Attitude: A Window Into a Child’s Heart

Dr Scott Turansky Getting the job done is important, but what about the rolling eyes or huffing and mumbling? Is a bad attitude inevitable? Sometimes parents excuse the attitude by saying, “At least he did what I asked.” Others use excuses…
Yelling-isnt-necessary-but-firmness-is

Yelling isn’t Necessary – But Firmness Is

Dr Scott Turansky Some parents believe that the only way to be firm is to be harsh. But firmness and harshness are very different. Firmness says that a boundary is secure and won’t be crossed without a consequence. Harshness, on the…
Cultivating Your Child’s Prayer Life

Cultivating Your Child’s Prayer Life

Noah and Lily Thompson’s parents were on a mission—a mission to cultivate a love for prayer in their children's hearts. But as any parent knows, getting children to sit still and talk to God can sometimes feel impossible. The Thompsons…
How to Love Your Kids When They Need Correction

How to Love Your Kids When They Need Correction

Dr Scott Turansky Children need firmness, direction, limit-setting, instruction, and correction. But don’t forget, they also need a lot of love. Of course, you know that, but it’s good to be reminded every once in a while, especially…
Heart Wrestling Place

The Heart is a Wrestling Place

Dr Scott Turansky The heart is where we wrestle with things. When experience, teaching, and values need to be integrated into life, it happens in the workshop of the heart. Information comes into our heads on a regular basis but much of…
Three Stages of Adolescence

Three Stages of Adolescence

Dr Scott Turansky “We need help!” Mitch and Melinda have three kids, and their oldest son is now thirteen years old. “He’s developed an attitude, argues with us constantly, and creates all kinds of tension in our home.” These…
Lying-and-Conscience-Devleopment

Lying and Conscience Development

Dr Scott Turansky As a preschooler’s brain develops, the imagination takes an important role, forming the basis for creativity. While much of the creativity is helpful, one of the common side effects is a child’s ability to lie. Children…
Morning Routines

Morning Routines

Dr Scott Turansky Getting ready in the morning can be a great training time for children. Many things need to get done and the same routines are typically repeated day after day. With some strategic planning on the part of parents, kids…

Setting Limits on Technology

Dr Scott Turansky There’s no doubt that there are many benefits that come from our technological world. Information can be accessed at the press of a button. Game systems can keep kids entertained both at home and in the car, and texting…
Disappointment

When Kids Can’t Accept a No Answer

“The answer is no.” How does your child respond to that statement? Handling disappointment is part of life and knowing how to respond well to limits is part of maturity. But some children have a difficult time when…