Friday Webcast With Dr. Kevin Leman

Be sure to stop by Friday for a special webcast with parenting expert, Dr. Kevin Leman. Details here.

While you’re at it, listen in for a two-day conversation with Dr. Leman about the many advantages firstborns have in life. Really! Whether you are a first-born or have one, this is helpful insight from one of the foremost experts on birth order.

Too Many Wives

From the BBC, a story that reminded me of Solomon. How can a man possibly keep up with the needs, let alone the names, of 86 wives and at least 170 children? He seems to feel pretty attached to them, though:

“All my wives are with children and some of these are people I have married and stayed with for over 30 years. How can they expect me to leave them within two days?” he reportedly told local newspapers.

I can’t imagine.

WIR: Sept 6, Drama In The Wild - and At Home

The past week of award-winning Focus on the Family broadcasts included…

And let me encourage you to share your stories - and view others - of how these radio programs make a difference in your life. Check out our new Radio Forum at this link.

Hot Tamales

I have a jar of the “Hot Tamales” candy on my desk. These folks kindly sent it to me, and their reason had to do with their area of expertise. Intrigued? Check out this link.

Ah, No Dear

tp-pic.jpgA neighbor’s house was “TP’d” recently. The Charmin was streaming all over their trees. It was a thorough job. Only problem: The intended victims were not home. And within a couple of hours, caring neighbors (not us) were out there picking up every stray sheet of the white tissue paper. There was little damage done, and no lingering effect. Sorry about that.

Ah, but the perps caught word of their fruitless efforts, and soon struck the same house again. And in great style. Paper streaming everywhere. It was a rather windy day that followed, and the effect was somewhat pretty, actually. Which probably was the reason behind my youngest daughter’s question to me the next morning.

“Daddy,” she asked, “Can we decorate OUR yard like that one?”

“Ah, no dear. That’s not really supposed to be there in the trees…er, how do I explain this to you?”

The delightful innocence of a first-grader.

The joys of parenting.

Gotta love it.

Father’s Day Surprise

josh-surprise.jpg

See the video here (link is mid-page).

This had to be one of the more memorable moments I’ve eperienced in the studio with Dr. Dobson. Wow, did we surprise Josh McDowell! What a joy to see the deep, deep love this family has, and to frame this touching time in the context of Josh’s terribly difficult childhood.

Great stuff! Have some tissues nearby…powerfully emotive.

Moms Who Say No

I’m married to a wonderful woman. She’s a terrific wife, and offers a lot of grace toward my many idiosyncrasies. As a mother, Dena’s heart for her kids is evident. She gives her all for our children - and could have an easier life if she’d be less interested in their character and heart and soul. But she is committed to developing responsible adults who love God and others. So she invests…and invests…and invests. I’ve learned so much about good parenting from her.

Among the many things Dena does well: she says no. Many permissive parents have a hard time denying their children’s requests - who wants to be disliked? My wife knows, however, that kids need an authority figure, not a friend. So while she often says, Yes,” she is also quite comfortable in drawing the line, saying “No” and sticking to it. That’s what good moms (and dads) have to do.

Another mom who thinks that same way is Julie Ann Barnhill, who says,

“You have to draw a line in the sand, and I think you have to communicate that verbally and then follow through … You don’t apologize or quantify or reconsider what you’re doing. That’s part of the difficulty of being ‘one tough mother.’ “

Hear more of Julie Ann’s wit and wisdom about motherhood here.

And be encouraged, Mom, to choose and win the right battles with your children!