Values

By: Vicki Bohling

Every family has strengths, but some families also have weaknesses. Research has shown that adults raised in dysfunctional families frequently report difficulties forming and maintaining intimate relationships, maintaining positive self-esteem, and trusting others; they fear a loss of control, and deny their feelings and reality. It’s true—our early influences can leave behind deep grooves—both good and bad— that we tend to carry around for the rest of our lives. Dysfunction can be a difficult cycle to break, but it is possible. In my work with families, I refer to this process as “pioneer parenting”. For all pioneers who have been the first to enter new territory, the road is often long and bumpy, but the destination points can be incredibly rewarding and the legacy is definitely priceless. Learn more >

By: Marie Williams

It’s pretty much universal knowledge that “getting healthy” is the number one New Year’s resolution. Yet, too often it’s the first thing we give up on! But let’s stop and think about how we could positively impact our kids, if we just followed through on getting healthy (and maintaining a healthy lifestyle). Here’s some quick-and-easy advice for parents who want to keep their family’s health goals on track—not only for the first two weeks of January—but all year round. Read more >

By: Vicki Bohling

If there’s only one thing I’ve learned about parenting after all these years, it’s that the easiest way to parent isn’t always the best way. But, I’ve also learned that there are essentially two universal truths to parenting that every parent should own, accept, and practice every day—no matter what age, stage, phase, or season of parenting you may be weathering. Read more >

By: Samantha MacDonald, Online Parent Engagement Coordinator

Last week, ParentFurther Editor, Jennifer, shared her big lesson of 2011 on the ParentFurther blog. This week, our Online Parent Engagement Coordinator, Sam, shares her own life lessons with us. Read Samantha’s life-changing lessons of 2011 now! >

By: ParentFurther Editor, Jennifer Jolly

Last week ParentFurther’s Program Manager, Mary Margaret shared her big lesson of 2011 on the ParentFurther blog. This week, Editor, Jennifer Jolly shares her own life lesson with us. Read Jennifer’s Christmas Miracle story now! >

By: Jolene Roehlkepartain

The holiday season is about giving, but we often times “get” more than we give. Teach your kids to help others by being generous not only during the holidays, but as they continue to grow—year after year— into empathetic adults. Learn what research says about why giving is important >

By: Jolene Roehlkepartain

It’s no secret that many people find gift giving stressful, but it doesn’t need to be that way! This year, make gift giving something you enjoy and something that has meaning. Learn how >

By: Jolene Roehlkepartain

Both kids and adults find it difficult to focus when we're nervous or excited. The upcoming holidays (and holiday break for kids) can exasperate excitement and cause kids to lose focus at school. Research reveals: there are many things a parent can do to help ease the jitters and help your child succeed in school. Get jitter-taming tips! >

Our friend, Tenessa Gemelke, is a silly mom with a goofy sense of style. When she was recently cast on TLC's reality show, What Not to Wear, and made over into a silly mom with fancy style, she seized the opportunity to address a few often-hard-to-talk-about issues like body image and integrity with her seven and four-year-old sons and teenage nieces. Read Tenessa's account of her experience on What Not To Wear. Read more >