I grew up without a dad. He was a part of my life when I was under the age of 10, but not a consistent part. Sometimes he was present, but most of the time he wasn’t. I’m not sure why my mom put up with his foolishness, but I suspect she did it for us. She didn’t want us growing up without a father. There wasn’t any indication that she was head over heels in love with him. … [Read more...]
How to Guide Your Children into a Lifelong Relationship with God
Most parents want to pass along their faith and values to their children. But it’s difficult with so many negative influences and images that flood our screens. In fact, a study conducted by the Pew Research Center last year found that millennials are walking away from Christianity in record numbers. This statistic worries me. I'm worried because my husband and I plan to … [Read more...]
Your Kids are Watching. 5 Imperative Habits They Should See from You in Your Marriage
Nothing brings your strengths and flaws to light like becoming a parent. My kids remind me every day that they are watching everything I do. They appreciate the moments when I get things right, and they see the moments when I don’t. Every. Single. Moment. They may not say a thing, but I know they see it all. And although my relationship with my husband isn’t about my kids, … [Read more...]
The One Decision That Can Make You a Better Mom and Wife
As an adult, I look at my mother and wonder how she did it all. A woman who raised us with just a fraction of the resources I have access to (and I don’t just mean financially), how did she do it? But then I remember that although we turned out well, my mom is paying the price today for putting everyone’s needs in front of her own. Her struggles with depression and her … [Read more...]
Dear White People: Understand What Drives Our Dreams to Help You Understand Our Struggles
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I am extremely troubled as a parent and elementary school teacher. Over the years, I have taught both black and white boys, and I have observed two distinct mindsets, views and dream patterns. The black boys in my class appear to be focused more on survival, and the whites appear to be focused more on thriving. I say this because we have several … [Read more...]
Does Not Having a Landline Telephone Spell Danger for Your Child?
This is something I have thought about for years—the decline of the old-fashioned house phone. It has been on my mind since cell phones became the trend. My biggest concern was what if something happens and a young child needs to use the phone to call grandma or 911 for help? They may not be old enough for a cell phone, but they are very capable of calling for help. When … [Read more...]
What You Should Be Doing to Your Spouse 8 Times a Day, But You’re Not!
An embarrassing incident happened in my hometown last week, involving a stolen mannequin. The details about the incident are further below if you're curious. But what struck me about the odd incident was not about how strange and crazy the man seemed. I was more curious about his state of emotional suffering. What would lead a man to such as bizarre action? What makes … [Read more...]
5 Things to Every Parent Must Say to Their Graduate
I have spent more than a decade of my career working in higher education. I’ve helped students transition into college, giving them access to the tools and resources they need to be successful. I’ve spoken on the phone to parents who are concerned about their child’s journey and who are frustrated because they aren’t sure how to help. I admit my children are only 3 and 6, so … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Why Your Kids Need You to Do Better in Love
Romantic relationships are far more complicated than any child can ever truly understand. But the thing is, our kids are a lot smarter than most of us give them credit for. They may not understand the complexities of intimate relationships, but they are able to detect drama, negativity and unhappiness without us saying much. You see, our kids feed off of our energy. When … [Read more...]
How Do You Tell a Child One of Their Grandparents Has Died?
Death is one of those subjects we just don't talk about a lot. I don't know about you, but it doesn't come up often at my dinner table. However, it's still something that we have to face and more often than we would like. The death of a grandparent or great grandparent (as in my case) is not easy and explaining it to a little person adds to the challenge. "Granddaddy, you … [Read more...]
9 Super Easy Ways to Make Your Family Healthier and Happier
We live in a world that makes it challenging to determine what we should or shouldn’t do when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. Many of us try our best to get it right because we know how much good health matters. But for many, sorting through all the noise is frustrating. Life is stressful, and slipping into bad habits becomes easier and easier with each passing … [Read more...]
Why I Stopped Praying for My Kids
Have you ever had anyone tell you to give your children back to the Lord when you give birth? I don’t know if that is something that just black families do or if it’s a religious thing, but I gave my kids to the Lord when they were born. I really did not know what that meant. I just thought it was something like a christening without the water. I would learn many years later … [Read more...]
Holly Robinson Peete Talks Raising Kids in a Digital World
Actress, singer, philanthropist, autism activist, wife and mom, Holly Robinson Peete, puts on a new hat—that of reality star. This spring, the Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper actress, who is married to former NFL quarterback and sports commentator Rodney Peete, is showing us how she juggles those many hats on her OWN network reality show For Peete’s Sake. The show follows the family of … [Read more...]
Five Books that Have Made Me a Better Mom
By Chandra Sparks Splond Have you ever had one of those days where you feel you are lacking as a parent? Maybe the baby won’t stop crying and you can’t figure out why or you’re trying to have a conversation you never imagined having with your tween or you’re telling your teen she needs to stay in school, knowing you never finished your degree. Some days it would be easier … [Read more...]
Are You Guilty of Letting Technology Raise Your Kids? You’ll Want to Read This
Let’s be real. What parent hasn’t left their children to entertain themselves down an endless rabbit hole of YouTube videos. I’m not proud to admit it, but even as I write this, my child is visiting with Auntie Siri, her favorite babysitter. “Mommy just needs to finish working real quick, so go back to the Disney app, and no more watching WorldStar fights, okay, … [Read more...]