When I was a boy, my mother did everything she could to make sure that she treated my brother, and I… and eventually my sister “fairly.” If ever she bought one of us a school folder, she made sure she bought one for each of the other kids as well. Even to the point of […]
What do you do when your teenager is wrong, and cannot seem to accept it? When they keep pushing back even though you try to correct them, or guide them, into the appropriate action? Or even further when your teenager, or adult child, will not hear your guidance as the voice of truth? I want […]
Have you ever had “one of those mornings…?” Where things seem to be going along just “swimmingly” and then: “We’re leaving!” is the call from the mother downstairs. “I know!” “Are you coming?” “Why wouldn’t I be!” “It’s time to go!” “I know, I can’t find a shirt that fits,” the child says standing in […]
Most of us have heard of the idea of oral histories, and passing down traditions and family legacies. I have a feeling though, if you’re like me, that the concept is not instinctively on your mind – especially after the first three years of being a father are behind you. The responsibility of being a […]
We live in an age where there are videos of everything. However, I have discovered that when it comes to stories and imagination TV, movies, and videos can be limiting. For this reason, a child
How can you travel a path that is hidden, unless you’ve a guide or someone who’s ridden that way before you? The majority of the things we know, we’ve been taught by someone else. And while experience is the best teacher, in our “educated society,” most of what we know, we’ve been taught by another […]
Once Upon a Time… For centuries, when these four words have been spoken, or read, we’ve waited, with bated breath, for a tale of inspiration or wonder. It has become the promise of a story …and we love stories! Titles like The Wizard of Oz, The Wind in the Willows, The Lion, the Witch, and […]
Have you ever wondered why soldiers stand at attention? Have you ever had to do this? There is a certain amount of respect woven into standing at attention, and it also eliminates distractions from excess movement and looking around. Much like the idea of folding your hands and closing your eyes to pray – it’s […]
Have you ever had a computer problem, and had some “genius” IT person ask you, “Is it plugged in?” As simple as this question seems, and as stupid as it may make us feel (especially when the cords are not plugged in appropriately) there is a simple truth to the concept of having the proper […]
If I were a fisherman, I might have some great intricate analogy from the pole-fishing world about “the perfect cast,” …what is involved …how each specific motion connects to a specific idea in how we ought to seek to love our children… …but I don’t fish. Perhaps a fisherman out there would like to weigh-in […]