Freedom to Learn the Privilege of Choice What to make better decisions? Make a few bad ones. Generally speaking, the best learning occurs when we make a poor choice, are allowed to suffer the consequences, and get some guidance from…
What happens when you are an over-the-road driver and your wife has twins? Prime driver, Daniel Skidmore and wife, Kerry, recently faced this challenge when they welcomed a set of twins to their growing family. When Jackson, age 3, was…
Moms and dads both participate in the development of their children, but in unique ways. Both offer love, acceptance and teach life skills, but each accomplishes these in different ways. It’s helpful if moms and dads are aware of these…
I was twelve years old and our car was acting up. My dad, a full-time sheriff’s deputy, was very busy and not reachable. I stood with my mom at the auto repair shop, knowing she was very distressed. I could…
“Why not Europe?” I said. “Other kids go to Europe.” “I don’t want to be like other kids,” she said. I prayed about it,” she said, “and I think this is something I’m supposed to do.” “Anyway, I probably won’t…
The second Saturday in May they always appeared, side by side in the refrigerator, in perfect white boxes tied with gold cord. Sometimes they were roses, sometimes orchids. Always they were chosen to coordinate with dresses to be worn by…
Getting kids to learn the value of work is no easy task. When you throw in a couple of parents who most likely were raised with varying views of chores, allowances, and the appropriate age to start working at an…
“Say you’re sorry.” Many parents instruct children to express regret for thoughtless actions to another using these words. Head down, face frowning, the child mumbles “Sorry.” In return, he may hear, “Sorry too” or “That’s alright.” It’s really not alright.…
Kevin: Over the course of many years of parental investment, I have tried to calculate whether or not my fatherhood has made a difference in the life of my three boys. Being fully aware of all my weaknesses, I have…
On the highway of life, there are so many wonderful adventures with our kids. That is, on the metaphorical highway of life. On the literal highway, especially when our kids start sitting behind the wheel of the vehicle we all…
