He Questions Everything
Some recent questions from our five year-old are real gems:
- Daddy, when you were a little boy and had a dog, why did it die?
- Why do birds have tails? Do frogs have tails?
- Can I take this with me to heaven?
- What do parents do when bad guys come into their house?
- Was I born before Seth?
- How do mommies have babies?
- Is this the way to church? Why?
- There’s fresh snow today, so can we have hot chocolate?
- Will we worship Jesus when we get to heaven?
- Will our dog get married?
- What was I like when I was a baby?
Gotta love the kid.
Best of the Best 2008

Parenting Webcast Follow-up
For the folks joining us for the live webcast with well-known marriage and parenting expert, Dr. Kevin Leman, a couple of things.
First, thanks so much for joining us for this interactive and engaging time with Dr. Leman! We had some great questions from parents across the land.
Second, the picture here was taken prior to going “live,” and responding to our studio crew’s advice, I changed to more…conservative attire. I was a bit disappointed, because I wore the shirt and tie in honor of Dr. Leman, who has a history of showing up at Focus on the Family in floral shirts and checkered socks. I just wanted to be like him!
Here’s a link to Dr. Leman’s site, where you’ll find information about his “Couples of Promise” cruise in January (sounds great!) and some superb resources for parents and couples.
UPDATE: The entire webcast is now available for online viewing here. Send the link to a parent you know. When you’ve watched, leave a comment. Do you enjoy these webcasts?
Webcast With Dr. Kevin Leman
As noted on our broadcasts this week, we’ll have some fun as Dr. Kevin Leman joins us for a special webcast from 11am-1pm (Eastern) Wednesday, December 10. Plus, he will be answering questions on our parenting forum. All in all, an outstanding opportunity for parents to talk to a trusted expert! Details here.
Feeling Stressed This Christmas Season?
It is all a matter of perspective, don’t you think? May your Christmas season be less stressful than this video clip.
Just A Fire
It was a casual conversation. One of those “How’re you doing?” calls, which I try to make in the midst of busy days at work. I know she has had an even busier, less predictable day at home with the kids, regardless of how smooth things are going there or how hectic things are for me. So, when I had a few minutes, “I just called to say I love you” (to quote a song line by Steve Wonder).
After a bit of chatting, she suddenly, but quite calmly, announced that she had to wrap up the call, because one of the children reported there was a fire. “Something’s burning!” was what I heard one of them say in the background. “OK, goodbye,” she calmly replied. That was the unceremonious way she concluded our conversation.
I hung up, thinking that a busy Mom is used to many things, from stopped up drains to small fires in the kitchen. She has had both, and many other household calamities. This was surely nothing to get too excited about. Evidently.
“Well,” I thought, “She can handle it, whatever the situation. She’ll call with an update if this is a bad fire.” I walked out of my office and mentioned the circumstance to my assistant, who was amazed at how this news of a fire at home had not rattled me. Over the years I’ve learned that my wife will let me know if an emergency arises. Otherwise, she will certainly solve the problem.
Indeed, she did not call back, and I was correct — this was one of the more routine fires, if any fire in the home can be so classified. The kids were baking a craft project in the oven, and some piece of spillage had ignited. Not a biggee. Thank goodness!
So it goes in much of life. We occasionally overreact to things that aren’t really a big deal. Not a life-threatening matter, not a significant loss or injury. Just stuff. And as a friend observed, “if money can fix it, it really isn’t a problem.”
Good advice. And a reminder about what is really important, and how I need to keep perspective.
Now, I wonder if that fire extinguisher is still in the kitchen cupboard, and if it still works…
Parenting: Be Silly
I like what this writer suggests. Not rocket science, but this approach works well in our family. My kids love it when I help them laugh…
Finding Toothpaste Peace
This little item is sure to help bring peace to your home. No more conflict about how to squeeze the tube!
WIR: Oct 10
This past week, Dr. Dobson’s radio broadcast has featured an illiterate teacher who learned to read in his 30s, a best-selling author who lived as an atheist for 38 years, and a gifted communicator who talks to thousands of teens every week – and addressed one of the most common concerns of young people (true love). What an interesting mix of people – and each one had some tremendous stories to share with our audience!
Next week: How the present financial crisis came about, how it is impacting families like yours, and what you can do about it.
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.