More than 20 years ago, my husband and I were blessed to work in our church's teen ministry. We wanted to help spiritually guide their thoughts as they attempted to navigate this thing called life. Back then, the challenges they faced were unlike anything even I had dealt with. School pressure, peer pressure, even internal pressure brought a realm of circumstances somewhat … [Read more...]
Parenting
Popular Stories on Parenting
The Unapologetic Art of Effectively Co-Parenting Teenagers
I have had some conversations recently about how challenging it is to raise teenagers. Another layer to the challenge is when parents are raising teenagers in separate households. Co-parenting teenagers presents a completely different set of challenges than children of other ages. The Unapologetic Art of Effectively Co-Parenting Teenagers In this article: Present a … [Read more...]
4 Tips for Creating a Great Family Mission Statement
In a previous post, I mentioned sharing where and how to start creating your family’s mission statement. However, after a bit of reflection, I realize that I may have done both of us a disservice. I was a tad overzealous and a bit careless in summarizing the family mission statement creation process. I should have promised to first provide a clear and concise explanation of … [Read more...]
5 Things Your Kids Want for Christmas More Than Gifts
With Christmas rapidly approaching, it can feel like every other conversation with your kids has to do with something cool that they would like for Christmas. In fact, it may be difficult to believe that there are things your kids want for Christmas more than gifts. My 5-year-old has a long list for Santa. He understands that many items may not be purchased and he is totally … [Read more...]
9 Fun Family Halloween Costume Ideas
Get the gang ready for All Hallows' Eve with our list of family Halloween costumes that kids and adults will love! 9 Family Halloween Costumes to Get Ready for the Party 1. Circus Act https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmbz8m2hag7/ Want to look funny and creepy at the same time? Dress your family in a circus act theme this Halloween. The husband can lead the show as the … [Read more...]
4 Easy Things You Can Do To Make Your Family Unit Stronger
What are your family goals? While there are different types of family goals, at the end of the day, we all want the same thing. We want our families to be happy, healthy, and strong. Also, we want to strengthen our unions (which is what you find yourself on this site), and we want to be the best possible parents. Here are a few tips you can try. My hope is this list of family … [Read more...]
10 Things Every Mom Should Absolutely Teach Her Son About Relationships And Other WOMEN!
When it comes to parenting, I believe that mothers know best. I have a son and a daughter. They mean the world to me, and, of course, I want what’s best for them in love and life. I didn’t grow up seeing what a healthy, loving relationship looked like, so it is important for me to show them that example through the relationship I have with my husband. As a mom, I know how big … [Read more...]
3 Ways To Help End Period Poverty #EndPeriodPoverty
“Wow!! I've heard about this in other countries....I shouldn't be surprised it happens in the states too!” That’s what a friend posted on my Facebook page when I announced that I would be helping Always raise awareness of American girls’ lack of access to period products (known as period poverty). And to be honest, it’s exactly what I thought too. But did you know that … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why Some Men Abandon Their Children
I was recently asked why abandoning children is often done by men. As a man fully committed to the well-being of my family, I don't believe there's one single answer to why this happens. Still, I know for a fact that fear, if left unchecked, will send a man down a road of no return. Abandoning Children | Why Men Do It In this article: Abandonment Is a Reaction to Fear … [Read more...]
11 Tips To Help You Be Both A Good Mom And A Good Wife
Balancing how to be a good mom and wife at the same time can be very challenging. For many women, it often seems difficult to be great at one and still find the energy to be great at the other. And truthfully, the role that tends to suffer most is being a wife. Here, I'll give you tips on balancing the roles of how to be a good mom and wife without letting either responsibility … [Read more...]
5 More Things I Did to Get My Daughter’s Natural Hair Growing
Recently, I wrote an article that literally set off a slew of comments, good and bad, from people questioning the methods I used in growing natural hair for my daughter. While I always appreciate the comments, there is one lesson I want other parents who are learning to deal with their daughter’s natural hair to learn. Natural hair Nazis need to take a seat. Find out the five … [Read more...]
The Top 30 Names for African American Baby Boys
Naming is your first big parenting choice — welcome to 18 more years of personality-molding decisions and while we can’t help you raise your kid, we can help you pick a name for your son by listing the most popular black baby boy names. Daycare or home care, TV or none, bangs or no bangs? These are tough choices. But bangs grow back, while names are (or are meant to be) … [Read more...]
How Do Kids Suffer in Dysfunctional Marriages?
Dr. Buckingham, I am stuck in between a rock and a hard place in my marriage. My marriage is totally dysfunctional. My husband and I live like we are roommates and try our best to remain sane in our home. However, it is becoming more and more difficult. We are in constant conflict about our finances, parenting, intimacy and family functioning. He accuses me of being … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Inspire Girls to “Stick with STEM”
I have a confession to make. I love math and I don’t care who knows it! I also love the look on people’s faces when they find out I have a bachelors degree in Math and a masters in Electrical Engineering. They’re almost always super impressed…like I’m some sort of genius - lol! But since I’m being honest, I must admit that I was not always proud of my aptitude for STEM fields … [Read more...]
My Boyfriend is a Deadbeat Father, Should I Marry Him?
Dr. Buckingham: I hope you and your family are doing well. My boyfriend has three kids with three different women. The first two he had when he was 20 and the kids are 7 months apart. He said he did not know the other woman was pregnant until the first baby was one year old. He lived with the mother of his second child for 5 years and they broke up because she wanted him to … [Read more...]