Many kids would rather stare at a screen than stare at the pages of a book. And when playing video games becomes obsessive and all consuming, then problems will soon follow. The signs for addiction are obvious.  It’s the 8-year-old who has a meltdown when he’s told to put his iPad away. It’s the teenager who lets his grades slip because he can’t turn off the Xbox. To help control this growing issue, here are ways to keep your child from becoming addicted to video games. First, set time limits for playing—and stick to them.  Second, take the video games away if your child disobeys the house rules. Third, make sure they’re in some kind of sport or other physical activity. Here are more tips on How to Prevent Video Game Addiction.

For more parenting, marriage and relational truth, go to my blog, MarkMerrill.com.

Chivalry is not an archaic, medieval concept. It’s something that should be alive and well in our culture today. Our world needs more civility, common sense, kindness, and chivalry. Chivalry is displayed when a man honors a woman…is courteous and polite to her. So men, here are ways your kids benefit from your chivalrous deeds. First, you’re showing your children that seeing the needs of others and serving them is important. Second, you’re setting your daughter’s expectations. You’re modeling for her the kind of things she should look for in a future husband. Third, you’re setting your son’s expectations. You’re setting the table for him by demonstrating what a man should do for a woman. Read all Four Benefits of Showing Chivalry to Your Spouse and Daughters. 

For more parenting, marriage and relational truth, go to my blog, MarkMerrill.com.

Words matter. Words either build up or tear down. And, as parents, we can never underestimate the power that a few careless words will have on our kids. Here are some things not to say to your kids. First, don’t say nothing. When a dad chooses work or television or friends or sports over his child, the impact is lifelong. Be sure to share conversations with your children daily to build a deep, lasting relationship. Second, don’t say, “Why can’t you be more like so and so…”  Comparison kills…kills the imagination and kills the heart. As a parent, you must understand that your child is unique and uniquely gifted…see that in them and encourage the development of their gifts. Here are the remaining 5 Things Not to Say to Your Kids. 

For more parenting, marriage and relational truth, go to my blog, MarkMerrill.com.

Our kids are now all out of the house in college or starting a career.  But we still get to spend a lot of time with them. We like hanging out with them and with their friends. I think it’s fair to say that their friends enjoy time with us too. It’s because we invest in them. How? First, we’re available to them. Just like with our own kids, we’re available when asked to coach them and help them with anything they need. Second, we’re open to doing what they want to do. Our adult children and their friends call all the shots when we’re with them…we just go with the flow. Listen to this week’s podcast episode on how to invest in your adult child’s friends.

For more parenting, marriage and relational truth, go to my blog, MarkMerrill.com.

The answer is simple: you have a huge impact on your child.  But it’s up to you whether that impact is ultimately good or bad. Giacomo Bono—co-author of the new book, Making Grateful Kids, shares with us all about what it takes to make a good impact on our kids: gratitude. So how do we teach our kids to be grateful? First, demonstrate a spirit of gratefulness yourself. Second, teach your child to see obstacles as challenges to be thankful for and grow from. Third, steer your child away from a mindset of entitlement. Learn more on Cultivating a Spirit of Gratefulness.

For more on parenting, marriage and relational truth, go to my blog, MarkMerrill.com.

You need to be accepted by your spouse, warts and all, just as you are. But not every change your spouse desires is an attack on you or your personality. So, instead of just ignoring them or bowing up to them, start by asking…  “On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being really, really important to you, how important is it to you that I change this action or behavior?” Then, focus on those 8’s, 9’s and 10’s…and put the other things on the back burner. By the way, your spouse needs to know that a list of all 9’s or 10’s is just not realistic. Focus on the things that mean the most to your spouse. Read more about Questions to Ask When Your Spouse Wants You to Change.

For more on parenting, marriage and relational truth, go to my blog, MarkMerrill.com.

As your child grows up, they will develop many relationships. But in those relationships, they are bound to make mistakes. That’s why it’s so important to teach your child what a true apology looks like. Here are some ways to do so. First, teach them that a lack of intent doesn’t excuse them from apologizing. Whether your child’s actions were purposeful or accidental, be sure they know to apologize no matter what. Second, teach them that a good apology accepts responsibility. Train your child to say “I was wrong for saying or doing such and such…I apologize. So train ‘em up. Here’s more on How to Apologize When Sorry Doesn’t Cut It. 

For more on parenting, marriage and relational truth, go to my blog, MarkMerrill.com.