What Do You Want, A Medal?

This famous quote has been used countless times — mostly by parents laboring through the aggravation of their teen’s adolescence. The fact that it’s attributed to…

Helping Your Kids Make Friends

“The secret of being a bore is to tell everything.” (Voltaire)   Watching our kids struggle with friendships is one of the hardest parts of parenting. That’s why I specifically address the topic in each of the editions of our new Choose Your Own Adulthood Online Platform. I cannot urge you strongly enough to check […]

Respond More, React Less

Respond More, React Less is, in many ways, the entire ScreamFree message. It’s also an important section in our new online platform, Choose Your Own Adulthood. The platform has editions…

I Hope Your Teens Aren’t Perfect

Perfectionism is a disease. Once introduced into a system, it permeates into practically every arena of life: work, school, sport, parenting, romance, diet, exercise, sex…everything. What makes it so dangerous is how it…

When Not to Laugh

Children, like adults, long to be taken seriously. Hopes, dreams, fears, and hurts are every bit as real to kids as they are to us. Whether it’s a toddler who is afraid of the dark or a teen who has just had her heart broken, we can…

Boys Don’t Cry Out

Every time there’s a new, horrific school shooting, I’m reminded of my own childhood…

Holiday Spirits

If this is a holiday season for you, and you’re anticipating “drawing near” to friends and family, here’s a thought:

What spirit are you hoping…

Talking to our kids about dating

Talking to teenagers about dating can prove very difficult. Choosing which of our own experiences to share, and which of our hard-earned lessons to teach, is half the battle.

I believed them

Each of my kids has lied to me, face to face. This is an entirely normal part of growing up. Sometimes…

Obedience is Overrated

There is a natural tendency for kids to “cut their teeth” on us by trying out harsh emotions and pushing against us on seemingly small matters. This shouldn’t surprise us; in fact, we should…