laptop, taking full advantage of the helpful apps for spelling and grammar checks, while my iPhone is nestled safely ...
2022 Is Going To Be… FILL-in-the-BLANK.

2022 Is Going To Be… FILL-in-the-BLANK.

5 Essential Questions to Kickstart a Great Year! I never particularly liked fill-in-the-blank tests when I was in school. Multiple choice was infin...
Don’t Step In It! 5 Things You Should Never Say at a Family Gathering

Don’t Step In It! 5 Things You Should Never Say at a Family Gathering

I’ve been on the receiving end of countless awkward comments. Unfortunately, I’ve uttered plenty of them too. Navigating social situations is a bit...
Ready, Set, Organize!

Ready, Set, Organize!

January is a great month to get organized. We’re not talking about going full Marie Kondo on your home. While that sounds like a dream come true fo...
Over-the-Top Christmas—How Much is Too Much?

Over-the-Top Christmas—How Much is Too Much?

When my kiddos were in the early years of elementary school, I tried to help out in the classrooms as much as possible. It was a treat watching th...
Forget FOMO—It’s Time to Experience JOMO in Your Family!

Forget FOMO—It’s Time to Experience JOMO in Your Family!

Growing up as the youngest in the family, I was plagued with a serious case of FOMO—Fear Of Missing Out. I was convinced that once I went to bed, m...
“I’ll let you in on a little secret…”

“I’ll let you in on a little secret…”

A Professional Tip to Rekindle All Marriages (Struggling or Not) A friend of mine recently shared that her husband and she were experiencing diffi...
Uh-oh! Is my sweet child… a bully?

Uh-oh! Is my sweet child… a bully?

5 Ways to Curb a Tendency Towards Bullying Certainly, no one wants to get the dreaded call from school that their kid is being picked on. But what ...
Empower Your Children to Tap Into Their Outside Voices: 6 Quick Tips to Foster More Assertive Kids

Empower Your Children to Tap Into Their Outside Voices: 6 Quick Tips to Foster More Assertive Kids

How many times have you heard parents, grandparents, teachers, or librarians utter these words to kids? “Sssh! Use your inside voice, please.” ...
5 No-Brainer Non-Negotiables to Help You Kick the Bad Habit of Hurrying

5 No-Brainer Non-Negotiables to Help You Kick the Bad Habit of Hurrying

Fortune 500 CEOs are undoubtedly a busy bunch, but they’ve got nothing on moms and dads! We’re all zooming here and there, and I’m not talking abo...
Help! Is My Hectic Lifestyle Hurting My Character?

Help! Is My Hectic Lifestyle Hurting My Character?

No time to stop! In a hurry here… Talk to any parent and you’ll hear about their crazy busy schedule. That’s because most of us have two distinct m...
Check This Box If You Want a Happy Family!

Check This Box If You Want a Happy Family!

3 Simple Tips to Stay Optimistic Even If You’re Feeling Down Remember those fun notes we’d pass as kids? ☑︎Check the box if you like me. ☐ Yep☐ N...
Oh NO! Am I a Debbie Downer? Find Out in 7 Questions

Oh NO! Am I a Debbie Downer? Find Out in 7 Questions

You don’t have to look too far into the world of emotional health and well-being to learn that having a positive mindset and an optimistic outlook...
3 Simple Tips to Break Through Motivation Gridlock

3 Simple Tips to Break Through Motivation Gridlock

We all desperately want more orderliness in our lives—in our chaotic family lives, in the never-ending quest to seek work/family balance, and in ou...
Strengthen the Family Bond—No Krazy Glue Required!

Strengthen the Family Bond—No Krazy Glue Required!

You may remember Alfalfa, Spanky, Darla, and Buckwheat from the Our Gang Series... If you’re too young to know what I’m talking about—um, not only...
From Carpool Karaoke to... Carpool Connection

From Carpool Karaoke to... Carpool Connection

When it comes to parenting—let’s face it, we’re all doing the best we can. And often that means some epic fails along the way. Or maybe that’s just...
Don’t let division destroy your family! 3 Simple Tips to Quell the Culture of Outrage

Don’t let division destroy your family! 3 Simple Tips to Quell the Culture of Outrage

The family is under attack!  Ok, stand down, good soldiers. No need to pick up your weapons and start waging war. In fact, we are all too eager to ...
Toilet Back-Ups & Battling Back from Adversity

Toilet Back-Ups & Battling Back from Adversity

My kids and I watched for what felt like the longest seconds of our lives as the water level of the toilet slowly inched upward. It was as if we c...
There’s No Expiration Date on Strength of Character

There’s No Expiration Date on Strength of Character

I’m gonna be uncomfortably honest here. On any given day, a quick perusal of my family’s fridge or pantry would probably reveal all sorts of health...
Let’s Play “The Shame Game!”

Let’s Play “The Shame Game!”

As school ramps back up, so do the opportunities to measure our own parenting skills against  others. “Hmm… she never makes it to drop off on time....
Teach Your Kids to “Fish” For Lunch

Teach Your Kids to “Fish” For Lunch

I grew up in an Italian American family, so from an early age, food was my love language. My beloved Gramma Pippa was a master in using mouth-water...
Hey Mom, You’ve Got This! (And juuuust in case you don’t, it’s gonna be A-Ok!)

Hey Mom, You’ve Got This! (And juuuust in case you don’t, it’s gonna be A-Ok!)

I can’t help myself, but I always laugh out loud when I come across a back-to-school post from a mom who shows herself jumping enthusiastically in...
Stilletos, Sex Appeal, and some brave female athletes

Stilletos, Sex Appeal, and some brave female athletes

The Summer Olympics finished a couple days ago, but an important societal dialog rages on—and I am so here for it. Hopefully, you intentional moms ...
Live Every Day Like It’s Taco Tuesday: How Creating Routines Can Revolutionize Family Life

Live Every Day Like It’s Taco Tuesday: How Creating Routines Can Revolutionize Family Life

Let’s face it, routines get a bad wrap. When I was in college, I could tell you what day it was by the not-so-appetizing main dish offered in our ...
What’s so wrong with a little white lie?

What’s so wrong with a little white lie?

When I was a kid, before the advent of cell phones, I remember listening in on my dad’s conversations as he chatted away on our old rotary kitchen ...
Put More Heart Into Your Home

Put More Heart Into Your Home

Does living together under the same roof guarantee that we are growing in unity as a family? Or are we merely sharing an address while retreating ...
Revolutionize Your Family With Reading

Revolutionize Your Family With Reading

  American poet Emily Dickenson understood the invaluable experience that books can provide all of us. In the lines above, she creates a metapho...
Girl Dads & Why We LOVE Them

Girl Dads & Why We LOVE Them

  You’re probably rolling your eyes at the above quote because you appreciate how true it is! There’s just something about the father/daughter b...
Hey, World—Family is NOT an Afterthought!

Hey, World—Family is NOT an Afterthought!

  In fact… Family should be regarded as the source of incredible goodness in our lives. It’s not just an important thing—in many ways, it’s ever...
Are We There Yet?… Are we there yet?…

Are We There Yet?… Are we there yet?…

There’s nothing like getting packed up and heading out for a long road trip, when 20 minutes in, the youngest kid starts asking impatiently, “Are we there yet?!” The short answer is...
Summer Extravaganza Series Part 1: Best Parenting Advice EVER!

Summer Extravaganza Series Part 1: Best Parenting Advice EVER!

“Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits...
Is It Too Late For Us?

Is It Too Late For Us?

Dear Families of Character, Your Adventure into Character subscription box sounds really fun, but… I’m not sure that our family is ready for s...
SEIZE THE SUMMER & CUT DOWN ON SCREEN TIME WITH THESE MOM-APPROVED TIPS & ACTIVITIES!

SEIZE THE SUMMER & CUT DOWN ON SCREEN TIME WITH THESE MOM-APPROVED TIPS & ACTIVITIES!

  One of our lovely readers who contacted us at hello@FamiliesofCharacter.com shared her worries about not being prepared for the long hot days ah...
HELP! WE’RE BECOMING A HOUSE DIVIDED OVER DISCIPLINE

HELP! WE’RE BECOMING A HOUSE DIVIDED OVER DISCIPLINE

  When a husband and wife disagree on how to handle discipline and disobedience, is there a path forward that leads to more unity in a young fa...
DEALING WITH MY “OUT-LAWS”

DEALING WITH MY “OUT-LAWS”

“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family… in another city.” That fun little quote is compliments of famous old-tim...
HELP! I’VE GOT ENTITLED KIDS!

HELP! I’VE GOT ENTITLED KIDS!

Help! I’ve got ENTITLED kids!   Sincerely, Overwhelmed in Omaha Dear Overwhelmed in Omaha, Your problem of entitled children is sadly all too com...
Adventure into character Kids Parents
TIPS TO TEACH KIDS MODESTY IN A KARDASHIAN WORLD

TIPS TO TEACH KIDS MODESTY IN A KARDASHIAN WORLD

Modesty is a character strength that often gets a bad wrap. You know the stereotype—the crabby, austere nun covered from head to toe ...
Adventure into character Kids Parenting

LET’S PUT THE CHORE IN CHORTLE!

chortle VERB /ˈtʃɔrt(ə)l/ to laugh because you are enjoying something When was the last time you laughed while doing or overseeing chores at ho...
WHY I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY!

WHY I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY!

Oh boy, it’s only a month and some days into the new year and I’m already stirring it up. Before you begin a social media campaign to cancel me f...
Kids Parenting
3 EASY FAMILY GOALS TO ENSURE YOUR YEAR IS A SUCCESS

3 EASY FAMILY GOALS TO ENSURE YOUR YEAR IS A SUCCESS

Controversial statement alert! (We’re already days into the new year, so it’s high time we stir things up…) Most likely we’ve all heard ...
Family Huddle Gratitude
HOW TO MAKE BIG DECISIONS AS A FAMILY

HOW TO MAKE BIG DECISIONS AS A FAMILY

Life is always interesting, that’s for sure! We think we have one thing figured out for our family, and then something else pops up that requires u...
Family Huddle
HOW TO ESTABLISH HEALTHY FAMILY BOUNDARIES

HOW TO ESTABLISH HEALTHY FAMILY BOUNDARIES

Instant Pot. Instant Noodles. Instagram. We live in an instant culture. The whole world is at our fingertips and we are at the fingertip...
Family Huddle
HOW TO BE AN EXAMPLE OF JOYFULNESS

HOW TO BE AN EXAMPLE OF JOYFULNESS

I have a friend who is one of those people whose presence can light up a room and brings a sense of peace and joy to everyone s...
An underrated skill that can transform your life

An underrated skill that can transform your life

This is a hard topic, but it’s one we know all too well. One of the most common themes in our culture right now is the need to be right.  We all w...
TEMPERANCE—A HINGE ON THE DOOR OF CHARACTER

TEMPERANCE—A HINGE ON THE DOOR OF CHARACTER

Written by Ellen Moran Self control, or Temperance, may be the strength most undervalued in our culture today. In fact, it’s positively abhorrent ...
That time I accidentally said something right!

That time I accidentally said something right!

I’ll never forget the time my preschooler asked me something that sent me into a cold sweat. (No, it wasn’t about the birds and the bees, but that...
JUMPING ON THE RESPECT TRAIN IN 2020

JUMPING ON THE RESPECT TRAIN IN 2020

For parents, the shift from July to August in a normal year can feel a bit like accelerating onto a busy expressway from the slow lane. But in 202...
BUILDING FAMILY TRADITIONS: OUR 50 STATE ROAD TRIP

BUILDING FAMILY TRADITIONS: OUR 50 STATE ROAD TRIP

Cue Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again”  as the gearshift of the RV slides into drive for another leg of our trip to visit all 50 states by the tim...
Follow Through With the Flush

Follow Through With the Flush

My 6 year old son has a problem with flushing the toilet! He doesn’t do it! EVER!  It’s annoying, and what he doesn’t realize is that it now affect...
Promote Peace in Your Life: How to Cut Out the Noise

Promote Peace in Your Life: How to Cut Out the Noise

Written by Jeremy Bangs Orderliness seems so simple. Of the character strengths discussed at Families of Character, it’s the least philosophical. ...
MOM INTERVIEWS HER KIDS ABOUT COURAGE

MOM INTERVIEWS HER KIDS ABOUT COURAGE

Written by Sarah Newman It’s always interesting to hear how kids think, what they think, and how they interpret different concepts and ideas. I de...
HOW I ENCOURAGE MY KIDS TO WORK THROUGH THEIR HARD STUFF

HOW I ENCOURAGE MY KIDS TO WORK THROUGH THEIR HARD STUFF

As a family of 6, we are often going in different directions and it’s a challenge to be on the same page.  So, a few months ago we implemented t...
THAT ONE TIME I LOST MY COOL AT MY DAUGHTER'S BASKETBALL GAME

THAT ONE TIME I LOST MY COOL AT MY DAUGHTER'S BASKETBALL GAME

I’ll never forget (and neither will my family!) this one time at a basketball game for my oldest daughter. We were all sitting there anxiously a...
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US PARENTS TO MONITOR SCREEN TIME

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US PARENTS TO MONITOR SCREEN TIME

Written by Sarah Newman Have you ever made fudge or any type of candy?  There comes a point in the baking process where you have to temper it. Tem...
HOW THE GREAT PHILOSOPHERS RELATE TO MY MODERN FAMILY LIFE

HOW THE GREAT PHILOSOPHERS RELATE TO MY MODERN FAMILY LIFE

Written by Jennifer Kelly Being a warehouse store shopper, I often buy in bulk: toilet paper, laundry detergent, diapers and Cheerios are some of ...
Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Do Your Share

Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Do Your Share

Did anyone else just picture the big, purple dinosaur, Barney singing and dancing to the Clean Up Song after reading this title, and now you will ...
Purposeful Parenting: Start at the Edges and Work Your Way In

Purposeful Parenting: Start at the Edges and Work Your Way In

Written by Jeremy BangsWhen I first read about parenting with purpose, I was at once intrigued and overwhelmed. It makes perfect sense that we g...
Is This My Purpose?

Is This My Purpose?

By Jennifer Kelly Oh boy. It was one of those mornings complete with inter-personal tensions, sibling interplays and wardrobe scruples. Yep, you n...
Ships Passing In The Night

Ships Passing In The Night

Written by C. McCarville   I want you to imagine being on a ship at night with your to-do list, work, chores, etc., working away, busying yourself...
Ok, let's sound it out... p... P… purr…

Ok, let's sound it out... p... P… purr…

We are sounding out words a lot these days, in our home. Interestingly, helping my children with their reading has helped me slow down and focus i...
Mission Instead of Resolution

Mission Instead of Resolution

By Sarah Newman “Put your SUPERMOM cape on,” my husband said to me as I had to cancel my entire day and drive my youngest to the doctor this mor...
What My Words Tell My Kids About Them (and Me)

What My Words Tell My Kids About Them (and Me)

The bell rung. The gates opened. The playground was filled with laughter, hugs and excitement. It was the first day of school. With a big smile ...
HOW TO CREATE A HARMONIOUS FAMILY HOME

HOW TO CREATE A HARMONIOUS FAMILY HOME

If I could only use one word to describe myself, assertive would not be that word. Whenever an issue arises in our home, I have a really hard time...
4 PHRASES THAT TEACH KIDS TO STAND UP FOR THEMSELVES

4 PHRASES THAT TEACH KIDS TO STAND UP FOR THEMSELVES

As a child, I was timid. I was often putting my own needs last, afraid to burden anyone with my desires, thoughts, presence—let alone anything tha...
A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER

A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER

It’s amazing to think about how far the world has come in regards to education and the advantages that this has brought to societies around the wo...
AM I PUTTING MY CHORES ABOVE MY CHILDREN?

AM I PUTTING MY CHORES ABOVE MY CHILDREN?

Are you too busy for chores because of your kids? Or are you too busy for your kids because of chores? When you think of orderliness, one tends to...
Fighting the Morning Routine

Fighting the Morning Routine

I’ll admit it! I’m perpetually late for lots of things! Dropping the kids off at school on time proves to be my family's biggest challenge! Tho...
WHAT ARE THE 40 VIRTUES? (FULL LIST)

WHAT ARE THE 40 VIRTUES? (FULL LIST)

What would your family life look like if your children (and even the adults in your family) treated themselves and others with respect, valued kind...
SETTING THE STAGE FOR YOUR KIDS' SUCCESS

SETTING THE STAGE FOR YOUR KIDS' SUCCESS

  Most parents share a common denominator – you want your kids to be happy, healthy and successful. Who wouldn’t want that for their kids? The que...
Creating a Peaceful Home Environment

Creating a Peaceful Home Environment

A few months ago my youngest boy’s vocabulary expanded to include “Mine!” and suddenly conflicts abounded in our house. The days of peaceful pla...
WHAT TO DO WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER LETS YOU DOWN: A STORY OF SECOND CHANCES

WHAT TO DO WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER LETS YOU DOWN: A STORY OF SECOND CHANCES

Recently, my seven year-old son and I were sitting in Denver International Airport patiently waiting for our flight to the UK t...
HOW TO RAISE A SUPERHERO

HOW TO RAISE A SUPERHERO

Career day at preschool was always amusing. Children, drawn in by the allure of superheroes, wore their favorite warrior's cape...
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD WORK THROUGH ADVERSITY

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD WORK THROUGH ADVERSITY

Over the past seven years, my son has had to deal with more adversity and challenges than most kids his age have had to face.  ...
The Web of Generosity

The Web of Generosity

While girls dreamed of the perfect romance and wedding, my sights from childhood were fixed on creating a vibrant, dynamic family. My knowledge fr...
Tell Me Something Good

Tell Me Something Good

Let’s be honest. When I think of generosity the first word that comes to mind is money. I have an unfortunate, automated response: take a defensiv...
Best Lessons in Generosity

Best Lessons in Generosity

Giving back is always important, but that urge inevitably grows stronger within us around the time of Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s because we gather wi...
WHEN DOING THE RIGHT THING IS THE HARDEST THING

WHEN DOING THE RIGHT THING IS THE HARDEST THING

Why is it that the good and honest thing to do is such a scary task sometimes? Having a different set of morals from the popula...
4 SIMPLE WAYS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO BE HELPFUL

4 SIMPLE WAYS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO BE HELPFUL

“Let’s go for a walk!” Lily shouts as I dress her sister early one morning. “Well, sweetheart, Mommy’s gotta go clean up the di...
HELPFULNESS BEGINS WITH OBSERVATION AND AWARENESS

HELPFULNESS BEGINS WITH OBSERVATION AND AWARENESS

We are living in a value-based culture. At the world’s fast pace, everything and everyone is quickly evaluated by how much valu...
A Cultural Perspective of Justice

A Cultural Perspective of Justice

“That’s not fair!” The passionate words of a three-year-old filled the room. His toy train was stolen from him while he wasn’t looking and he’s ov...
Justice, Fairness, and Equality - When They Apply to Parenting

Justice, Fairness, and Equality - When They Apply to Parenting

There’s a lot of buzz about justice these days. Social media has exploded our access to every story out there, and the mantra of “It’s not fair” s...
The Heart of Justice

The Heart of Justice

History and folk lore are filled with the age-old story of justice. A hero risking everything to stand for what is right. These are the stories we...
Parents, Give Yourself Some Justice

Parents, Give Yourself Some Justice

As a parent, I think we all want to, ultimately, do our best by our children. We want to do them justice by being the parents we’ve always believe...
The Lost Meaning of Justice

The Lost Meaning of Justice

The terms justice and revenge often get confused with each other. It’s not surprising, though. When the word justice is thrown around in TV shows,...
Three Ways to Find Inner Joy in the Midst of Family Life

Three Ways to Find Inner Joy in the Midst of Family Life

I grew up in a German household where working hard without complaining was a huge value we learned. When I complained about having to do a task, m...
OH, NO YOU DON’T, MOMMY MONSTER!

OH, NO YOU DON’T, MOMMY MONSTER!

  I’ve been running around the house the last few days like a drill sergeant with a severe case of OCD. “What?” I shriek at my lovable three-yea...
Communication Marriage
21 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR SPOUSE BEFORE HAVING A BABY

21 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR SPOUSE BEFORE HAVING A BABY

Before getting engaged my husband and I talked about possible relationship issues. We came up with plans on how to handle finan...
Parenting Parents
WHAT I LEARNED FROM 40 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

WHAT I LEARNED FROM 40 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

Respect: to admire someone deeply as result of their abilities, qualities or achievements. Synonyms: to admire, think highly of, have a ...
Respect
What I Learned from 40 Years of Marriage

What I Learned from 40 Years of Marriage

Respect: to admire someone deeply as result of their abilities, qualities or achievements. Synonyms: to admire, think highly of, have a high opini...
THE POWER OF LISTENING

THE POWER OF LISTENING

How many of you remember being told by your kindergarten teacher to “put on your listening ears”? The ability to hear is one of the earl...
Communication Marriage Patience
TAKING TIME FOR MARRIAGE

TAKING TIME FOR MARRIAGE

Marriage isn’t easy. The idea of marriage is beautiful. It’s romantic, and sweet, and loving, and so appealing that most of us eventually find our...
Taking Time for Marriage

Taking Time for Marriage

Marriage isn’t easy. The idea of marriage is beautiful. It’s romantic, and sweet, and loving, and so appealing that most of us eventually find our...
A LIFETIME OF PURPOSE

A LIFETIME OF PURPOSE

They say it’s the most important day of your life. The white dress, the “I do’s,” months of planning finally coming to fruition. That one day is s...
TOTAL MORNING MAKEOVER!

TOTAL MORNING MAKEOVER!

Written by Jamila Evans I used to absolutely dread the hours 6am-8am on weekday mornings between the months of late August and May with...
As We Go

As We Go

Excellence seems to become more difficult to achieve each day. Children today are expected to succeed in sports, music, academics, community servi...
HOW TO BE SPONTANEOUS IN FAMILY LIFE

HOW TO BE SPONTANEOUS IN FAMILY LIFE

Isn’t spontaneity appealing? Think about movies and television shows. Often times the main character of the story is often someone who is fun and s...
A CREATIVE MIND IS RARELY TIDY. IS THIS ACTUALLYTRUE?

A CREATIVE MIND IS RARELY TIDY. IS THIS ACTUALLYTRUE?

I went to art school in college and messes were effectively encouraged in the studio. I remember throwing damp clay around like paint on...
WHY ORDERLINESS MATTERS - QUOTE FROM ST. GREGORY OF NYSSA

WHY ORDERLINESS MATTERS - QUOTE FROM ST. GREGORY OF NYSSA

Striving to make our lives orderly is always difficult. Whether we are organizing our homes, working toward self-improvement, or re-aligning our p...
Before Starting Spring Cleaning, Remember to Find Balance

Before Starting Spring Cleaning, Remember to Find Balance

Our culture has a natural tendency toward order. Look at the infrastructure of our cities, the roads, the transportation systems. We regularly sch...
PARENTING BOOTCAMP: EXERCISE THESE 3 CHARACTER STRENGTHS FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS

PARENTING BOOTCAMP: EXERCISE THESE 3 CHARACTER STRENGTHS FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS

A glimpse into my head on any given day…  Will my daughter have a happy successful life?How will my son handle major setbacks? Do my children have ...
RECLAIM THE ROMANCE IN YOUR MARRIAGE TODAY

RECLAIM THE ROMANCE IN YOUR MARRIAGE TODAY

A dear friend of mine recently met “the one.” She’s over-the-moon, bubbling up with hopeful enthusiasm, sharing stories about fun outings and roma...
NAILING IT AT FAILING IT!

NAILING IT AT FAILING IT!

Kindergarten teachers are amazing! Mine taught me the very useful skill of raising my hand when I needed the restroom. That came in handy over my...
RECLAIM TIME IN YOUR DAY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY WITH THESE 3 SIMPLE TIPS

RECLAIM TIME IN YOUR DAY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY WITH THESE 3 SIMPLE TIPS

The truth is—we parents are scheduled beyond belief and usually feel exhausted and overwhelmed just trying to get the basics done in a day: cle...
EVER FELT LIKE THROWING IN THE TOWEL?

EVER FELT LIKE THROWING IN THE TOWEL?

Family life is hard. Not, “Oh shoot, I have to work late tonight,” kind of hard. But really… super, intensely, sometimes soul-crushingly, hard. Lik...
WHY THE SQUEAKY WHEEL APPROACH TO FAMILY LIFE DOESN’T WORK!

WHY THE SQUEAKY WHEEL APPROACH TO FAMILY LIFE DOESN’T WORK!

Have you ever experienced a classroom environment where someone asks so many questions they start to become a distraction? I remember the first f...
3 creative ways to put your spouse first

3 creative ways to put your spouse first

Families are as unique as fingerprints, some will make travel, sports, or music a priority. While others rank education, outdoor adventures, and en...
3 EASY FAMILY GOALS TO ENSURE YOUR YEAR IS A SUCCESS

3 EASY FAMILY GOALS TO ENSURE YOUR YEAR IS A SUCCESS

Controversial statement alert! (We’re already days into the new year, so it’s high time we stir things up…) Most likely we’ve all heard or spoken...
OUR 2020 ULTIMATE NO-SHOP CHRISTMAS GIFT LIST FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR LIFE

OUR 2020 ULTIMATE NO-SHOP CHRISTMAS GIFT LIST FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR LIFE

“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” — SIMONE WEIL As the above quote from the French philosopher, Simone Weil, poi...
A WHOLE YEAR OF GRATITUDE

A WHOLE YEAR OF GRATITUDE

One year when I was feeling particularly burdened by the stress of the holidays of my big family—it’s a massive undertaking of shopping, feeding ...
Gratitude at Gunpoint

Gratitude at Gunpoint

Years ago, a motivational speaker told a story about the importance of gratitude. It has stayed with me for years. I can’t remember the name of...
Activating the hubs with a compliment sandwich 🥪

Activating the hubs with a compliment sandwich 🥪

My first job on my meandering path to becoming a blogger was rookie TV news writer. Fresh out of college, clothed in a new “professional” wardrobe—...
Why I'm a Proud Platypus Parent

Why I'm a Proud Platypus Parent

So, what kind of parent are you? Here’s a clue, you may have to peruse your local Walmart or zoo for the answer. Yup. According to the current ...
Laundry today, or naked tomorrow!

Laundry today, or naked tomorrow!

I recently saw one of those fun, painted wooden signs in a friend’s home that said, “Laundry today, or naked tomorrow!” Truer words have never been...
GOOD HABITS THAT MAKE UP CHARACTER—A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

GOOD HABITS THAT MAKE UP CHARACTER—A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family… in another city.” That fun little quote is compliments of an old-time comic, Georg...
Gratitude
COVID-19 AND THE 3 GENERATION CONNECTION

COVID-19 AND THE 3 GENERATION CONNECTION

Are you a grandparent who is missing your grandkids and feeling disconnected? Wondering how you can possibly help your own kids and grandkids whe...
THE WAVES OF LIFE

THE WAVES OF LIFE

By Jordan Langdon It’s off season in San Diego; specifically on Coronado Island.  My husband and I are thrilled to be on vacation, sans kids, but...
NAVIGATING ADHD AT HOME

NAVIGATING ADHD AT HOME

By Megan Gan In our little family of four we mostly live moment to moment.  When crises flare up around us we put out the fire as gracefully as p...
KIDS WILL CALL YOUR BLUFF...

KIDS WILL CALL YOUR BLUFF...

By Jeremy Bangs How many times, probably when your kids where 3-5 years old, did you say some version of the following: “I’m going to count to thre...
STRENGTH-BASED PARENTING HAS A DIRECT IMPACT ON KIDS' WELL-BEING

STRENGTH-BASED PARENTING HAS A DIRECT IMPACT ON KIDS' WELL-BEING

Knowing and using our strengths is important for the development of every human being, and this is especially true for our kids. It seem...
Parenting Parents
A Family Parody of "The Greatest Showman"

A Family Parody of "The Greatest Showman"

The Holderness Family has been perfecting the art of creating parody music videos for years, bringing smiles and laughter to all who watch them. An...
Why Learning Virtue is Like Tasting Wine

Why Learning Virtue is Like Tasting Wine

The other day, my husband and I decided to become wine connoisseurs and took a tour of a California winery. While the tour guide led us through the...
HOW TO BE MORE PATIENT ON THE BIGGER LIFE THINGS

HOW TO BE MORE PATIENT ON THE BIGGER LIFE THINGS

One of the meanest lies the world tells us is that the good things we want in life will come quickly, easily, and comfortably. I see eve...
Don't Define Your Past Year by Your Accolades; Instead Define if By the Kind of Person You Are

Don't Define Your Past Year by Your Accolades; Instead Define if By the Kind of Person You Are

I will never forget the time I logged onto Facebook at the end of December a couple years ago, and I saw that one of my college friends wrote a ve...
The Peace Muscle

The Peace Muscle

As you begin making New Year’s resolutions, you may want to consider building a muscle that you don’t need a gym membership for…the peace muscle! ...
Creating a Peaceful Home Environment

Creating a Peaceful Home Environment

A few months ago my youngest boy’s vocabulary expanded to include “Mine!” and suddenly conflicts abounded in our house. The days of peaceful play ...
Gratitude
Don't Let Comparison Rob You of Your Peace

Don't Let Comparison Rob You of Your Peace

The lights are going up, the decorations are being hung, the parties are being planned, and there are tons of Facebook & Instagram posts to pr...
THE ART OF BEING WISE IS KNOWING WHAT TO OVERLOOK

THE ART OF BEING WISE IS KNOWING WHAT TO OVERLOOK

Too often we attempt to change our lives by changing our feelings. Am I right? We want to give up and quit—on relationships, jo...
THE PAINSTAKING PROCESS OF FORMING GOOD JUDGMENT

THE PAINSTAKING PROCESS OF FORMING GOOD JUDGMENT

The CEO of a company I previously worked for once recounted his past experience to myself and some other employees. Before he h...
HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO CHOOSE FRIENDS WISELY

HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO CHOOSE FRIENDS WISELY

I wish I would have listened to my parents. How many times have you caught yourself saying that? A few months back I asked my p...
Setting the Stage for Your Kids' Success

Setting the Stage for Your Kids' Success

Most parents share a common denominator – you want your kids to be happy, healthy and successful. Who wouldn’t want that for their kids? The quest...
Be A Person Who Lives with Real Purpose

Be A Person Who Lives with Real Purpose

The meaning of purposefulness has gotten lost in our culture. It’s either been reduced to vague concepts or feel-good hoopla. Can you blame us? In...
A Lifetime of Purpose

A Lifetime of Purpose

They say it’s the most important day of your life. The white dress, the “I do’s,” months of planning finally coming to fruition. That one day is s...
Building Character: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Building Character: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

A little over a year ago I signed up for the L.A. Marathon. For most of the population, running a marathon seems daunting. For me it was only a “f...
Purposeful Parenting

Purposeful Parenting

My toddler is screaming, yelling, crying. My baby is clinging to my hip as I stir something on the stove. “What?” I snap. “What do you want? Use y...
How to Teach Your Child About Human Dignity

How to Teach Your Child About Human Dignity

We feel respected when we are fully seen by someone. A quick glance around reveals that most of us are respecting our devices more than the actu...
NO MORE TANTRUMS: 10 LESSONS IN SELF-CONTROL

NO MORE TANTRUMS: 10 LESSONS IN SELF-CONTROL

As I sat planning our upcoming lessons with our homeschool co-op, I heard an ear piercing shrill. It didn’t talk long to find Tony, my t...
This Underrated Skill Could Transform Your Relationships

This Underrated Skill Could Transform Your Relationships

This is a hard topic, but it’s one we know all too well. One of the most common themes in our culture right now is the need to be right.  We all w...
3 SURE-FIRE WAYS TO BANISH BRAIN FOG & BOOST FAMILY CONNECTION

3 SURE-FIRE WAYS TO BANISH BRAIN FOG & BOOST FAMILY CONNECTION

“Earth to Mom… Come in, Moooom!” Ever felt so distracted, your kids need an interplanetary connection to break through? Getting caught in “outer sp...
Kids Parenting
The Mom Life: Work Hard, Play Hard

The Mom Life: Work Hard, Play Hard

“Mommy, you work too hard!” A glance at my three-year-old revealed the stress the whirlwind move had placed on our family. The sea of boxes covere...
Self-Knowledge: The Key to Control

Self-Knowledge: The Key to Control

The moment I stepped on the bridge of my first ship I knew I was in over my head. At 22 years old I had commissioned as a Naval Officer and was sh...
DON'T LET COMPARISON ROB YOU OF YOUR PEACE

DON'T LET COMPARISON ROB YOU OF YOUR PEACE

The lights are going up, the decorations are being hung, the parties are being planned, and there are tons of Facebook & Instagram posts to pr...
WHY I'M A PROUD PLATYPUS PARENT

WHY I'M A PROUD PLATYPUS PARENT

So, what kind of parent are you? Here’s a clue, you may have to peruse your local Walmart or zoo for the answer. Yup. According to t...
Orderliness Priorities Technology
3 REASONS WHY GETTING KIDS TO DO CHORES IS SO IMPORTANT

3 REASONS WHY GETTING KIDS TO DO CHORES IS SO IMPORTANT

It’s easy to get into the habit of taking on all the responsibilities of the household, including chores, when you have perfectly able bodies livin...
Kids Orderliness Organized
3 REASONS WHY SPRING CLEANING IS GOOD FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

3 REASONS WHY SPRING CLEANING IS GOOD FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Spring is coming...can you hear the chirping of the birds outside your window?  I love that sound in the morning! Along with spring comes opening t...
Orderliness Organized
What Defines You?

What Defines You?

I often find it hard to simply disconnect from the business of my life when there are constant distractions such as work responsibilities, social m...
FROM ENTITLED TO GRATEFUL: HOW I TAUGHT MY DAUGHTER TO APPRECIATE HER TOYS MORE

FROM ENTITLED TO GRATEFUL: HOW I TAUGHT MY DAUGHTER TO APPRECIATE HER TOYS MORE

Written by Jeremy Bangs My daughter, Olivia, or Livvy as we call her, had a lot toys. And she always asked for more. It got to the point she expec...
A JOURNEY TO UNDERSTANDING PURPOSE

A JOURNEY TO UNDERSTANDING PURPOSE

Written by Beth Chatteron   Ah, purpose.  The habit that seems to keep me on my toes.   Back in my early 30’s I was really struggling with my indi...

How to Find Your Purpose This Year

It’s that time of year, when the “new year, new me” posts come out of the floodgates, full of optimism and vision. It’s not to say that these aspir...
Forgiveness: The Path to Self-respect and Inner Freedom

Forgiveness: The Path to Self-respect and Inner Freedom

When I sat down to write this article, I had a million thoughts as to what I wanted to write about. But, there was this nagging, little voice in...
WHAT'S RIGHT IN AMERICA - A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDING FATHERS

WHAT'S RIGHT IN AMERICA - A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDING FATHERS

This week, amidst the parades, fireworks, and community celebrations, it’s easy to be thankful for the amazing freedom and security that...
WHAT IS VIRTUE?

WHAT IS VIRTUE?

The meaning of virtue seems to be lost in our modern culture. We tend to associate virtue with being “good.” But what does that...

10 NATURAL WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR HOME

Our physical environment can have a great influence on our sense of inner order. It is so often true that when the kitchen, bedroom or the car is a...
What Are the 40 Virtues? (Full List)

What Are the 40 Virtues? (Full List)

What would your family life look like if your children (and even the adults in your family) treated themselves and others with respect, valued kind...
SELF-KNOWLEDGE: THE KEY TO CONTROL

SELF-KNOWLEDGE: THE KEY TO CONTROL

The moment I stepped on the bridge of my first ship I knew I was in over my head. At 22 years old I had commissioned as a Naval Officer and was sh...
Don't Define Your Past Year by Your Accolades; Instead Define if By the Kind of Person You Are

Don't Define Your Past Year by Your Accolades; Instead Define if By the Kind of Person You Are

I will never forget the time I logged onto Facebook at the end of December a couple years ago, and I saw that one of my college friends wrote a ve...
DON'T LET COMPARISON ROB YOU OF YOUR PEACE

DON'T LET COMPARISON ROB YOU OF YOUR PEACE

The lights are going up, the decorations are being hung, the parties are being planned, and there are tons of Facebook & Instagram posts to pr...
The Peace Muscle

The Peace Muscle

As you begin making New Year’s resolutions, you may want to consider building a muscle that you don’t need a gym membership for…the peace muscle! ...