Practical Family Living

Parents Modeling Faith

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Every parent seeks to passon their faith. Taking a look at one example in scripture, we see how the everyday patterns of life provide a foundation in which a child may learn the reality of God's presence and decide for him/herself to believe in God

When Parents Fight

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Children develop their sense of belonging and sense of security from their relationships with their parents. When there is on-going animosity between the parents, it is difficult for children to feel safe and to attach to both parents.

My Child Won't Go To School

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

School phobia, a severe stress response toward school is a very perplexing condition. Suddenly a child simply will not go to school and becomes unusually forceful in their not wanting to go into the school routine. Unusual crying, sitting down, not moving, screaming, running away from the parent, refusal to leave the car to go into the school, are some of the symptoms in this condition. This article gives a thorough overview of the condition and ideas of what to do with school phobia.

A Parent’s Guide To Minimizing Sibling Rivalry

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Although sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family, parents can be proactive in helping to minimize sibling rivalry and helping children develop positive life long relationships with their siblings.

Ten Ways to "Train Up A Child"

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Parenting is hard. Raising children in today's world is a juggling act for most people when trying to do a good job of applying God’s word."Ten Ways…"gives a real map of behavior for parents to follow as they seek to be a good parent. The admonition to "raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" is fleshed out in this article in practical and moment by moment ways.

Who I Am In Christ

Author Unknown, Edited by Brenda Spina, M.S.,LMFT, LPC

Knowing how God sees us and what we have available with Him is important in the developmental process of being His child. What follows are scriptures that identify who we are, what we have, and the things we can do when we believe the truth of His Word.

Parents Guide to Lingo on the Internet

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The benefits and dangers of the internet are becoming more apparent as time passes. Parents have the increasingly difficult task of protecting their children and adolescents from the dangers. Here you will find some of the common uses of letters and symbols by kids as they communicate with one another.

Validation is Not Agreement

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article describes the difference between validating another person's communication and agreeing with it. Examples are given.

Answering Jesus' Call

Whitney Stager, M.S.

This article helps the reader make decisions about when it is important to act on Jesus' call and to be open to His timing.

Neglect - The Obtuse Abuse

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article explores the abuse of neglect and the confusion that often accompanies it.

Reclaim the Sabbath

Whitney Stager, M.S.

How to reclaim the Sabbath for your family by learning ways to build in important "down-time" on Sundays as well as increasing famly fun time.

Communicating With Kids (and Adults!)

Whitney Stager, M.S.

Practical tips are provided to help children pair emotions with words and a specific technique is described to improve communication for both kids and adults.

Teaching Children About Feelings

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Children need help in identifying what emotion they feel just as much as we do as adults. Here are some guidelines which are fun and a relaxing way to help your children learn what they may feel and when.

Attachment Wounds: Ten Steps That Heal

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Childhood story illustrating bonding and attachment wounds and ten steps for healing

Parenting Perspectives on Behavior and Bonding

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

A child's oppostional behavior may indicate emotional pain. Article explores larger perspectives, including need for bonding and healing.

Faith of Our Children: A Model for Home Devotions

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Building a child's Christian faith is a foundational piece in "training up a child in the way he should go." (Proverbs 22:6) Article suggests six practical steps in developing home devitions for the elementary age child.

When Children Steal

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There isn't a parent on earth who enjoys the idea of their child stealing. Understanding the possible reasons that children steal is foundational to knowing how to respond in discipline.

Building Self Esteem

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There isn't a parent I know who doesn't want to be a part of helping their child grow up feeling good about who they are. Our self-esteem actually is developed on three different levels. Included in this articles is an exercise to help a ll of us know the beliefs we have developed and how God's Word helps us rewrite our view of self.

For Shame, For Shame: How to End Shaming When Disciplining

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

The power and influence of parents is great; keeping the parent-child relationship in its proper place

Parents Guide to Lingo on the Internet

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The benefits and dangers of the internet are becoming more apparent as time passes. Parents have the increasingly difficult task of protecting their children and adolescents from the dangers. Here you will find some of the common uses of letters and symbols by kids as they communicate with one another.

Who I Am In Christ

Author Unknown, Edited by Brenda Spina, M.S.,LMFT, LPC

Knowing how God sees us and what we have available with Him is important in the developmental process of being His child. What follows are scriptures that identify who we are, what we have, and the things we can do when we believe the truth of His Word.

Validation is Not Agreement

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article describes the difference between validating another person's communication and agreeing with it. Examples are given.

When Children Steal

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There isn't a parent on earth who enjoys the idea of their child stealing. Understanding the possible reasons that children steal is foundational to knowing how to respond in discipline.

Life Transitions

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article explores the task adolescents and their families face when leaving home. It describes the delicate balance between support and autonomy parents must give their emerging adult.

Don'ts For Parents and Enablers

Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There is tremendous difficulty for parents or spouses when their child or spouse becomes involved in the abuse of drugs, alcohol or addiction of any sort. This handout outlines how to clarify who is responsible for what and provides practical steps in approaching your child or spouse.

Five Strategies for Encouraging Teens to Grow Beyond Childhood

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article addresses five strategies for encouraging teenagers to grow beyond their childhood behaviors and expectations.

Teens and Anger

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article describes how easy it is for parents and teens to get into highly charged arguments and what important points to remember in order to resolve the battle.

Scared of My Daughter's Friends

A "Dear Rosa" question and answer regarding parenting concerns when a adolescent daughter connects with friends that seem unhealthy for her.

My Child Won't Go To School

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

School phobia, a severe stress response toward school is a very perplexing condition. Suddenly a child simply will not go to school and becomes unusually forceful in their not wanting to go into the school routine. Unusual crying, sitting down, not moving, screaming, running away from the parent, refusal to leave the car to go into the school, are some of the symptoms in this condition. This article gives a thorough overview of the condition and ideas of what to do with school phobia.

A Parent’s Guide To Minimizing Sibling Rivalry

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Although sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family, parents can be proactive in helping to minimize sibling rivalry and helping children develop positive life long relationships with their siblings.

Ten Ways to "Train Up A Child"

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Parenting is hard. Raising children in today's world is a juggling act for most people when trying to do a good job of applying God’s word."Ten Ways…"gives a real map of behavior for parents to follow as they seek to be a good parent. The admonition to "raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" is fleshed out in this article in practical and moment by moment ways.

Answering Jesus' Call

Whitney Stager, M.S.

This article helps the reader make decisions about when it is important to act on Jesus' call and to be open to His timing.

Validation is Not Agreement

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article describes the difference between validating another person's communication and agreeing with it. Examples are given.

Proactive Parenting That Minimizes Sibling Rivalry, #3 of 3, #3279

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family in which there is more than one child. In this 3 part series, Christine and Lynda discuss practical ways that parents can be proactive in minimizing sibling rivalry and help their children to have positive lifelong relationships.

Back To School: Young Children #1 of 2, #3114

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The return to school means transitioning to a new schedule and to time away for both parent and child. Even though most children and parents manage the transition well, this program discusses steps one can take to ensure smooth transitions back to school.

Teaching Children About Money #2 of 2, #3107

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Great guidelines for parents to help children learn responsible behavior around money.

Teaching Children About Money #1 of 2, #3106

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Great guidelines for parents to help children learn responsible behavior around the use of money.

A Child's Voice #3085

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Based on her book, "Proverbs For The Family", Lynda discusses a child's reaction to a depressed adult

Children Never Get Over Divorce #3084

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Based on her book, "Proverbs For The Family", Lynda reveals the real feelings children have when their parents divorce.

Teaching Children About Feelings #3078

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This program provides many ideas of how children may identify what it is they feel. Identifying and being able to express what one feels in necessary in the development of any individual towards becoming all that God has.

Transitioning To a Family With a Child # 3 of 3, #3026

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Families experience many changes when they have a child. In this series some major changes and strategies for adjusting are discussed.

Transitioning To a Family With a Child # 2 of 3, #3025

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Families experience many changes when they have a child. In this series some major changes and strategies for adjusting are discussed.

Back To School: Anxious Feelings #2 of 2, #3115

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Transitions often mean uncertainty until the new routine is established. This program concerns the anxious parent or child and the transition back to school.

The Significance of Attachment #1 of 3, #3144

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This series of programs outlines the definition of attachment, its significance on the development of relationships and the impact of the limbic system, It also touches on simple rules for minimizing the bumps in the road in developing attachment.

The Significance of Attachment #2 of 3, #3145

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This series of programs outlines the definition of attachment, its significance on the development of relationships and the impact of the limbic system. It also touches on simple rules for minimizing the bumps in the road in developing attachment.

Proactive Parenting That Minimizes Sibling Rivalry, #2 of 3, #3278

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family in which there is more than one child. In this 3 part series, Christine and Lynda discuss practical ways that parents can be proactive in minimizing sibling rivalry and help their children to have positive lifelong relationships.

Proactive Parenting That Minimizes Sibling Rivalry, #1 of 3, #3277

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family in which there is more than one child. In this 3 part series, Christine and Lynda discuss practical ways that parents can be proactive in minimizing sibling rivalry and help their children to have positive lifelong relationships.

When Parents Fight, #2 of 2, 3276

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

The parents are the executives of the family and from their marital relationship all the other relationships in the family are derived. When parents have the habit of fighting with each other fiercely or frequently, children may be negatively impacted. In this series of broadcasts, Christine and Lynda discuss the impact and offer suggestions to help parents.

When Parents Fight, #1 of 2, #3275

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

The parents are the executives of the family and from their marital relationship all the other relationships in the family are derived. When parents have the habit of fighting with each other fiercely or frequently, children may be negatively impacted. In this series of broadcasts, Christine and Lynda discuss the impact and offer suggestions to help parents.

Why Children Steal #2 of 2, #3165

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Discovering that your child has stolen something is disconcerting to many parents. These two programs outline the possible causes as well as responses needed to help children/ teenagers return to a place of honesty.

Why Children Steal #1 of 2, #3164

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Discovering that your child has stolen something is disconcerting to many parents. These two programs outline the possible causes as well as responses needed to help children/ teenagers return to a place of honesty.

The Significance of Attachment #3 of 3, #3146

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This series of programs outlines the definition of attachment, its significance on the development of relationships and the impact of the limbic system. It also touches on simple rules for minimizing the bumps in the road in developing attachment.

Transitioning To a Family With a Child # 1 of 3, #3024

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Families experience many changes when they have a child. In this series some major changes and strategies for adjusting are discussed.

How To Stop Bullying #2 of 2, #3269

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Christine and Suzan discuss signs that your child is being bullied and practical ways to stop bullying.

What If Ideals of Kids and Chores Fail #3 of 3, #853

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Not sure chores will work? Here's some things to do when you run into difficulty.

What If Ideals of Kids and Chores Fail #2 of 3, #852

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Household chores, when allowed to be age appropriate, help children grow. Chores provide children with much needed skills relationally, physically, and emotionally.

Parenting: Language of Encouragement #4 of 4, #2107

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Wrap up of the series is provided by Lynda.

Helping Children Cope with Separation and Loss #1 of 2, #2098

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This series takes a look at how children respond to change, separation and loss.

Helping Children Cope with Separation and Loss #2 of 2, #2099

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Soothing children in a time of loss or when facing separation can be a challenge.

Parenting: Language of Encouragement #1 of 4, #2104

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Learning the difference between praise and encouragement is foundational to one's role as parent. Discussed is the difference and their impact on children.

Parenting: Language of Encouragement #2 of 4, #2105

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Provided in this program are examples of the language of encouragement.

Parenting: Language of Encouragement #3 of 4, #2106

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Discussion is continued on the use of language that promotes encouragement versus discouragement in families.

Healthy Families: Children's Rights #1 of 2, #1622

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There are a number of characteristics that differentiate between healthy family functioning. The number of 'rights' given to children often helps delineate one difference. Described in this program are some of those examples.

Ready or Not: Getting You and Your Family Up and Out in the Morning #1 of 2, #3266

Whitney Stager, M.S.

This two part series with Whitney Stager explains the importance of the parents getting themselves ready in the morning and then focusing on helping the children get ready. Items discussed include possible pitfalls such as giving the kids too much or too little time and parents taking too much responsibility for their children. Tips include discussing and setting a morning routine, sticking to it and how the work will pay off in the end.

What If Ideals of Kids and Chores Fail #1 of 3, #851

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Chores provide a sense of belonging in the family. Each child desires to contribute to the well-being of the family in their own unique way. Chore provide a sense of belonging and helping in the family. Start them early and you will circumvent your children feeling left out.

Ready or Not: Getting You and Your Family Up and Out in the Morning #2 of 2, #3267

Whitney Stager, M.S.

This two part series with Whitney Stager explains the importance of the parents getting themselves ready in the morning and then focusing on helping the children get ready. Items discussed include possible pitfalls such as giving kids too much or too little time and parents taking too much responsibility for their children. Tips include discussing and setting a morning routine, sticking to it, and how the work will pay off in the end.

How To Stop Bullying #1 of 2, #3268

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Crucial to a child's development is a sense of safety. Christine and Suzan discuss signs that your child is being bullied and practical ways to stop bullying.

Faith of Our Children: A Model for Home Devotions #1 of 2, #3270

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Guiding a child's faith in Jesus Christ is a foundational piece in "training up a child in the way he should go..." (Proverbs 22:6) This series of two radio programs offers suggestions and resources for family devotions with elementary children.

Faith of Our Children: A Model for Home Devotions #2 of 2, #3271

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Guiding a child's faith in Jesus Christ is a foundation piece in "training up a child in the way he should go..."(Proverbs 22:9). This series of two radio programs offers suggestions and resources for family devotions with elementary children.

When Parents Fight, #2 of 2, 3276

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

The parents are the executives of the family and from their marital relationship all the other relationships in the family are derived. When parents have the habit of fighting with each other fiercely or frequently, children may be negatively impacted. In this series of broadcasts, Christine and Lynda discuss the impact and offer suggestions to help parents.

Turning Your Teens Off or Over to God #6 of 6, #3265

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This series, featuring Suzan Myhre, focuses on the normal development and struggles of teens as well as the responses parents have to these changes. Those responses can either encourage or discourage our teens from turning their hearts to God.

Turning Your Teens Off or Over to God #5 of 6, #3264

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This series, featuring Suzan Myhre, focuses on the normal development and struggles of teens as well as the responses parents have to these changes. Those responses can either encourage or discourage our teens from turning their hearts to God.

What If Ideals of Kids and Chores Fail #2 of 3, #852

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Household chores, when allowed to be age appropriate, help children grow. Chores provide children with much needed skills relationally, physically, and emotionally.

Turning Your Teens Off or Over to God #4 of 6, #3263

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This series featuring Suzan Myhre, focuses on the normal development and struggles of teens as well as responses parents have to these changes. Those responses can either encourage or discourage out teens from turning their hearts to God.

When Parents Fight, #1 of 2, #3275

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

The parents are the executives of the family and from their marital relationship all the other relationships in the family are derived. When parents have the habit of fighting with each other fiercely or frequently, children may be negatively impacted. In this series of broadcasts, Christine and Lynda discuss the impact and offer suggestions to help parents.

Proactive Parenting That Minimizes Sibling Rivalry, #1 of 3, #3277

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family in which there is more than one child. In this 3 part series, Christine and Lynda discuss practical ways that parents can be proactive in minimizing sibling rivalry and help their children to have positive lifelong relationships.

Proactive Parenting That Minimizes Sibling Rivalry, #2 of 3, #3278

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family in which there is more than one child. In this 3 part series, Christine and Lynda discuss practical ways that parents can be proactive in minimizing sibling rivalry and help their children to have positive lifelong relationships.

What If Ideals of Kids and Chores Fail #1 of 3, #851

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Chores provide a sense of belonging in the family. Each child desires to contribute to the well-being of the family in their own unique way. Chore provide a sense of belonging and helping in the family. Start them early and you will circumvent your children feeling left out.

Turning Your Teens Off or Over to God #3 of 6, #3262

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This series, featuring Suzan Myhre, focuses on the normal development and struggles of teens as well as responses parents have to these changes. Those responses can either encourage or discourage our teens from turning their hearts to God.

Children Never Get Over Divorce #3084

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Based on her book, "Proverbs For The Family", Lynda reveals the real feelings children have when their parents divorce.

Parents and Teens in Transition #2 of 3, #2096

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Continued discussion of the changes in the family dynamics when teens are in periods of transition.

Parents and Teens in Transition #3 of 3, #2097

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Discussion continues of the changes in the family dynamics when teens are in periods of transition. Bringing God into the relationship is explored.

Why Children Steal #1 of 2, #3164

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Discovering that your child has stolen something is disconcerting to many parents. These two programs outline the possible causes as well as responses needed to help children/ teenagers return to a place of honesty.

Parents and Teens in Transition #1 of 3, #2095

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The family dynamics change when teens are in periods of transition. Reasons and solutions for parents of teens who take a turn for the worse.

Why Children Steal #2 of 2, #3165

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Discovering that your child has stolen something is disconcerting to many parents. These two programs outline the possible causes as well as responses needed to help children/ teenagers return to a place of honesty.

Launching Your Adolescent #1 of 3, #3257

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

These three programs with Suzan Myhre discribe the process of helping our adolescents leave home to enter into the next stage of their lives. We discuss tasks that adolescents need to accomplish to make that successful as well as pitfalls for parents who may unknowingly sabotage the process.

Launching Your Adolescent #2 of 3, #3258

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

These three programs with Suzan Myhre describe the process of helping our adolescents leave home to enter into the next stage of their lives. We discuss tasks that adolescents need to accomplish in order to make leaving home successful. Also discussed are the pitfalls for parents who may unknowingly sabotage the process.

Launching Your Adolescent #3 of 3, #3259

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

These three programs with Suzan Myhre describe the process of helping our adolescents leave home to enter into the next stage of their lives. We discuss tasks that adolescents need to accomplish to make this transition successful. Also discussed are pitfalls for parents who may unknowingly sabotage the process.

Turning Your Teens Off or Over to God #1 of 6, #3260

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This series features Suzan Myhre focusing on the normal development and struggles of teens. Also presented are the responses parents have to these changes. Those response can either encourage or discourage our teens from turning their hearts to God.

Turning Your Teens Off or Over to God #2 of 6, #3261

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This series, featuring Suzan Myhre, discusses the normal development and struggles of teens as well as the response parents have to these change. Those responses can either encourage or discourage our teens from turning their hearts to God.

Proactive Parenting That Minimizes Sibling Rivalry, #3 of 3, #3279

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family in which there is more than one child. In this 3 part series, Christine and Lynda discuss practical ways that parents can be proactive in minimizing sibling rivalry and help their children to have positive lifelong relationships.