As families become busier, I notice fewer kids doing chores. Instead, professionals are hired to care for our lawns, wash our cars, hang our Christmas lights, and clean our houses. And while that’s understandable and sometimes necessary, releasing our kids from all work at home can deprive them of a good work ethic. So I challenge you to teach your children to work hard by doing these things. First, create opportunities around the house for them to work starting at a young age. Second, treat their studies as a work ethic training ground by encouraging them to see school as their job. Finally, continue to model a consistent work ethic in your own life, so they have someone to look up to. Here are 6 Ways to Teach Your Kids a Good Work Ethic. Remember, your Family First.

Wounds in a marriage, big or small, can be difficult to deal with and every husband and wife can either choose to cover festering wounds in their relationship and prevent healing or they choose to expose those wounds and promote healing. Here are several reasons why a spouse might hide the hurtful wounds. The first is pride. It would be too embarrassing if others knew what really happened. The second is shame. They’re already ashamed and don’t need to feel worse. The third…pain. Maybe pain is all they've really ever known…so they just live with it. Today, instead of ignoring or hiding your hurt, open it up and start treating it. Only then will the healing begin. Learn more about how to repair your marriage by healing the hurts, not hiding them. Remember, your Family First.  

No one can imagine the devastation caused by a cheating spouse except one who has experienced it. Anger, sadness, confusion, embarrassment, betrayal, and rejection may be just some of the emotions that flood one’s mind and heart. And while there is no one answer for dealing with a cheating spouse, here are some steps you can take. First, don’t make any quick decisions on what you’re going to do even though you may want to end it right then and there.  Second, consider your children. Be careful not to talk poorly about your spouse or put your kids in the position of choosing sides. Third, work through your feelings and seek wise counsel from a trusted friend or counselor instead of bottling it all up. Finally, if at all possible, pursue reconciliation. Here are some more answers to the question, “I caught my wife cheating, now what?" Remember, your Family First.

When your kids talk back, the last thing you want to do is engage in a verbal tug of war. Instead, it’s best to have wise words prepared for some of the most common ways that kids talk back. For example, when your child says, “That’s not fair,” respond with, “Being fair doesn’t mean treating you the same way I treat others. Let’s do what’s right for you and everyone involved.” When your kids say, “Everyone else gets to do it,” you can reply, “What other parents choose to let their kids do is not always right for us. We will make our own decisions based on what’s best for you and our family.” For more on how to use wise words, listen to this Family First podcast. Remember, your Family First.

Most job descriptions just cover general areas of responsibility. Few job descriptions actually capture what a typical workday is really like. So, I'd like to take a stab at a real dad job description that every father needs to know. A dad must be a Cheerleader. He will strive to be present at and loudly cheer during sports, music, dance, and other performances. A dad must be an Energy Conservationist. He will ensure that all lights and faucets are turned off and doors are closed when his child forgets to do so. And a dad must be a Garbage Disposal. He will regularly clean child’s dishes by consuming remaining bits of food at the end of meals. Read the rest of our real dad job description. Remember, your Family First. 

Thunderstorms here in Florida come and go…often very quickly.  But what about the storms in our lives…the ones that don’t disappear so easily?  Anxiety can be one of those storms, and it’s more common than we think.  Anxiety affects 40 million adults in America…about 18% of our population.  Recently, some of my friends shared with me their battles with anxiety.  So what can you do if you experience anxiety?  First, talk to a trusted friend or doctor about your struggle.  Second, practice relaxation techniques to use when anxious thoughts begin clouding your mind.  Here’s more information on How to Deal with Anxiety.  

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