If I could go back and whisper something to 30-something-year-old me, it might sound like this list. It’s my personal Top Ten List of Things Parents Can Do to Help Their Children Succeed (or, how to raise kids that don’t suck). Today, the first three things I believe every parent can do to help their kids grow into strong, grounded, capable adults.
Tag Archives: Family
Love is the Tuesdays
Some days don’t feel extraordinary — they just feel like Tuesdays. But I’m learning that love often shows up in those ordinary, faithful moments. This post is a reminder that showing up—quietly and consistently—is sacred work.
The Best Moments Are the Ones You Don’t Plan
Sometimes the moments that matter most aren’t the ones we plan. They’re the quiet, ordinary ones—like pancakes on a Saturday—that leave the deepest imprint. This post is a reminder that the real magic happens in the in-between.
Being a Dad to Older Kids is Weird
Becoming a father for the first time 25 years ago, the author felt unprepared for the emotional challenges of parenting. Managing his children’s diverse emotions was tough, and he realized that his older kids don’t always want to hear his advice. Despite this, he finds solace in the hope that they’ll appreciate his wisdom one day.
Would You Win Back Time for Me?
The author expresses feelings of “melancholiday” – a mix of sadness and joy during the holiday season, especially on what they call their “First Last Christmas”. The family is preparing for a significant change, as eldest daughter Audrey is set to marry, altering their longtime holiday traditions. The author reflects on the importance of cherishing time with loved ones and intends to focus more on present moments, despite nostalgic feelings.
3 Rules Every Family Should Live By
Since our eldest was born 23 years ago, Robyn and I have realized there are many things people say children should learn, many things parents should focus on to ensure their kids turn out great, to have a happy family. We’ve tried a few of them. Some of them have worked, but many of themContinue reading “3 Rules Every Family Should Live By”
Don’t Forget the Wonder
There’s an important story in the life of Christ that might be good for us to take a look at before we jump into the busy holiday season that really kicks off for most of us this week. As we get ready for the familiar feelings of baking, being with friends and family, decorating forContinue reading “Don’t Forget the Wonder”
10 Things Parents Can Do for Their Kids to Help Them Succeed
I have four children, so I get it. Parenting is hard. As James Dobson once wrote, it’s not for cowards. That beautiful little sleeping newborn is actually the beginning of a full grown human being, with wants, desires, attitudes, feelings, and emotions. And as that baby grows up, it will ask more and more ofContinue reading “10 Things Parents Can Do for Their Kids to Help Them Succeed”
This is Halloween
Halloween. There’s a lot of feelings Christians have about this holiday. I grew up going trick-or-treating, and only stopped because we moved and my parents weren’t sure of the neighborhood. We always decorated the house with Halloween decorations, still had Halloween parties, and even enjoyed It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, ever year. My familyContinue reading “This is Halloween”
A Beautifully “Odd Life”
Parenting isn’t easy. Even when your kids are “yours,” it’s not an easy task. Imagine if your child sprang up from your garden, full grown. It would be even harder. Walt Disney Pictures’ new film The Odd Life of Timothy Green is a beautifully-filmed and well-acted reflection on what it means–and what it takes–to beContinue reading “A Beautifully “Odd Life””
Duane S. Montague 