Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.6.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Dr. Roger D. Butner, LMFT - Hope For Your Family

Compassionate Guidance for Your Life Journey

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Test réflexion clic souris : ce qu’il faut savoir avec le générateur](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/test-reflexion-clic-souris-ce-qu-il-faut-savoir-avec-le-generateur/) - Qu’est‑ce que le test réflexion clic souris ?Pourquoi évaluer sa réactivité est essentiel aujourd’huiFonctionnement du test : étapes détailléesPréparation de l’appareilRéalisation du testPrincipales mesures et ce qu’elles signifientCas d’usage courants du test réflexion clic sourisAvantages et limites du test en ligneMise en place pour les équipes ou les particuliersConfiguration et intégrationCoût, support et critères de
- [Ingredients for a Delightful Marriage: SHARED VISION](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/ingredients-for-a-delightful-marriage-shared-vision/) - Ingredients for a Delightful Marriage: Shared Vision This seventh installment in the ongoing article series offering my recipe for a delightful marriage, we will cover the last “ingredient,” Shared Vision, before moving on to the three key directions for cooking up your best possible relationship experience. Having a shared vision as life partners doesn’t mean
- [Ingredients for a Delightful Marriage: ACCEPTANCE](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/ingredients-for-a-delightful-marriage-acceptance/) - “When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation - some fact of my life - unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment…Unless I accept
- [Ingredients for a Delightful Marriage: SERVICE](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/ingredients-for-a-delightful-marriage-service/) - Continuing with our recipe for cooking up a wonderful marriage, today we’ll add another essential ingredient: service. And let’s be clear about this - we’re talking about mutual service. Each partner diligently and joyfully finding opportunities to serve the other. Or as my wife has taught me (I think she might have picked this one
- [Lessons from Nature: Slow Down and Learn!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/lessons-from-nature-slow-down-and-learn/) - Lessons from Nature: Slow Down and Learn! I suppose one of the core reasons I keep going out into nature with my camera in recent years is to experience the unique tension of exciting encounters that only come through deliberate slowing down. If I want to have the truly thrilling reward of a close encounter
- [Ingredients for a Delightful Marriage: GRACE](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/ingredients-for-a-delightful-marriage-grace/) - Ingredients for a Delightful Marriage: GRACE So far in our recipe for how to create and maintain a delightful marriage relationship, we have covered the importance of work and play. Now let’s talk about an often overlooked element that makes such a difference, one might even call it the secret ingredient to this recipe: Grace!
- [Recipe for a Delightful Marriage: PLAY](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/recipe-for-a-delightful-marriage-play/) - Recipe for a Delightful Marriage: PLAY There is no doubt about it: having fun being playful together has always been a key ingredient to keeping my own marriage delightful and strong. My wife and I have a blast together! Yes, as these images illustrate, we definitely enjoy playing a variety of board, card, dice, and
- [Recipe for a Delightful Marriage: WORK](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/ingredients-for-a-delightful-marriage-work/) - (This image of an osprey delivering a nice sturdy branch to its nest will make sense. I hope. Just read…)Ingredients for a Delightful Marriage: WORK I know. “Fun” was the first ingredient I listed in my previous article when I introduced this series about the recipe for making and sustaining a great marriage. And here
- [Recipe for a Delightful Marriage](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/ingredients-for-a-delightful-marriage/) - Ingredients for a Delightful Marriage My wife and one of our dearest friends have established a rhythm of cooking together once a week or so over the last few months. The heart to heart conversations, adventure of trying new recipes, and fun of working and learning together have been truly profound blessings for them, as
- [Facing the Hard Things](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/facing-the-hard-things/) - Facing the Hard Things This image is one of my all-time favorites. For so many reasons! Several years ago, my wife and son and I got to go on a dream vacation with our best friends to Wyoming, exploring the beauty and mystery of nature in and around the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
- [Lessons from Nature: Find Your Element!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/lessons-from-nature-find-your-element/) - Lessons From Nature: Find Your Element From time to time, I’ll be sharing articles inspired by my experiences and perspectives gleaned from excursions in nature as I seek out interesting wildlife and moments of beauty - my very favorite way to recharge my battery and keep my creative spark active. And for years now, my
- [Parenting with Perspective: Your Teen/Child is an Individual](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-with-perspective-your-teen-child-is-an-individual/) - Parenting with Perspective: Your Teen/Child is an Individual Sometimes we get frustrated, as parents, because our kids aren’t doing things the way we think we would be doing them if we were in their shoes. In fact, this is probably a huge understatement! I’m here to tell you today there are several reasons we need
- [Proactively Guiding Our Teens’/Preteens’ Social Media Use](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/proactively-guiding-our-teens-preteens-social-media-use/) - I wrote this post 7 years ago, and it is as relevant now as it was then. Even more critical, given the recent US Surgeon General’s call to attention I mentioned in my previous post a couple weeks ago. A study released by the British Psychological Society last week shows the consuming drive of many teens to
- [How Dr. Butner can help you…](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/how-dr-butner-is-hoping-to-help-you/) - Hello, my name is Dr. Roger Butner. Welcome to my website. Reaching out for help can be tough - but so is struggling on your own. So here you are looking for help. I respect your courage in seeking help, and I applaud your desire for a better life for yourself and your loved ones!
- [Keeping Your CHILL When Situations Heat Up](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/keeping-your-chill-when-situations-heat-up/) - What really pushes your buttons and steams you up? Getting stuck in traffic that’s barely crawling. Or just being at the mercy of a driver you’re calling a/an _______ because they _______. Having your best efforts to get ahead in your career fail, even though what you’re trying makes perfect sense and should be working.
- [Changing the Pattern by Changing Your Part](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/changing-the-pattern-by-changing-your-part/) - Relationships can be frustrating. No doubt about it! Your spouse or partner really raises your blood pressure when they do that same old same old. Sometimes you want to throttle your child for pulling that stunt for the umpteenth time. Your parent just doesn’t get it. That one sibling’s superpower is doing exactly the opposite
- [Taking Good Care of Your Mood and Relationships When Spring Is Blooming](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/taking-good-care-of-your-mood-and-relationships-when-spring-is-blooming/) - Spring is such a beautiful time of year! A new generation of wildlife emerges to find its place in the circle of life. The world around us grows greener and more lush by the day. Flowers burst forth from the ground and bushes and trees. If you’re anything like me, you want to get out
- [One small Way to Make a BIG Improvement in Your Relationship](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/one-small-way-to-make-a-big-improvement-in-your-relationship/) - How long has it been since your partner or spouse said or did something that frustrated, hurt, or offended you in some way? No matter how great your relationship is, when you stick with someone long enough, this kind of disappointment is going to happen. It’s the human condition. We aren’t perfect. And we let
- [Six Points to Discuss with Your Teen Before Their Spring Break Trip](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/six-points-to-discuss-with-your-teen-before-their-spring-break-trip/) - So, your high school or college student has convinced you to let them go on a Spring Break trip away from you. Good for you! You can’t watch over them forever, and they’ve got to have opportunities to make decisions on their own in order for them to grow into healthy adulthood. But just sending
- [Men: Here’s a 7 Point Inspection for a Regular Life Tuneup](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/men-heres-a-7-point-inspection-for-a-regular-life-tuneup/) - I’ll just go ahead and admit that I don’t understand much of what moves and breathes and hums underneath the hood of my car. And I definitely don’t do my own oil changes and tuneups. But, fellas, I do know a lot about the kinds of things that keep our life engines running smoothly and
- [School Year Family Tradition: High/Low](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/school-year-family-tradition-high-low/) - I remember watching a film with my wife some years back called, “The Story of Us.” It chronicles the various chapters, snippets, and moments back and forth over the years that have led one married couple to their current crisis crossroads. As a guy who has been married for 27 years and who has worked
- [Where are our kids growing up?](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/where-are-our-kids-growing-up/) - The US Surgeon General released a VERY SIGNIFICANT advisory this week regarding social media and youth mental health that should have us all sitting up, paying attention, and making some serious adjustments - especially those of us who are parents of teens and preteens, educators, therapists, coaches, pastors, etc! For today, I’m just going to
- [Simple Ways to Connect with Your Teen: Have a Text-Only Meal Conversation](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/simple-ways-to-connect-with-your-teen-have-a-text-only-meal-conversation/) - Above is just one screenshot example of the kind of goofiness my son and I sometimes share in our text exchanges. I do love a good GIF! So, my last entry in this series of posts is the quirkiest one, I suppose. And not one to be overused, for sure. But every now and then,
- [Simple Ways to Connect with Your Teen: Take Them to Their Favorite Eatery](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/simple-ways-to-connect-with-your-teen-take-them-to-their-favorite-eatery/) - Today’s suggestion is as simple as it gets! And it’s got a very high chance of being a teen-pleaser, regardless of your teen’s particular interests. Invite your teen out for a one-on-one at their favorite place to eat. Fast food, dine-in, coffee shop, dessert spot, or whatever. Let your teen pick the place, or invite
- [Simple Ways to Connect with Your Teen: Have Regular YouTube Time Together](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/simple-ways-to-connect-with-your-teen-have-regular-youtube-time-together/) - Whether it's YouTube, TikTok, another social media video site, or a combination, there's a VERY good chance your teen enjoys watching socially posted videos. And if you're willing to approach it the right way, this can pose a delightful opportunity for you to connect and build your relationship with them. Here are a few tips
- [Simple Ways to Connect with Your Teen: Share a Low-Key Outdoor Activity](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/simple-ways-to-connect-with-your-teen-share-a-low-key-outdoors-activity/) - (Intro: As I’m working on the process of revamping my website, I’m beginning a new blog series: Simple Ways to Connect with Your Teen. Some, and likely - many, of the suggestions in this series will be just as doable and helpful with younger kids. But my driving focus of the series will be connecting
- [Untangling Life's Knots](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/untangling-lifes-knots-2/) - Sometimes life seems to get all tangled up in a mess. And when you really look at the knot of troubles, you may feel the anxious stab of discouragement telling you it's hopeless: "The knot is just too tangled! This mess is way too big!" I certainly have felt this way at times, and I'll
- [Look Up!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/look-up/) - These poignant words from a great 20th century philosopher have never been more true: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while...You could miss it!"- Ferris Bueller, 1986 Our lives are made up of an ongoing series of moments. How many of these moments we invest or squander
- [Hang On!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/hang-on/) - Sometimes, you're just hanging on, aren't you? Life seemed safe and easy until you took that Big Leap. Or maybe something Big came along and scared you, so you retreated to what you thought was a safe place. Or you were just enjoying life right where you were until a big Gust of life started
- [Three Great Family Activities to Beat the Summer Heat](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/three-great-family-activities-to-beat-the-summer-heat/) - Play Games Together There are so many great options available for really fun gaming experiences together as a family. Classic board games, such as Monopoly, Life, Clue, Risk, etc. have stood the test of time for a reason. So many new board games are really delightful, such as Catan, Smallworld, Trekking the National Parks, Ticket
- [Raising Confident Kids in an InstaSnap World](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/raising-confident-kids-in-an-instasnap-world/) - Over the past three to five years, I have seen a dramatic rise in social anxiety struggles as a reason teens are coming to see me in my counseling practice. This social anxiety commonly shows up in two intertwined ways in their lives: struggles with self-doubt / negative self image and being able to easily
- [Change Happens](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/change-happens/) - Come mothers and fathersThroughout the landAnd don't criticizeWhat you can't understandYour sons and your daughtersAre beyond your commandYour old road is rapidly agin'Please get out of the new oneIf you can't lend your handFor the times they are a-changin'- Bob Dylan Whether we like it or not…whether we are ready or not…whether we embrace it
- ["I believe in belief!"](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/i-believe-in-belief/) - "So, I've been hearing this phrase y'all got over here [in England] that I ain't too crazy about. 'It's the hope that kills you.' Y'all know that? I disagree, you know? I think it's the lack of hope that comes and gets you. See, I believe in hope. I believe in belief."- Ted Lasso My
- [Scrub The Windows Now And Then](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/scrub-the-windows-now-and-then/) - I recently had an enlightening experience, thanks to participating in the "30 Day Song Challenge" on Facebook. I realized I had closed my mind to virtually all new popular music sometime around the time I finished college in 1996. I had concluded that all good music had already been written, and anything new coming out
- [Stop And Ask How They're Doing](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/stop-and-ask-how-theyre-doing/) - The pandemic has lingered on for months and months and months - about a year now, actually! WOW!!! To say it has brought many layers of changes to our everyday lives is an understatement. And things just haven't "gone back to normal." Who knows how "normal" things will ever be after this? The message of
- [An "Old School" Tool For Your Family](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/an-old-school-tool-for-your-family/) - How much has family life has changed since today's parents of teens were teenagers ourselves? Ummmm...TONS! One of the huge changes I've really been noticing lately in my own family is how many different digital calendars and virtual spaces are represented by just the three people in my house - my wife, my 17 year
- [New Year...New Growth Opportunity](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/new-year-new-growth-opportunity/) - Never in my years do I recall seeing and hearing such a widespread and overwhelming display of fireworks as we experienced around the globe on New Year's Eve this year! Beginning a new year usually brings to mind a fresh start. But this year, it meant even more. Last year (2020) just seemed like such
- [The Art of Conversation: Recharging Our Socially Distanced Batteries](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-art-of-conversation-recharging-our-socially-distanced-batteries/) - I had lunch with a longtime friend of mine this week. For the last few months, we have made a commitment to getting together once a month for lunch, because even though we live just around the corner from one another, our lives just don't naturally intersect like they use to, and we have decided
- [One Another](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/one-another/) - Let's face it. 2020 has been a WILD ride. And it ain't over yet! Covid-19. Job loss. Social distancing. Economic hardship. Masking up. Harsh racial realities. Political strife. Layers and layers of social tension. Layers and layers and layers and layers. And with all of this tension, stress, and strife, surely there's something we can
- [Five Reasons You Should Be Concerned About Teens Vaping](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/five-reasons-you-should-be-concerned-about-teens-vaping/) - If you have not yet heard about vaping or "juuling," you haven't been paying close attention to what's happening with teens and pre-teens today. Yes, I said pre-teens. Vaping (sometimes referred to by its most popular device brand: "Juul") refers to using an electronic device to vaporize a special liquid designed to mimic the cloud
- [It's Not Just You!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/its-not-just-you/) - Feeling weary as you make it through one day at a time of this coronavirus/COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 season of "sheltering at home" and "maintaining social distancing?" Yeah. I'll bet you are. It isn't just you. This post is not intended to discourage or paint a picture of gloom. Not at all. Rather, I want to share this
- [10 Simple Ways to Maintain Mental/Emotional Health](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/10-simple-ways-to-maintain-mental-emotional-health/) - This is a picture of me in my ultimate "happy place" - at the bank of the Snake River just at the edge of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. If I could choose anywhere in the world right now to practice "social distancing," without having to deal with logistics of money, travel, etc, this
- [Change the World! One Word of Encouragement at a Time.](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/change-the-world-one-word-of-encouragement-at-a-time/) - Encouragement. It can be given and received in so many ways: A smile. A thoughtful text. Thanking a restaurant server or store clerk by name. Giving a hug. Cheering for someone during their performance. Sending a card in the mail. Calling someone just to let them know you're thinking of them. Sharing a high five
- [Lightening Your Load: Expectations](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/lightening-your-load-expectations/) - I'm firing up the blog rhythm today with a series about the tremendous freeing value of lightening your load. We will look at four different ways we can unnecessarily weigh ourselves down in life, how we can let go of the burdens we need not carry, and the incredible difference it makes in life when
- [Six Reasons to Exercise Regularly with Your Teen](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/six-reasons-to-exercise-regularly-with-your-teen/) - As we get ready to start another school year with our families, I want to share a personal and professional encouragement with you on something that can really revolutionize your family life: exercising regularly with your teen. My son started running on the cross country team at his school two years ago, and that became
- [Empowering Our Kids Against Addiction: Part 5 - Following A Spiritual Compass](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/empowering-our-kids-against-addiction-part-5-following-a-spiritual-compass/) - If you have been following this series, I hope you now have a clear picture of some of the essential tools you can share with your kids and teens to help them live as well as possible - without addiction. The first four skills we examined are about different ways to do life well. This
- [Empowering Our Kids Against Addiction: Part 4 - Living A Life Of Service To Others](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/empowering-our-kids-against-addiction-part-4-living-a-life-of-service-to-others/) - As we begin looking at how cultivating a life of service to others guards our teens against the allure of addiction, let me tell you why I chose this image to illustrate the point: Facebook reminded me yesterday that this is what happened two years ago. My family and I moved into a new home.
- [Empowering Our Kids Against Addiction: Part 3 - Facing The Hard Things In Life Directly](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/empowering-our-kids-against-addiction-part-3-facing-the-hard-things-in-life-directly/) - Let's be realistic. Not every hard thing you or your kids will face in life is of giant proportion. It's not always little David with his five little stones and his faith in God running out to meet the monstrous Goliath (But read the story - Goliath is truly humongous, and David actually runs to
- [Empowering Our Kids Against Addiction: Part 2 - Working For Long-Term Rewards](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/empowering-our-kids-against-addiction-part-2-working-for-long-term-rewards/) - As we continue this parenting series on how to help our teens prevent addiction in their lives, we move from the importance of living honestly to the power of working for long-term rewards. This gets to what motivates us and drives our decision making process. Seriously important stuff! Allow me to illustrate what I mean
- [Empowering Our Kids Against Addiction: Part 1 - Living Honestly](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/empowering-our-kids-against-addiction-part-1-living-honestly/) - We begin this series of how parents can empower our kids against the destructive pathways of addiction by looking at the freeing power of living with a pattern of honesty and integrity. When I use the term, "honesty," I mean the sincere effort to communicate about life as it really is, rather than distorting the
- [Equipping Your Teen to Live Free from Addiction](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/equipping-your-teen-to-live-free-from-addiction/) - Addiction. We seem to hear more about it all the time. New forms of addiction. New addiction treatment options. Someone famous has been crushed by an addiction. This is what addiction is costing society. And on and on and on. Addiction is a serious issue that devastates countless lives. And no loving parent wants to
- [Making Family Memories This Summer](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/making-family-memories-this-summer/) - Your kids are about to be out of school for the summer. They may already be stricken with "spring fever," and can't wait to be out of school for a good long stretch. That's cool. We've all been there. They should enjoy their summer break. I just want to challenge all of us parents not
- [Six Ways Your Teen Can Invest in a Worthwhile Summer](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/six-ways-your-teen-can-invest-in-a-worthwhile-summer/) - Sleep until at least midday. Lay around the house all afternoon using various digital screens, preferably with headphones on to tune out any and all parental input. Stay up well past midnight interacting with friends via gaming connections or various social networking options. Sleep until at least midday... Such is the lofty dream of many
- [Equipping Your Teen For Dating: 5. Practical Tips](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/equipping-your-teen-for-dating-5-practical-tips/) - Today, I'll wrap up this series on equipping our teens for dating by sharing just a few simple, practical tips that can help our kids have the best possible experience while they're out enjoying each other's company. Have enough gas in the vehicle before the date begins. I told you these tips were simple. But
- [Equipping Your Teen for Dating: 4. Digital Communication](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/equipping-your-teen-for-dating-4-digital-communication/) - As we move to the issue of guiding our teens through healthy management of their smart phones and other digital devices, we are now facing BY FAR the biggest change to dating dynamics since we were kids. When I was a teen, if I wanted to communicate with a girlfriend, a buddy, or anyone else
- [Equipping Your Teen For Dating: 3. The Lost Art Of Being A Gentleman](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/equipping-your-teen-for-dating-3-the-lost-art-of-being-a-gentleman/) - (This is the third installment in a series I introduced here: Guiding Teens Through Five Major Dating Dynamics) Today's post is directly intended for parents of boys. However, there may certainly be value in parents of girls using these ideas to help your daughter frame healthy expectations of how she should be treated by a
- [Guiding Teens Through Five Major Dating Dynamics](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/guiding-teens-through-the-dynamics-of-dating/) - Your teen wants to start dating. But is she/he ready? Are you? Does she know what boundaries she needs to follow? Does he understand how to conduct himself as a gentleman? Have you discussed sexual morals and guidelines? Curfew? Budget? Phone limits? Driving rules? Drinking issues? As a professional teen expert and the Dad of
- [Equipping Your Teen for Dating: 2. Setting Specific Rules](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/equipping-your-teen-for-dating-2-setting-specific-rules/) - (This is the second installment in a series introduced here: Guiding Teens Through Five Major Dating Dynamics) Whether we love them or hate them, whether or not they are expressly spoken or written, whether we are adults, adolescents, or children, rules are a part of our everyday lives. Rules offer us structure, limits, standards, and
- [Equipping Your Teen for Dating: 1. Sexual Morals and Guidelines](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/equipping-your-teen-for-dating-1-sexual-morals-and-guidelines/) - (This post is the first installment of a series I introduced here: Guiding Teens Through Five Major Dating Dynamics) Talking with our kids and teens about sex and issues related to sexuality can be an uncomfortable and daunting challenge. Uncomfortable for parents. Uncomfortable for teens and preteens. Fine. It can be uncomfortable. But it is
- [5 Reasons Families Need To Give Thanks](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/5-reasons-families-need-to-give-thanks/) - Life gets tough. And busy. And distracting. And even discouraging. Right? While it may take many different forms from family to family, I love that our country continues to recognize a holiday that is all about giving thanks. Whether as individuals, families, organizations, communities, or nations - we are better when we periodically stop to
- [Six Things Your Teen Needs To Get Back On Track](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/six-things-your-teen-needs-to-get-back-on-track/) - 1. Specific correction of where they are off-track. Giving them generalized or vague feedback about how they are "screwing up," "disappointing you," "missing the mark," etc. is not helpful to your daughter or son. It is unclear, and may even further discourage your teen. Instead, be very clear about where you see them missing the
- [4 Reasons Teens Need Healthy Physical Affection from Parents](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/4-reasons-teens-need-healthy-physical-affection-from-parents/) - My own teenage son is currently 14 and getting closer to looking eye to eye with me every day. (Seems like he's grown a foot since we took this pic six or seven months ago.) My wife and I both have warm, affectionate personalities. So it has always been natural for us to have close,
- [Seven Ways to Improve Parenting Teamwork](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/seven-ways-to-improve-parenting-teamwork/) - Searching for "parenting" in the books section of Amazon yields a mind-boggling list of over SIXTY THOUSAND results! There are enough competing opinions and voices out there to make your head spin. But what if those differing parenting perspectives aren't just "out there," but right in your own home? What are you supposed to do
- [7 Keys to Healthy Co-Parenting](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/7-keys-to-healthy-co-parenting/) - Parenting kids has become more complex today than ever before. The digital explosion of entertainment and social media has created layers and layers of options, opportunities, dangers, and decisions that we must navigate as we do our best to love and lead our children well. Add to all this the challenging dynamics of dealing with
- [Three Ways to Help Your Teen Grow Toward Adulthood](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/three-ways-to-help-your-teen-grow-toward-adulthood/) - As parents who love our kids, our aim is to raise them to become fully capable and responsible adults who will strive to make a positive impact on the world around them. Right? And that sort of theoretical statement sounds all great and wonderful when our kids are little. But once they hit their teen
- [Parental Celebration](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parental-celebration/) - Today's post is all about celebration. Enjoy the Kool & the Gang tune playing in your head now. You're welcome! I frequently write about things you can do to improve your relationship with your teen, or things you can do to help get your teen on a better life track. It is easy for us
- [Encouraging Kindness in Our Kids](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/encouraging-kindness-in-our-kids/) - "Evan Almighty" has been one of my family's favorite movies for quite a while. If you've never seen this heartwarming family film about God (Morgan Freeman) choosing a modern day Noah named Evan Baxter (Steve Carell), you really should watch it. Through a wild adventure with God, his wife and three sons, congress, a ginormous
- [Six Ways To Get Your Teen To Listen To You](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/six-ways-to-get-your-teen-to-listen-to-you/) - Tired of feeling like you're talking to a brick wall when you try to communicate with your teen? Ranging from fun to fundamental, here are six different ways to shake up the old routine that isn't working, and help begin a new era of listening and connection at home. 1. Make drive-time count! If you
- [Unplug](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/unplug/) - Do you ever just feel like your teen lives a world away from you these days? Oh, she still sits at the dinner table with you (sometimes). And he still sleeps in the same old bedroom in the same home with you. But it just feels like your teen has disconnected. Like he or she
- [Giving](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/giving/) - What is your favorite part of the Christmas season? I know there are significant elements of the holiday season that are irritating or even downright painful for some. But for many of us, there are so many special layers to the Christmas season. What's your favorite? The food? The time away from school or work?
- [Parenting with Confidence in a Technolescent World: Part 3](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-with-confidence-in-a-technolescent-world-part-3/) - Now that we have covered some overall dynamics and guidelines regarding parenting your teens in relation to their digital world, let's take a quick look at some of the major players in the social media app world today: As of today, Snapchat is king of social media for teens. Not only does it provide them
- [Parenting with Confidence in a Technolescent World: Part 2](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-with-confidence-in-a-technolescent-world-part-2/) - So, picking up where we left off last week... What specific guidelines should we use with preteens and young teens? Utilize parental device checks as needed. While this does not mean constantly confiscating phones or other devices, it does mean you reserve the right to check out devices anytime you feel you have a reason,
- [Parenting with Confidence in a Technolescent World: Part 1](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-with-confidence-in-a-technolescent-world-part-1/) - In a WHAT kind of world? Technology has now become a primary medium for the social dynamics of adolescence from middle school through college and beyond. Parents MUST understand that digital social media is more than just an important area of our teens' lives. It has become a dominant force in shaping, containing, and expressing
- [3 Simple Ways to be a Halloween Blessing](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/3-simple-ways-to-be-a-halloween-blessing/) - Halloween is one of the most active evenings of the year in neighborhood after neighborhood across our nation. What a great opportunity to be a blessing to our neighbors - especially the children! Whether you will be staying home awaiting the costumed trick-or-treaters, taking your own kids around the neighborhood, or heading to a church
- [Six "Grades" That Are More Important Than English](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/six-grades-that-are-more-important-than-english/) - In my last post, I shared some ideas for helping make homework time a more peaceful and successful part of your family life. In reflecting upon the importance of academic success for our teens, it occurs to me that there are some key subjects in life of far greater importance than those that make up
- [Four Simple Steps to Homework Peace](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/four-simple-steps-to-homework-peace/) - Frustrated with the tension at home with your kids and homework? Here are four simple steps to help increase the peace, along with your child's or teen's personal responsibility and growth: 1. Insist on a homework area that invites success. Your teen may try to make their schoolwork spot the place where they can maximize
- [Five Ways to Catch Your Kids in the Act!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/five-ways-to-catch-your-kids-in-the-act/) - Whether they like it, or not, our kids need us to watch out for their missteps, so we can give them corrective guidance. And with the increasing social connections, life opportunities, and freedoms that come with the teenage years, it seems this part of parenting just gets bigger and more challenging. And that is why
- [7 Ways to Lead Your Family After the Great Flood](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/7-ways-to-lead-your-family-after-the-great-flood/) - The tips I shared for leading your family forward after the damage and chaos of Hurricane Gustav seem just as relevant, and perhaps more important, in helping with moving forward after the Great Flood of 2016. I have added a few updated comments in parentheses to the original posting. I hope this is helpful to
- [6 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make With Teens & Tech](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/6-biggest-mistakes-parents-make-with-teens-tech/) - One of the most fundamental changes in parenting teens in our times is the lightning speed with which new technologies are embraced into and throughout their world. We are still working on how to handle emerging digital technologies and the always expanding world of social media for ourselves, so we have little previous experience and
- [Three Ways To Set Up A Great School Year For Your Teens](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/three-ways-to-set-up-a-great-school-year-for-your-teens/) - Another summer break is nearing an end. Time to get the kids and the whole family back into school rhythm, and hopefully set them up for success as much as possible. As you do your best to lead your teens toward increasing maturity, responsibility, and success in the coming year, here are three ways
- [7 Rules for Early Adolescent Digital Devices](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/7-rules-for-early-adolescent-digital-devices/) - My family has officially reached that time where we have made the decision for our young adolescent son to have his own smartphone (after having his own tablet for gaming/YouTube only for a year or two). For as much as I have been helping other families navigate digital waters for years now,
- [Six Great Parenting Opportunities of Pokemon GO](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/six-great-parenting-opportunities-from-pokemon-go/) - I'm not sure there has yet been an app that has so immediately caused such a cultural impact as Pokemon GO. If you haven't heard of it yet, you probably think I'm kidding or exaggerating. I'm not. This innovative app has not only captured the attention of a staggering number of gamers from
- [How do I teach my teen to make a difference in this world? Here are six ways:](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/how-do-i-teach-my-teen-to-make-a-difference-in-this-world-here-are-six-ways/) - I have recently re-engaged the Facebook world, after taking a few years away from it. (Today is not the day to explain that sentence, but perhaps I will do so soon.) At the time of this writing, it seems my feed is flooded with impassioned posts regarding: gun control, LGBT rights, ISIS, the wonderful potential
- [Before They Leave The Nest](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/before-they-leave-the-nest/) - Sitting in my office today, I noticed this picture of my son in his then brand new tree-house, taken maybe five or six years ago. Since that time, despite my friend and I building the house with an extra-tall roof, the lad has outgrown the tree-house. Both physically and developmentally, he has just outgrown climbing
- [Running to Battle](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/running-to-battle/) - If you haven't read the story of David and Goliath lately, check it out (for the kids, take a look at Veggie Tales' engaging animated version). What an incredible story! Let me set the stage: At this time in Israel's history, their great enemies were the Philistines, a warring people with whom they frequently fought.
- [The Wonder Years: Putting My Dissertation Research Into Practice](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-wonder-years-putting-my-dissertation-research-into-practice/) - When I decided to pursue my Doctorate back in the day, I was eager to study the dynamics of family life and entertainment media. At the time, television was still king, so to speak. Smart phones and tablets had not yet emerged. Laptops were not common. Netflix and Redbox weren't around. It's mind-boggling to consider
- [5 Ways You Are Building Walls Between You and Your Teen](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/5-ways-you-are-building-walls-between-you-and-your-teen/) - I applaud you for taking the time to take a look at this post - especially since it sounds like an accusation. Got your attention, didn't it? Hopefully, you aren't placing all these barriers between you and your teen. But even one or two of them can seriously diminish the quality of your connection and
- [What Kids Need From Parents](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/what-kids-need-from-parents/) - Many parents fall into one of two extremes: 1. Sheltering their children from any potential dangers. 2. Leaving their children to figure out life on their own. Either extreme is a big mistake! The first robs children of valuable learning and growing opportunities. The second offers them no guidance from your own wisdom and experiences.
- [Connection Illusion](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/connection-illusion/) - Humans are wired for connection. We all need relationships - family, romantic, friendships, community, etc. In our constantly changing world of wireless connectivity, we seem to be more connected to more people than ever before. Between cell phones, text messaging, instant messaging, email, blogging, MySpace, Blackberries, and so on, we have constant access to more
- [Amazing Promises!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/amazing-promises/) - I want to share with you a scripture that has encouraged me so much recently. It is such a powerful message of hope and confidence for the Christian. Notice especially the phrases in bold: "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us
- [Three Ways to Help Your Teen Manage Digital Dating Boundaries](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/three-ways-to-help-your-teen-manage-dating-boundaries-in-the-digital-world/) - Remember back when you were dating as a teenager, and you wondered why your girlfriend or boyfriend hadn't responded to your text within thirty minutes? So frustrating, wasn't it?! It's like, "What's the problem? Did I do something wrong? Is he cheating on me? What did I say? Is she mad at me again? Maybe
- [Seven Tips for Discussing Weed with Your Teen](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/seven-tips-for-discussing-weed-with-your-teen/) - If you don't want your kids smoking weed, you need to take charge of leading them in a better direction. Here are some of the most important points to include in your discussions with your kids about smoking/vaping:
- [Let the Good Times Roll!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/let-the-good-times-roll/) - "Okay, everyone - raise your hands if you think parades are fun!" Yes, it' Mardi Gras time down here in Cajun Country. And, truth be told, my family and I are not really into the whole parade scene. But they do certainly represent high energy fun in a very special way. So I thought this
- [Six Ways to Inspire Your Teen to Rise to a Higher Standard](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/six-ways-to-inspire-your-teen-to-rise-to-a-higher-standard/) - As loving parents, we all want to see our kids thrive, succeed, and reach their best potential. As Christian parents, we want to see them doing seeking and depending on God to lead them on their best path, so their lives will make the greatest impact for His Kingdom. Giving our teens our best as parents means more than teaching them life skills and correcting them when they are out of line. We must also seize opportunities to inspire them. Here are six ways we can do just that.
- [5 Questions I Dare You To Ask Your Teen!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/5-questions-i-dare-you-to-ask-your-teen/) - Asking good questions is a great way to build any relationship. It helps the questioner learn more about the other person, as well as communicating a certain level of genuine caring for that person. Why bother asking, if I don't really care, right? In the spirit of opening important doors of conversation and facilitating a more powerful relationship between you and your teen, I have five questions to share with you.
- [4 Signs You Have A Healthy Relationship With Your Teen](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/4-signs-you-have-a-healthy-relationship-with-your-teen/) - Do you ever find yourself wondering how you are doing with with your teen(s)? Maybe you are unsure how to even assess things. Well, if you see any of these indicators in your relationship, it's a good clue you must be doing something right:
- [Three things I wish my Dad and I had done together before I left home:](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/three-things-i-wish-my-dad-and-i-had-done-together-before-i-left-home/) - This is not a post about regret or blame. Let's be clear up front. It's about encouraging fathers to seize the day and share your knowledge, wisdom, experience - share your self - with your teens while they are still teens and you still have this golden window of opportunity. My son recently turned 12,
- [The Prodigal's Dad - Lesson Two: Allowance](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-prodigals-dad-lesson-two-allowance/) - Of all the lessons we can learn from the Father of the Prodigal, this one may be the hardest: He is willing to allow his son the freedom to make his own choices and mistakes, thereby learning the most powerful lessons for himself. This certainly doesn't mean he doesn't care. Far from it. He
- [The Prodigal's Dad - Lesson Three: Who's Responsible?](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/lesson-three-who-is-responsible-here/) - We've all heard the term "helicopter parent." The parent who feels compelled to follow around with constant monitoring of their child or teen, ensuring everything goes as planned. So let me ask you this: have you EVER heard the term used in a positive light? Didn't think so. Why is that? It's because we
- [Friends](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/friends/) - Today I was discussing with a client how important REAL FRIENDS are in times of hardship and crisis. She has one such friend in her life, and we sadly agreed that many people don't even have one friend with whom they can be truly open. Let's face it - alone is Hell. God said in
- [The Prodigal's Dad - Lesson One: Example](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-prodigals-dad-lesson-one-example/) - The simple, yet profound, challenge for us is this: We need to aim our own daily lives at the target we want our teens and children to hit one day.
- [Five Keys to Training Teens to be Responsible](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/five-keys-to-training-teens-to-be-responsible/) - If you are frequently frustrated by your teen’s attitudes and actions of disrespect, laziness, sloppiness, disobedience, etc., TAKE HEART! Here are the five basic keys to steering them onto the right path – the path of personal responsibility:
- [Weathering the Storms of Parenting and Family Life](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/weathering-the-storms-of-parenting-and-family-life/) - Perhaps you took the time to look at this post because you and your family are going through a storm. Your son seems to have lost all moral direction. Your daughter never listens to anything you say anymore. Your teens seem to genuinely hate you. Sometimes you find yourself genuinely hating your teens. Maybe things
- [To Snoop or Not To Snoop](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/to-snoop-or-not-to-snoop/) - So, you're already very aware of how important it is to oversee and guide your teen's digital world - especially regarding his or her smart phone. What you want to know is: how far should you go with monitoring activity? Do you stick with simply asking questions and discussing? Do you periodically look through your teen's phone for yourself? Do you look several times a week? Do you inform your teen their smart phone is "open" to your inspection, or do you do it without their awareness? In this video post, I offer guidance to help you make these decisions well.
- [5 Lessons from the Prodigal's Dad](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/5-lessons-from-the-prodigals-dad/) - In the next few weeks, I will be offering follow-up posts to further unpack and explain the profound lessons I gather from this story. But for now, let me simply list for you the qualities of this Dad that offered the hope of real transformation in the life of his wayward son:
- [Five Ways to Guide Your Teen's Social Media Life](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/five-ways-to-guide-your-teens-social-media-life/) - The way we use social media makes a direct impact on our mental and spiritual well-being. Here are some ways to help our teens do their best.
- [They Don't Care How Much You Know...](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/they-dont-care-how-much-you-know/) - Until they know how much you care! Parents, your kids need you to get this into your heads, keep it there, and let it change the way you interact with them. Your teens don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care! I'd love to say I came up with this
- [Having the Tough Talks: Drugs and Alcohol](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/having-the-tough-talks-drugs-and-alcohol/) - (Based on my 8/31 WAFB Parenting 101 interview) When is the right age to start talking with your kids about drugs and alcohol? Whenever a situation presents itself, whether in "real life" or on screen, where the subject of alcohol or drugs makes sense to discuss. In fact, "Intervention" on A&E is a fantastic resource
- [Real Tools for Real Stepfamilies](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/real-tools-for-real-stepfamilies/) - I just discovered these great resources today from Ron Deal and Successful Stepfamilies. While I have not read them yet, I have read Ron's first book, The Smart Stepfamily, and it is fantastic. I have also had the pleasure of hearing him present a message live at a conference, as well as sharing a conversation
- [...and a little child will lead them.](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/and-a-little-child-will-lead-them/) - These images represent joy. They are snapshots of diligence and reward. But most importantly, they are pictures of faith in action! Yesterday, I took Shep on a fishing "trip" to the local YMCA catch and release pond, where I hoped to share a couple of hours or so of good father-son bonding. I suppose my
- [I believe](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/i-believe/) - As a parent, I have a question that I will be keeping in mind this summer... Does my son know I believe in him? Care to join me in this quest this summer? Let's invest in our kids in such a way that by the time they head back for school in the fall, there
- [Training Our Kids to Serve with Joy](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/training-our-kids-to-serve-with-joy/) - The picture above is my soon-to-be nine year old son, joyfully taking out the trash on our last day of Thanksgiving vacation at the beach. I was going to take it out, but he stopped me and asked if he could do it...by himself, of course! My wife and I are so pleased with the
- [Beginning the Sex Conversation](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/beginningthesexconversation/) - I wrote the following post a couple of years ago in a series entitled "Having the Tough Talks." At that time, I had not yet begun the sex conversation with my own son. We have recently crossed that bridge, so I thought it appropriate to re-post this one with some updates. See my updated comments
- ["If you like 'em...I like 'em."](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/if-you-like-em-i-like-em/) - Just by seeing this image, many of you will know immediately the music video my son has repeatedly used to torment me asked me to watch with him. "Why," you may ask, "would a reasonable man such as yourself willingly allow his senses to be so mistreated by a loved one?!? Don't you know how
- [Fundamentals](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/fundamentals/) - "This is a simple game. You throw the ball. You hit the ball. You catch the ball." (Bull Durham) The coach's admonition to his players in this offbeat baseball film is true, isn't it? Baseball really is a simple game. Throwing. Catching. Hitting. Running. Simple stuff - right? And yet, the complexities and nuances of
- [Christmas Presence](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/christmas-presence/) - If you are anything like me, you love the joy of sharing Christmas gifts. The searching. The buying. The hiding. The wrapping. The anticipation. The unwrapping. The smiles. There is just something special about Christmas presents. It's fun to get them. It's fun to give them. When it goes well, it really feels like a
- [Hammer Time!  The Process of Parenting](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/hammer-time/) - After wanting to do this for a long time, my wife and I were finally able to get new counter tops in our bathrooms this week. To save some money, I decided to tackle the chore of disconnecting the plumbing and tearing out the old counter tops and sinks myself. And thankfully, I remembered I
- [The Process of Parenting: Don't Forget to Pause](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-process-of-parenting-dont-forget-to-pause/) - I'm wiped out tonight as I write this post. Ever have one of those weeks (or months or years) where you are just spent, but you know you have so much more to do in the coming days? Yeah - that's where I am. It's a good weary, though. I was blessed to attend the
- [The Process of Parenting: Encouraging](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-process-of-parenting-encouraging/) - Well, here we are. The final installment of my Process of Parenting series. And we get to end on such a wonderful note - encouraging our kids! Before we move into my thoughts on how best to encourage our kids throughout their life journey, and why this is so important, I want to invite you
- [Summer at its Best](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/summer-at-its-best/) - Kids are finishing up another year of school. Baseball season is well underway. Yards can't be mowed and trimmed fast enough. And most days the relative humidity in Baton Rouge is now hovering around 137% or so. Summer time must be upon us! In the next few weeks, I will be sharing a blog series
- [Summer at its Best: Camps](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/summer-at-its-best-camps/) - Summer camp was one of the most wonderful threads woven throughout the fabric of my childhood. For years, my sisters and I would head off to "church" camp for a week of tech-free bonding with old and new friends, countless sports, activities, and crafts, memorable songs and campfires, splashing around in a lake, and growing
- [Summer at Its Best: Family Games](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/summer-at-its-best-family-games/) - One of the fun things happening at the Butner home this summer is a resurgence of our family game time. I have previously shared some of my favorite gaming memories from past and present seasons, so I'll not repeat that in this post. Instead, I want to continue in this summer blog series by encouraging
- [Family Check-Up Time](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/family-check-up-time/) - Another school year is upon us. At our house, we are using this as an ideal time to evaluate ourselves as a family, as parents, as a student, and as individuals. We are rooting out places that need improvement and setting priorities and goals for the coming year. And based on that, we are finding
- [3 Great Ways to Wreck Your Teen's School Year](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/3-great-ways-to-wreck-your-teens-school-year/) - We all want our kids to have a great year in school this year. We are hoping they will make good grades, have healthy friendships with solid kids, succeed in their extracurricular activities, and be generally liked by their teachers. Seeing them grow emotionally and spiritually throughout the year would be great, too. Right? Here
- [5 Ways to Lead Your Teen Toward Healthy Friendships](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parentingteensfriendships/) - Here are five simple tips for helping guide your teens in building healthy friendships.
- [Six Simple Adjustments That Will Revolutionize Your Family Life](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/six-simple-adjustments-that-will-revolutionize-your-family-life/) - 1. Put phones away during mealtime. Before you roll your eyes and say you've heard that one plenty of times already, ask yourself this: "Have we actually tried this in our home? Consistently?" You have no idea how much this digital connection device is disconnecting your family conversations until you actually put it on
- [Summer at its Best: Vacationing](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/summer-at-its-best-vacationing/) - (Above: My family at Disney World several years ago - enjoying Animal Kingdom together with a basic outline of plans to structure our day. Below: My family on the same vacation at Disney World - clearly more focused on getting the good "photo op" than on the fact that part of our team has run
- [The Process of Parenting: Releasing](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-process-of-parenting-releasing/) - Take a deep breath, parents. Here's where the journey can get really scary for you and your kids. And it is absolutely essential to their growth and development toward adulthood - and essential to your healthy relationship development, as well. So, why is this so scary for us? Why do we fear releasing them to
- [The Process of Parenting: Trusting](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-process-of-parenting-trusting/) - The process of parenting involves a number of critical elements and stages. One of the most important, and most challenging, is extending trust to our kids. We may do the best job in the world of preparing, equipping, and guiding them - but if we fail to trust them to practice new skills and face
- [The Process of Parenting: Equipping](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-process-of-parenting-equipping/) - I will never forget the thrill of riding a bike without training wheels for the first time, the wonder of driving a tractor for the first time as a young teenager, or the adventure of shooting my shotgun for the first time. Don't you have a special vault of memories from when you first used
- [The Process of Parenting: Guiding](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-process-of-parenting-guiding/) - I began this series on the process of parenting by outline a series of six intertwined steps that are repeated over and over throughout the seasons of raising our children and teens into adulthood: Prepare Equip Guide Trust Release Encourage So far, we have discussed the importance of preparing and equipping our children in the
- [The Process of Parenting: Preparing](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-process-of-parenting-preparing/) - As I shared in my previous post, there are six key steps in the process of solid parenting that must be repeated over and over through different seasons and in the face of different life issues: Prepare Equip Guide Trust Release Encourage While I have placed them in this order to see the logical sequence
- [Teach Your Child To Fish](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/teach-your-child-to-fish/) - There is an old American saying: “Give a man a fish, and you’ve fed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you’ve fed him for life.” So simple, profound, and true. If you have followed my blog for a while, you may remember some of the wonderful times and lessons my son
- [Grasp the Sword!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/grasp-the-sword/) - The once strong, commanding king now sits in bewilderment. The faces of family and friends around him are deeply familiar, yet he can't quite place them. He feels as though he has just been roused from a deep sleep. This is not far from the truth. For long months, a darkness and gloom has stolen
- [Life Treasures](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/life-treasures/) - Something got me thinking this week about the experiences throughout my childhood and beyond that are so valuable to me, and that my son is likely not going to have in the treasure chest of his life. Some are beyond my ability to influence for him, while others can happen, if I am willing to
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Life After Hurricane Gustav](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-life-after-hurricane-gustav/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. September 5, 2008 – Family Life After Gustav I am struck with the great irony of this post as I offer some positive guidance
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Reading With Your Children](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-reading-with-your-children/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. August 26, 2008 – “Reading With Your Children” The benefits of reading to and with your children are MANY, from infants all the way
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Expecting Respect](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-expecting-respect/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. March 25, 2008 – “Expecting Respect” Following is my response to a question recently submitted from a parent through the Parenting 101 page on
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Raising Responsible Children](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-raising-responsible-children/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. January 22, 2008 – “Raising Responsible Children” Hopefully, all of us parents want our children to grow up to be personally responsible, morally sound,
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Want to be a great parent? Work on your marriage!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-want-to-be-a-great-parent-work-on-your-marriage/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. November 27, 2007 – “Want to be a Great Parent? Work on Your Marriage.” Q – Sure, everyone would like to have a great
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Have A Healthy Holiday Season](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-have-a-healthy-holiday-season/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. October 30, 2007 – “Have a Healthy Holiday Season” Q – As much as we may look forward to the holiday season, parents all
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Encouraging Healthy Friendships In Your Children's Lives](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-encouraging-healthy-friendships-in-your-childrens-lives/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. September 25, 2007 – “Encouraging Healthy Friendships In Your Children’s Lives” Q – I want my children to have healthy friendships – not to
- [Vintage Parenting 101: The Importance Of Structure And Rituals For Children And Families](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-the-importance-of-structure-and-rituals-for-children-and-families/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. August 28, 2007 – “The Importance of Structure and Rituals for Children and Families” Q – OK, we hear a lot about how kids
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Ingredients Of Ideal Parenting - Calmness, Connection, Consequences, And Authority](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-ingredients-of-ideal-parenting-calmness-connection-consequences-and-authority/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. July 24, 2007 – “Ingredients of Ideal Parenting: Calmness, Connection, Consequences, and Authority” Q – So many parents today feel at a loss for
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Your Kids And MySpace/Facebook](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-your-kids-and-myspacefacebook/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. And as I look through this one, I am blown away at how this arena has skyrocketed forward in the years since I wrote
- [Vintage Parenting 101: It's Camp Time!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-its-camp-time/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. May 22, 2007 - “It’s Camp Time!” Q – How do I know if my child is ready for a “sleep-away” camp? A –
- [Vintage Parenting 101: The Growing Problem Of Self-Injury](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-the-growing-problem-of-self-injury/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. April 24, 2007 “The Growing Problem of Self-Injury” Q – Why does this problem seem to be growing so much in recent years? A
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Tune In Before You Turn It Off](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-tune-in-before-you-turn-it-off/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. March 13, 2007 “Tune In Before You Turn It Off” Q – What do you do when you can’t stand your kids’ music (or
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Help With Parenting A Strong-Willed Child](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-help-with-parenting-a-strong-willed-child/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. And WOW - does this one take me back!!! January 30, 2007 “Help with Parenting a Strong-Willed Child” My basic premise is that this
- [Vintage Parenting 101: Christmas Concerns](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/vintage-parenting-101-christmas-concerns/) - As a part of my efforts to increase the accessibility of my website, I am re-posting articles from my old Parenting 101 page as stand-alone blog posts on the main site. December 12, 2006 Q – Why are you concerned about the spirit of Christmas today? A – Christmas has always been about relationships, even
- [Home Improvement](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/home-improvement/) - (This image was so gloriously cheesy that I simply couldn't resist using it!) Thanks to a generous Christmas gift, my wife and I are now moving forward with some home improvements that we have been hoping to do for some time now. Paint, caulk, counter tops, sinks, quarter rounds, molding, ceiling popcorn, cabinet hardware,
- [Game On!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/game-on/) - One of the memories I cherish about my childhood family life is the way we would regularly play games together. I loved playing Hungry Hungry Hippo, Mr Mouth, Clue, Yahtzee, Stratego, Monopoly, Guess Who, Risk, and other games with my parents and my two sisters. I learned about following instructions, paying attention to details, reading
- [Using Halloween as a Creativity Catalyst](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/using-halloween-as-a-creativity-catalyst/) - (Granted - I didn't win any costume awards a few years ago as a kind of Raggedy Andy-ish rodeo clown. But I had a lot of fun with it, and got plenty of laughs and weird looks. Believe it or not, I'm guy who likes to play things safe, and taking this risk was really
- [Training Kids to Succeed](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/training-kids-to-succeed/) - I have recently begun leading a two month parenting class at our church. (It's at The Chapel in the Oaks on Siegen Lane at 9:00 am on Sunday mornings. We would love to have you join us!) You know, there is really nothing like teaching a class to remind you how much you need to
- [Helping Children Process and Overcome Horrific Trauma via Media](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/helping-children-process-and-overcome-horrific-trauma-via-media/) - Friday, December 15, 2012 was a day that witnessed the horror of young students in two schools being assaulted (Central China and Connecticut, USA), leaving dozens slain and injured. This kind of violence rocks us to the core, because it not only reminds us of the reign of evil in this broken, sinful world, but
- [Parenting 101 - Tropical Storm / Hurricane Isaac Edition](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-101-tropical-storm-hurricane-isaac-edition/) - Many folks along the Gulf Coast, and even "up here" in Baton Rouge, are bracing ourselves for the impact of Isaac. As any trip to a local gas station, hardware store, or Stuff-Mart right now will reveal, anxieties are building and boiling over throughout many of our communities. Here are a few practical suggestions to
- [Gearing up for a successful school year](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/gearing-up-for-a-successful-school-year/) - Supply lists. Reading lists. Backpack shopping. School uniforms or new school clothes. Online shopping. Mall shopping. Stuff Mart shopping. Yes, Moms and Dads, another school year begins in just a few mornings. Time to usher out the summertime schedule and get back to the structure of being in school. Here are a few simple suggestions
- [Revealable](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/revealable/) - So, I just heard about Scott Ginsberg's (The Nametag Guy) new book, "-able: 35 Strategies for Increasing the Probability of Success in Business and in Life." And with it, he is challenging folks like me to create a new word with an -able suffix, and explain to you how this quality can increase your probability
- [Lessons from Disney World, part three](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/lessons-from-disney-world-part-three/) - It is very good to have a plan. Just don't hold it too tightly. Six days and seven nights at Disney World. Four parks, plus a special shopping district, and multiple resorts with additional minor attractions. Special lunches and breakfasts and dinners that include up close and personal visits with the real Disney characters. Special
- [Holiday Help - Alcohol & Drugs](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/holiday-help-alcohol-drugs/) - I am very aware that this time of year is often particularly difficult for those caught in the merciless grip of alcholism or drug addiction. Numbing out to escape the holiday time realities is a common experience for many, but especially for the addict or alcoholic. If you, or someone you love, seem to be
- [Compasses](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/compasses/) - Training our kids to live according to the compass of Reality is difficult. It is NOT the path of least resistance, to be sure! It is the nature of kids of all ages, and particularly teens, to fight against the compass of Reality and cling to the compass of Fantasy. And our postmodern culture can
- [Thinking is highly overrated!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/thinking-is-highly-overrated/) - Yes, you read the title correctly. I said thinking is highly overrated. Undoubtedly, you have experienced times when you would have done well to have taken more time to stop and think before acting on a quick decision. I have had my share of such experiences. Calm, clear-minded thinking is a key to good decision-making,
- [10 Proven Ways to Increase Your Peace](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/10-proven-ways-to-increase-your-peace/) - If you are anything like me, you want peace in your life. You probably want as much of it as you can get a hold of. Let's face it. Life has a way of throwing a lot of potentially stressful stuff at us. Like you need me to tell you that, right?! How about finding
- [Increase Your Peace, Part 2](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/increase-your-peace-part-2/) - Yesterday, I began a series of 10 proven ways to increase your peace. As promised, here is a second clear way to nurture a life of greater serenity and calm. 2. Take time to calm down before trying to "correct" anyone. This includes your children, your spouse (use caution correcting your spouse anytime!), your employees,
- [Increase Your Peace, Part 3](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/increase-your-peace-part-3/) - It's time for installment number three in this 10 part series of proven ways to increase your peace. Let me just be really open with you right here. Today's path to peace is hands-down the most difficult one for me to consistently implement. And yet, it is one of the most proven methods on the
- [More Peace - Take 4](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/more-peace-take-4/) - Well, I hope you have already gotten some helpful insight into some places to bring more peace into your life this week. Today I want to share one of my very favorites. As with all the other practices on my list, this one adds up slowly to a wonderful cumulative effect of greater peace. However,
- [Step 5 to Increase Your Peace](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/step-5-to-increase-your-peace/) - I sincerely hope you found the right time and place to just sit and be since your were here yesterday. If you did, I'll bet you are already a bit more at peace than you were the day before. Well, move right along with our series of 10 Proven Ways to Increase Your Peace... 5.
- [Peace, Part Six](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/peace-part-six/) - If you haven't read my previous five posts on ways to increase your peace, I would encourage you to do so before proceeding. Now that we are coming down the home stretch, my remaining five suggestions are going to really go to your core. I hope they do. Because that is where you really need
- [17 Books to Transform Your Life](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/17-books-to-transform-your-life/) - I often refer to myself as a "resource broker." I am passionate about helping people connect with the best resources to improve their lives and experience transforming peace, purpose, and passion. Whether it is a movie, a website, a local resource, a book, or who-knows-what-else, you are very likely to get a resource recommendation from
- [What Goes Around Comes Around](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/what-goes-around-comes-around/) - Yesterday was my last day at my office in downtown Baton Rouge. Transitions can be difficult, and this one has been no exception. The last couple of weeks have run the spectrum of highs and lows, and all the hubbub has worn me out. My fellow counselors have made it very clear how much they
- [Daily Gift](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/daily-gift/) - In the spirit of Christmastime and the impending new year, it seems appropriate to share another nugget of wisdom from our old friend, Oogway the kung-fu grandmaster turtle. This quote happens to be my very favorite: Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift. That is why it is called the
- [Master Oogway's Wisdom](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/master-oogways-wisdom/) - Our household is in full-on Kung Fu Panda mode right now. Don't tell my son's school teachers or principal, please! It's a peace-loving Montessori school, and Kung Fu definitely wouldn't go over well on that playground. But, he's a boy who is about to turn five years old, and I'm his Dad. And I believe
- [Infection Control](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/infection-control/) - Our soon to be five year old son has really been hit hard by an epidemic infection that may have already infested your home. This virus is a nasty one that hits early, hits hard, can lead to forms of paralysis, and re-emerges quite readily upon re-exposure. And it seems re-exposure is inevitable in our
- [Road to Recovery](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/road-to-recovery/) - I am so excited to share this update to my previous post, "Infection Control." Last night, my wife and I took our son, Batman, to a local church Fall Festival. He had fun seeing some good friends, watching the preacher acting crazy as the kids splashed him into the dunking booth, and playing the various
- [Throw me something, Mister!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/throw-me-something-mister/) - In the spirit of Mardi Gras, I'm reposting my thoughts from the St. Patrick's Day parade from last year. People seemed to enjoy reading this one, and I've got quite a few newcomers to the site since then. To update the following post to Mardi Gras '08, simply delete the "Emerald City" comment, change "Cajun/Irish"
- [Now](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/now/) - Nothing ever gets done "later!" This simple statement is the foundation of a radical change that has been occurring in my life over the last few weeks. Procrastination has long been one of my great weaknesses, and the source of much needless stress in my life. Well, I recently had an epiphany - one of
- [Liberty](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/liberty/) - Liberty: "freedom from arbitrary or despotic control" Despot: "a person exercising power tyrannically" Tyranny: "oppressive power" "The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy
- [Curiosity](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/curiosity/) - Last Friday I had an opportunity to take the son of some good friends of ours with me for an afternoon at the Bluebonnet Swamp. They are basically family to us, so he is like a nephew to me. I was looking forward to the afternoon for several weeks, since we first discussed the possibility.
- [Leaves](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/leaves/) - Today in Baton Rouge is glorious! The temperature is balmy. The sky is blue and clear. The breeze is gentle. What a delightfully refreshing Sabbath!!! As I write, hundreds of teens and adults are gathered at our church's facilities experiencing an annual youth rally, appropriately titled "Renewal." The weather being so amazing as it is,
- [Resolution Revolution](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/resolution-revolution/) - So, are you joining the masses of people who make annual "new year's resolutions?" If so, you are likely feeling one of two ways about making these so-called "resolutions." You may be feeling really motivated and hopeful, telling yourself and maybe others, "I'm gonna do it! It's time I made this change, and I can't wait!" Others
- [Bedtime - Battlefield to Bliss](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/bedtime-battlefield-to-bliss/) - For anyone who has struggled with the bedtime battle, or any other battle for obedience with your child(ren), check out this story of transformation in my house. I'll be writing much more on the importance of strong, healthy parental authority in the weeks and months to come. Also, watch for more from me on WAFB
- [Surviving the Storms in Life](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/surviving-storms-in-life/) - Our preacher, Eddie White, recently invited me to co-present a portion of the sermon based on Mark 4:35-41, when Jesus miraculously calmed the storm in which he and his disciples were sailing. He wanted me to offer a real-life application for this Biblical text. Following is my outline of comments: 1. Expect storms to come through your
- [Whatever happened to chainlink fences?](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/whatever-happened-to-chainlink-fences/) - Last week I was driving down a major thoroughfare in Baton Rouge behind what appeared to be a fairly nice upper-middle class neighborhood. Something caught my eye that made me profoundly sad as I considered the implications behind it. Three backyards in a row contained very nice red cedar playground sets. Three families living next
- [Reconnecting with Family and Community During Summertime](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/reconnecting-with-family-and-community-during-summertime/) - In my recent interview on "Around Town with Scott Rogers," I spoke on this topic, but our interview was cut fairly short. Here is a fuller picture of my thoughts and suggestions on this timely and important issue: What has contributed to our society's disconnection? High mobility. Families no longer live in one central community
- ["Cutting" - A Growing Epidemic](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/cutting-a-growing-epidemic/) - The very serious problem of "cutting" (also known as self-injury or self-mutilation) is growing to epidemic proportion at an alarming rate - particularly among adolescents (a group that spans from about age 10 to 25). I will write more about this dangerous struggle later, but for now, here is a MSWord document listing quite a few
- [Be There](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/be-there/) - What is the most important thing you can do for your struggling teen? Be there. What is the best thing you can do for your frustrated spouse? Be there. How can you help that friend of yours who is hurting and confused? Be there. We each need so much for someone to be there for
- [Bully](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/bully/) - (Thanks to WAFB Channel 9 for inviting me to share this message with their viewers!) Click here to watch WAFB bullying interview with Dr. Butner Q. Is bullying becoming a worse problem in our society today? If so, why? A. YES! It is clearly becoming a growing epidemic among us. I believe the most significant
- [Lessons from a Shower Curtain](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/lessons-from-a-shower-curtain/) - Our shower curtain. Isn't it lovely? For every shower curtain hanging in someone's bathroom, there is a story. This is mine (*disclaimer* The following conversations may be enhanced only ever so slightly by time and the desire to make a clear point on my blog. But this is pretty much how it went)... My lovely
- [Keeping Your Family Cyber Safe](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/keeping-your-family-cyber-safe/) - - Q: What is the most important step you can take to protect your kids in their online experience? - A: Maintain an active relationship with them based on ongoing dialogue of respectful, clear instruction and questions about their life experiences, online and elsewhere. - - Q: What can parents do to become more cyber-savvy?
- [A Terrible Question](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/a-terrible-question/) - Ever get into a funky place where you seem restless, irritable, and discontent? Well, I do. Sometimes for long stretches, I am sad to say. And I have found that when I get into one of these grouchy seasons, there is one question that lurks at the heart of the murkiness. It is a terrible
- [Trust And Obey](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/trust-and-obey/) - Here's Shep - enjoying his new "big boy" room for the first time. A fresh coat of blue paint (what I'm calling "Rubbermaid Blue") picked out by him and a new comfy lounging/reading chair have transformed his space into something fit for...well, a big boy. How he got here was a good life and faith
- [The Power of Sweating with Our Kids](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-power-of-sweating-with-our-kids/) - Here are three key ways (there are certainly plenty more) to sweat with your kids to produce big results in your relationship and in their developing character. If you live anywhere near my neck of the woods (South Louisiana), and you spend any time at all with your kids, you will be sweating with them.
- [The Gift of Limits - Screen Style](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-gift-of-limits-screen-style/) - Here's a little Christmas idea for your kids this year...give them the gift of limits on their screen time. Don't expect them to jump for joy and sing your praises as if you just bought them the latest greatest video game. But then, good parenting isn't all about having our kids sing our praises, is
- [Having the Tough Talks: SEX](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/having-the-tough-talks-sex/) - Hoping you can somehow forever avoid talking to your kids about sex? You aren't alone. But you also need to face your fears, say a prayer, dig deep, and dive in with your kids. You may want to start with this post about having the Tough Talks with kids. As promised in my Parenting 101
- [Real Man](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/real-man-2/) - This poem from Rudyard Kipling came to mind today, so I thought I would pass it on: “If” (Rudyard Kipling) If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you But make allowance for their doubting too,
- [The Cure for Procrastination](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-cure-for-procrastination/) - Thank you, Rick Warren, for clobbering my shins with this inspired message! (Be sure to click on the link to read Pastor Warren's full message.) 1. Stop making excuses. 2. Start today. 3. Establish a planned routine. 4. Face your fears. 5. Focus on what you gain, not the pain. - Don't ask, "What do
- [Parenting with Love and Leadership: from Tots to Teens](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-with-love-and-leadership-from-tots-to-teens/) - John Rosemond is such an inspired and inspiring authority on parenting well. And we have the opportunity to hear him LIVE in Baton Rouge in a month!!! Check out the details and register here.
- [Parenting Like You Mean It!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-like-you-mean-it/) - Here's a little sneak peak of the parenting seminar I will be sharing on Saturday, July 24 at Zachary Church of Christ from 9-11 am (call 225-654-5993 to register, childcare and lunch provided): At its core, parenting is about teaching and training your children to live well. Stop trying to convince your children you are
- [Having the Tough Talks](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/having-the-tough-talks/) - I will never forget the tension and anxiety that permeated my house and family as I crossed the bridge from ignorance to knowledge regarding the fundamentals of sex. Let me take you on a quick trip back to this poignant memory in my life. I was in the fifth grade at a private Christian school.
- [Suffering](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/suffering/) - The world class athletes stand on wobbly legs, sweating profusely and wondering when this nightmare drill will end. Some are doubled over at the goal line, retching, coughing, sputtering, and moaning. Others have their bodies steeled and upright, but their minds are reeling. Never in their lives have they experienced this kind of suffering. Their
- [Lessons from Disney World, part two](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/lessons-from-disney-world-part-two/) - The American Idol Experience is WAY better than karaoke! Unfortunately, Disney has a total stranglehold on pictures of this experience, so this snapshot will have to suffice. If you know me well at all, you know I love the chance to get up in the spotlight with a microphone - especially if there is singing
- [Lessons from Disney World, part one](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/lessons-from-disney-world-part-one/) - Parents aren't always right, but we know more than our children. We need to lead. My son is somewhat sensitive to strong stimuli, such as loud noises and packed crowds. We brought plenty of earplugs to Disney World, and never left the resort without them. It was important for my wife, my mother-in-law, and me
- [Holiday Help!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/holiday-help/) - As we close in on the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year's season, I just wanted to remind you of this resource page which remains on my site year round. These resources are provided to help you transition through the potential minefield of grief and stress that awaits many of you during this time of year which may be
- [False Evidence Appearing Real](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/false-evidence-appearing-real/) - Well, for many folks, this is the season of FEAR. Yes, it's time to don the hockey masks, vampire capes, fake blood, and gruesome prosthetics and go scare up some candy. Or, for the real daredevil - go out and bob for apples in a vat of Swine Flu slobbered water. Mmm, mmm, good! Fear
- [Help with the Homework Battle](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/help-with-the-homework-battle/) - Here is a link to WAFB's video archive of my latest Parenting 101 interview, where I simultaneously share some practical wisdom about how to put the responsibility for homework back in your child's court and drive the sound-guy crazy with my drumming on the table. Ah, life is fun! By the way, one of the
- [iPhone parental controls](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/iphone-parental-controls/) - Thanks to Walt Mueller and CPYU for providing the link to this very helpful parental control application for your teen's iPhone. This just in (Sept 15): Safe Eyes Mobile is also available as an excellent protection software for iPhones.
- [Kids and Porn](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/kids-and-porn/) - Here is a link to the first in a five-article series from Focus on the Family regarding how to deal with kids who have been viewing porn. The articles are brief, but share some helpful perspectives. I will undoubtedly be sharing some of my own recommendations in this regard in the near future.
- [Understanding Youth Culture](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/understanding-youth-culture/) - As an expert in working with adolescents, people often look to me as an expert in understanding youth culture today. I do what I can to stay "up" on the key dynamics that are happening throughout "youth culture" in our country and our region. Sometimes this is fun and entertaining. At other times it is
- [10 Fundamental Guidelines for Healthy, Effective Parenting](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/guidelines-for-healthy-effective-parenting/) - 1. Expect your kids to grow to be approximately as healthy, responsible, and emotionally mature as you are. This is not a guarantee, but it is very likely. 2. Be a facilitator of pain in your children's lives. We're not talking about cruelty or abuse here. Let's be clear on that. But sparing your children
- [Tips for Media-Savvy Parenting](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/tips-for-media-savvy-parenting/) - Thanks to David Dixon of Smart Parenting (via Twitter) for bringing this short, very practical article to my attention. I have long encouraged parents to be very pro-active in engaging television and other electronic entertainment with their children. In fact, this was the topic of my doctoral dissertation - long ago and far away. I
- [Why I hate the term "Tweens"](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/why-i-hate-the-term-tweens/) - I recently referred to teens and tweens in a Twitter post, and promised a forthcoming blog post on why I hate the term "Tweens." Here it is. If you are easily offended, you might want to stop reading now. If you think it is cute to pose your pre-teens as little adults, but do little
- [It's just a cell-phone](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/its-just-a-cell-phone/) - Parents, if your child has a cell-phone, or if you are thinking of allowing your child to have a cell-phone - you really need to be aware of the power of this electronic portal. You may think, "But, it's just a cell-phone. What's the big deal?" Let me assure you, it is a big deal.
- [Teens Need Grace](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/teens-need-grace/) - "Unmerited favor." For some reason, I remember that being the classic simple definition of grace I have heard over the years of my religious experience. I would always smile and nod, and offer my intellectual agreement with this two word explanation. But truthfully, "unmerited favor" just doesn't connect with me in any real-life kind of
- [Carpe Diem](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/carpe-diem/) - I became a fan of the Latin phrase for "Seize the Day" after becoming a huge fan of the movie, Dead Poets Society, when I was in high school. In fact, on my first date with the stunning gal who would eventually become my wife, I wore a t-shirt that proclaimed "Carpe Diem." (Thank God
- [A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/a-cord-of-three-strands-is-not-quickly-broken/) - I have been blessed with good friends throughout my entire life, although there has been a natural ebb and flow as to which friends have been closest along the way. New friends come along. Some old friends stay close, while others somehow fade away. Facebook comes along, allowing me to rekindle friendships with the brothers
- [Where are you aiming your family time this summer?](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/where-are-you-aiming-your-family-time-this-summer/) - Whether or not we are aware or intentional about it, we hit where we aim. In all of life. We may be looking somewhere else, thinking we are aiming there, but we will always hit where we are aiming. Where are you aiming your family time this summer? You will be different at the end
- [Are you suffering?  Hope is on the way!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/are-you-suffering-hope-is-on-the-way/) - Just a quick word for you, and this word comes straight from The Word. Whether we are talking about our economic situation, raising children, or career advancement, there is one ingredient that will do us so much good - if we will respond well to it. But, oh, how we Americans hate it!!! What is
- [Game Night for Couples](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/game-night-for-couples/) - You've probably heard recommendations for having a Family Game Night. I'm a big fan, and I think this is a wonderful way to strengthen relationships in family life and infuse a sense of fun and playfulness into the daily/weekly routine. (Just don't get legalistic about it - that always leads to the downfall of otherwise
- [Living the Incarnational Life](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/living-the-incarnational-life/) - Okay, so what's a counselor doing spending all this time addressing The Incarnation this week on his blog? Shouldn't he be sticking to his area of expertise? Fair enough. I've got two responses to that. First, may you and I never forget I am a Christian counselor. My life has been redeemed from the pit
- [Why The Incarnation Means The World To Me](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/why-the-incarnation-means-the-world-to-me/) - If you haven't already read my post about the Incarnation from a few days ago, start there. You may think my illustration is disgusting or extreme, but I believe it only scratches the surface of how incomprehensible it is that Jesus, the All-Powerful Living Word, the Majestic King of All Creation, willingly surrendered to the
- [The Incarnation - So What?](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-incarnation-so-what/) - Today marks the beginning of the Passion Week, Easter Week, the week where Christians around the world commemorate the final teachings and sufferings of Jesus, culminating in the greatest event in the history of the world - the resurrection of the Christ. And while I certainly do not intend to devalue the power of this
- [Men and Women - Boxes and Wires](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/men-and-women-boxes-and-wires/) - I saw this video recently at a Men's Fraternity meeting, and found it to be both profoundly hilarious and profoundly true. If you have been having difficulties with the opposite sex, particularly your spouse, buckle up and take notes. This will make everything clear! Enjoy and learn!
- [Part Time Toddler](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/part-time-toddler/) - Yesterday, as I was driving home from my office, an electronic sign caught my eye. A daycare center on my daily commute route has one of those electronic billboard signs that changes to flash up multiple messages. It's the kind of thing that grabs your attention the first few times you see it, then fades
- [Great Parenting Resource](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/great-parenting-resource/) - I just wanted to pass along this very helpful resource to parents of adolescents. The organization is called the Center for Parent-Youth Understanding, and it is one of the best sources of helpful encouragement and information for parenting teens I have ever found. Here is a link to their website. And here is a
- [Know you are!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/know-you-are/) - There is an insidious epidemic ravaging the families of America today. It is corrupting our young people, frustrating parents, and leading to terrible consequences. That epidemic... MySpace! Just kidding. And I'm not talking about drugs, school violence, teen sexual behavior, self-injury, domestic violence, divorce, fatherlessness, or golden parachutes, either, although these are all awful. (How
- [Faith or Fear](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/faith-or-fear/) - How do you approach life? When making decisions, do you feel hopeful about possibilities? Or do you feel nervous about what might go wrong? While most of us do not face all of life in one mode or the other, we do face each little turning point along the way either by faith or by
- [Parenting Your Teen with Calm, Confident Leadership](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-your-teen-with-calm-confident-leadership/) - Today I will be speaking to a gathering of parents at a youth rally in Livingston, LA. I am so grateful for the opportunity to encourage, challenge, and equip these parents! Working with teens and their parents has become one of my great passions in life, and every opportunity is a genuine blessing. (Even when
- [Scatterplot on Eternal Perspective](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/scatterplot-on-eternal-perspective/) - I hope you have found this "twisted" series valuable. Feel free to share your thoughts with me and our other followers here at the site. This is the last letter in the series, "Making the Most of Family Life," as I originally presented them in a church class back in the fall of '02: My
- [Scatterplot Hates Keeping it Simple!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/scatterplot-hates-keeping-it-simple/) - Letter five in my six-part series, "Making the Most of Family Life": - My dear young tempters, Today’s strategy is not so much about learning a direct attack as it is about promoting a climate
- [Scatterplot Aims at Men](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/scatterplot-aims-at-men/) - And my fourth installment in the "Making the Most of Family Life" series, inspired by "The Screwtape Letters": - My dear young tempters, As I hope you will recall from our previous lessons, one of the keys to effectively ravaging the
- [Thanks for the birthday gifts, Father!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/thanks-for-the-birthday-gifts-father/) - I just have to tell you about what a great gift-giver God is: I met a fellow Christian counselor at IHOP this morning for a delightful breakfast of harvest grain 'n nut pancakes with blueberries on top. Good stuff. It was the first time I had met him, and our meeting quickly evidenced to both
- [Scatterplot on Entertainment](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/scatterplot-on-entertainment/) - Letter number three from my series, "Making the Most of Family Life": My dear young tempters, Pop quiz – Which modern mass temptation strategy combines elements of Isolation, Selfishness, Laziness, and Proper Worship (which the Enemy insists on referring to as “idolatry”)
- [Scatterplot on Isolation](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/scatterplot-on-isolation/) - Letter number two from my series, "Making the Most of Family Life.": My dear young tempters, Some of you have reported back to me your eager desire to attack and destroy families in the name of Our Father Below. An admirable hunger, but a misguided view. To destroy a family is a deeply satisfying achievement.
- [A "Screwtape Letters" Look at Family Life - Six Different Angles](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/a-screwtape-letters-look-at-family-life-six-different-angles/) - Several years ago at my previous church, I taught a series of lessons entitled "Making the Most of Family Life." The lessons were based on a series of six brief essays I wrote, inspired by the style of "The Screwtape Letters" by C. S. Lewis. In case you haven't read Lewis' classic book, you should
- [3 Keys to a Great Marriage](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/3-keys-to-a-great-marriage/) - This is by no means a comprehensive list of what it takes to build and maintain a great marriage. These three keys WILL go a LONG way toward having a great marriage. Try them out and let me know how
- [More Wisdom from Oogway](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/more-wisdom-from-oogway/) - Good ole Master Oogway just may become a regular contributor here at HopeForYourFamily! It is obvious that many have been touched by his wisdom and are hungry to be reminded of his profound words, given the tracking history on my site. (Previous posts on 11/13/08 and 12/28/08) Today I found myself reminded yet again of
- [Ultimate Peace](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/ultimate-peace/) - My list of 10 Proven Ways to Increase Your Peace has really been in no particular order. Until now. I have been saving the best for last. This final recommendation is, in my opinion, by far the biggest factor in our lives that affects our level of peace. 10. Pursue God with all your
- [Help!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/help/) - We are coming down the home stretch of our 10 day tour of a pathway to greater peace in life. I suspect number nine will hit us guys harder than the ladies, but I'll leave that to each of you to face in your own life. 9. Ask for help when you need it.
- [Peace - Gut Check Time](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/peace-gut-check-time/) - Thank you for following my ten part series on peace. I hope it has been worth your time and effort so far. In my experience, today is where we separate the men from the boys, or the women from the girls, as the case may be. I know how much the following suggestion has brought
- [Paradigm for Peace](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/paradigm-for-peace/) - A paradigm is basically a worldview and overall structure for approaching and making sense of life. I start today's post with the concept of a paradigm, because yours may get shaken a bit today. My number one mentor was all about shaking people's paradigms while he was walking planet earth. So why shouldn't I give
- [Skills](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/skills/) - I'm going to take a big risk here, because my next statement may alienate many of you. I really loved the movie, "Napoleon Dynamite!" There, I said it. Now that you know this warped truth about me, you will have to decide whether or not to stay connected with my website. Anyway, there is a
- [New Year's Recognitions](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/new-years-recognitions/) - New Year's Resolutions can be a great way to refocus and improve our lives and relationships. Self-improvement is all well and good (although I have experienced much more improvement in my life through surrendering to God than through anything I have been able to do for my self), but I have decided to put that
- [Happy Birthday - Here's Your Dirt](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/happy-birthday-heres-your-dirt/) - I write this post in anticipation of joy. Based on many past experiences (and one in particular), I feel I am on solid ground to expect some genuine joy and exuberance this weekend. I'm going to risk taking you into my confidence here. My son is turning five this weekend, and isn't quite old enough
- [Low Cost, High Investment Christmas Gifts](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/low-cost-high-investment-christmas-gifts/) - So - Thanksgiving Day has passed, your family members will be expecting Christmas gifts from you this year, you haven't bought anything yet because your budget is stretched tight as a snare drum, and you are wondering how you can save as much money as possible this Christmas season while everyone else spends a ton
- [Parenting 101 - Christmas Gifts](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-101-christmas-gifts/) - Tune in to WAFB, channel 9, at 6:15-ish on Friday morning before you go hit the stores for Christmas shopping and boosting the nation's economy. I will be sharing some recommendations for Christmas gifts that cost little or no money, but can make a lifetime investment in your children/teens. If breaking news preempts my interview,
- [Success](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/success/) - People define success in many different ways. For some, it can be roughly measured by the number of digits in one's salary or the net value of one's portfolio. (I suppose these folks are feeling less successful by the day, given the economic mess coming from Wall Street and D.C.) Others define success by their
- [Freedom](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/freedom/) - Independence Day is just days away for the people of our country. We celebrate the 4th of July as the day our nation officially became a free land, governing ourselves with independent sovereignty. The Boston Tea Party, The Declaration of Independence, "the shot heard round the world" at Concord, and the whole Revolutionary War were
- [Marriage 1.3](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/marriage-13/) - Okay, in fairness to my Marriage 1.0 and 1.1 posts, this one challenges a "funny" email from a male perspective. Here is the email, followed by my comments: "Earl and Bubba (feel free to insert Boudreaux and Thibodeaux if that works better for you) are quietly sitting in a boat fishing, chewing, and drinking beer,
- [Marriage 1.1](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/marriage-11/) - If you have not read my previous post, Marriage 1.0, I recommend doing so before you read this one. It will make much more sense that way. "Please enter the command: 'I Thought You Loved Me.exe' and try to download Tears 6.2 and don't forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works
- [Marriage 1.0](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/marriage-10/) - Someone forwarded me the following email today, which is obviously written to be funny, even though it is based on very common real life experiences that are anything but funny. Maybe you've read it before. You may have even responded with a hearty LOL. But what is really so funny about it? For some, it
- [Jesus: Standing and Serving on His Own Two Feet](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/jesus-standing-and-serving-on-his-own-two-feet/) - The concept of "differentiation of self" was formally defined, explored, and explained by the late Murray Bowen, one of the great minds and founding grandfathers of the field of marriage and family therapy. While his mind and insights were incredibly keen, he wrote on a level that has been very difficult for most folks to
- [Authority](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/authority/) - Here is a sneak peak at my upcoming column in the March/April issue of Southern Families Magazine. I don't know how much editing the column will undergo for publication, but here is my original, based on a question submitted from a parent through the Parenting 101 page on WAFB's website. Thanks to this mom for
- [Responsible Children](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/responsible-children/) - Hopefully, all of us parents want our children to grow up to be personally responsible, morally sound, basically self-sufficient adults who make a positive contribution to society. While there are no guarantees we can make this happen, we do have a great deal of power to lead our children on this path. If you are
- [Parenting 101 - Better Marriage = Better Parent](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-101-better-marriage-better-parent/) - Check out my latest addition to the Parenting 101 page, "Want to be a Better Parent? Work on Your Marriage." And remember to check out the new Parenting 101 page on WAFB.com, (accessible through the "9News This Morning" tab on the left column), and pass it on to others who might have an interest. Merry
- [Who's In Control?](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/whos-in-control/) - As you might imagine, in my counseling practice I see a lot of power struggles, conflicts, and misbehavior. Things are not going well, so people seek professional guidance to improve their marriage or family relationships. (I also work with people on "individual" issues, but this post will focus on relationships.) As I ask questions and
- [Parenting 101 - Your Children's Friendships](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-101-your-childrens-friendships/) - Click here to read my latest "Parenting 101" segment: "Encouraging Healthy Friendships In Your Children's Lives." Here is my summary statement: "Whatever the age or stage of your children, be willing to experience your children’s activities, interests, and friendships without either defensive, judgmental rejection or taking over through over-involvement. Be the kind of parent your
- [Routines and Rituals in Family Life](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/routines-and-rituals-in-family-life/) - Check out my latest Parenting 101 post from this morning's show (August 28).
- [Parenting 101 - Ingredients of Ideal Parenting](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-101-ingredients-of-ideal-parenting/) - Click here to read my latest thoughts and recommendations from the "Parenting 101" segment on WAFB. The "Parenting 101" page is always available near the top of the right-hand column on my site. And, as always, feel free to send me any questions, ideas, or concerns you would like to see me address on Parenting
- [Forgiving](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/forgiving/) - Forgiveness is an issue I must deal with on a frequent basis, because of my work as a marriage and family therapist. However, let's face it - it is something we all must address at some point in our lives, probably many times throughout our lives. We live in a fallen world. We disappoint, hurt,
- [Believe](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/believe/) - Many things happen in our lives that are beyond our control. I fully recognize this. To believe otherwise is to live in a fantasy world. And yet, so much of our experience of life is within our control and influence. I appreciate the rich wisdom of the "Serenity Prayer," made very popular through the 12-step
- [There's no place like...CAMP!](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/theres-no-place-likecamp/) - Q - How do I know if my child is ready for a “sleep-away” camp? A - Most children can handle the away from home camp experience around age 8, 9, or 10. Certainly, your child’s personality is a big factor. Some are more independent, while others are more “homebodies.” However, one of the most
- [Self-Sacrifice, Righteousness, & Forgiveness - aka "Spiderman 3"](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/self-sacrifice-righteousness-forgiveness-aka-spiderman-3/) - Normally when I make movie recommendations, it is to rent a video and watch it at home, typically for some "therapeutic" value. Let's face it - watching movies on the big screen costs a fortune these days, and a lot of it is junk. Having said that... You need to see Spiderman 3!!! This is
- [Storms](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/storms/) - My wife and I recently spent a weekend away together at the Parish Hermitage. Our time there was all that we hoped it would be. God's Spirit breathed into us just what we needed at this time in our lives. And it all started with a storm. As we stopped for an early lunch of
- [Marital Cardiology](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/marital-cardiology/) - Although I've never been to medical school, people come to my office every day for cardiology exams. Most of the time, they don't even know they have a heart condition, but the symptoms have finally compelled them to seek help. And their complaints sound something like this: He just doesn't listen to me! She really
- [Dangerous](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/dangerous/) - I'll be posting some more of my own thoughts later this weekend, but for now, I've just got to pass this along. My good friend, Troy, just told me about this book. It's called "The Dangerous Book for Boys" by Conn & Hal Iggulden, two brothers from the UK. It has become a
- [Self-Injury Resources](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/self-injury-resources/) - Click here to access my list of recommended reading for self-injury. Also, there are several links to helpful websites under the section of "self-injury links" on the right side column of my website.
- [Parenting 101 - Self-Injury](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/parenting-101-self-injury/) - Check out my Parenting 101 page to see my latest interview and read the Q & A regarding children/adolescents and self-injury.
- [Momnipotent](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/momnipotent/) - Thanks to a client of mine, I was introduced to this amazing artist and song this week. The artist's name is Nancy White, and the song is "Momnipotent." Following are the lyrics. Two things struck me hard enough in this song to compel me to share it as my blog offering for the week. First,
- [Frolicking](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/frolicking/) - Many of you were in the same place I was at some point today (Easter Sunday) - at church. The celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead is the central hope and foundation of the Christian faith. His new life brings the promise of new life to us today, to all who call on his name
- [Spring Cleaning](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/spring-cleaning/) - It's spring cleaning time at my house. My wife and I have both hit that point over the last couple of weeks. We want to get our house in order and experience the refreshing peace of spring cleaning. I've got the yard mowed. I even splurged on some expensive fertilizer/weed killer/ant killer and some new
- [Centered](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/centered/) - Typical daily life in America today is stressful. And hectic. And difficult. And busy. So many challenges to face. So many schedules to keep. So many demanding people. Rising gas prices. Rising insurance costs. Rising housing costs. Mark Schultz captures this way of life well in his song, "Running Just to Catch Myself." With all
- [Plastic & Beer](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/plastic-beer/) - I write this post on St. Patrick's Day, after having spent the morning with my family at my first ever parade in Baton Rouge. While I had never really heard much about the St. Patty's Day parade, I've heard about the legendary Mardi Gras parades of South Louisiana for years. From what I could tell,
- [Happiness](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/happiness/) - "I'm really frustrated with my marriage." - "My wife is driving me crazy!" - "I am so sick of my husband!" - "Our marriage just isn't what it used to be." - "I just don't feel satisfied with my marriage." - "Is this as good as it gets?" - "I'm not happy anymore." So many
- [Weeds](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/weeds/) - A few months ago, my wife and I invested a good bit of money in having professionals come whip our front landscaping into shape. They did a great job. We've got all kinds of new flowers (don't ask me what kind), new greenery, new mulch. The house has really benefitted from the colorful "facelift." It
- [Listen. And Learn](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/listen-and-learn/) - Parents of adolescents, how many of you enjoy your children's favorite music - if you can even understand it? I realize there are families in which parents and children enjoy the same musical tastes. However, for many, the choice of music preference can become not only a difference between generations, but even a focal point
- [Experts](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/experts/) - Self-proclaimed "experts" abound. They write books and articles, appear on the news, offer conferences and workshops, and set up websites. Some of these "experts" have a wealth of wisdom to offer, while others are offering up nothing but hot air (at best). I do my best to be one of the former, but you can
- [Stress](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/stress/) - I was recently invited to speak to a group of pastors and church leaders about dealing with stress, which is frequently a huge issue for men and women in leadership - particularly church leadership. The message seemed to resonate very meaningfully with those in attendance, so it seemed good for me to share the heart
- [The Power of HOPE](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-power-of-hope/) - As you know, the name of my website is "hopeforyourfamily.com." My username on a number of different online accounts and communities is "hopemonger." Get an email from me, and you are likely to read the closing line, "With Hope, - Roger." So, why all this focus on "hope?" Because it is one of the most
- ["Cutting" article](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/cutting-article/) - Click here or pick up the September issue of Baton Rouge Parents Magazine to read my article on the growing epidemic of "cutting" (self-injury). For the record, the magazine took some editorial liberty with my article - most notably changing most of the pronouns to "she" and "her." I assume they did so because of
- [Advocates - not Adversaries](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/advocates-not-adversaries/) - Some of you have healthy, vibrant, joy-filled marriages that are a great source of security and love in your life. It's not perfect, but it sure is good! If so, please consider finding another couple or two to mentor. Believe me, some couple out there could really use your encouraging example. Others reading this post are
- [A "Storiented" Family Activity](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/a-storiented-family-activity/) - Apparently I coined a new term a few nights ago through a slip of the tongue. After making some comments in my Bible study group, a couple of people immediately spoke up, saying they like my use of the term "storiented" in reference to our postmodern culture. I didn't really mean to say it -
- [The Family That Plays Together, Stays Together](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/the-family-that-plays-together-stays-together/) - This may sound like an old cliche, but it represents a deep truth. Whether it's Monopoly, Rook, charades, spoons, hide and seek, checkers, chess, tag, poker, Balderdash, "apple shmear" (see Cheaper by the Dozen), backyard football, X-Box tournaments, Candyland, backgammon, bowling, Parcheesi, or Old Maid, playing together as a family encompasses several very important values:

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/) - Counseling services for teens, adults, couples, and families—plus parent coaching, premarital support, and spiritual guidance. Work with Dr. Butner to heal, grow, and find lasting change. Read helpful insights on the blog.
- [Blog](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/blog/) - DR. BUTNER'S BLOG Articles to Encourage & Empower parenting encouragement Test réflexion clic souris : ce qu’il faut savoir avec le générateur April 24, 2026 Dr. Roger Butner Qu’est‑ce que le test réflexion clic souris ? Pourquoi évaluer sa réactivité est essentiel aujourd’hui Fonctionnement... relationships spiritual formation Ingredients for a Delightful Marriage: SHARED VISION August
- [Reviews](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/reviews/) - FROM REAL CLIENTS OF DR. BUTNER TESTIMONIALS The following are comments shared by actual clients of Dr. Butner – based on their experience: 💬 Our family was impressed by the comfortable environment and relaxing atmosphere. Even more impressive was the fact that Mr. Butner both listened and heard what we were saying (often he picked
- [DEFAULT PAGE DO NOT DELETE THIS](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/default-page-do-not-delete-this/) - CONNECT WITH DR. BUTNER Contact Information
- [About](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/about/) - CONNECT WITH DR. BUTNER Contact Information About Dr. Butner What are Dr. Butner’s areas of therapeutic speciality? I am particularly gifted at connecting effectively with adolescents and helping build bridges of understanding, respect, and motivation between them and their parents.I am skilled at helping spouses and partners in intimate relationships improve their level of understanding, cooperation,
- [Contact](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/contact/) - CONNECT WITH DR. BUTNER Contact Information Connect via phone: Feel free to call or text me at 225-333-1582 if you have any questions or would like to discuss your situation with me. I would be so pleased to help you, and if either of us think I’m not the best fit for you or your
- [Services](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/services/) - SERVICE INFORMATION Setting Appointments & More Use the buttons below to schedule your appointment, view counseling forms and fee information, or learn more about available seminar and retreat options. I look forward to meeting with you soon! BOOK APPOINTMENT FORMS AND FEEs SEMINAR INFORMATION BOOK APPOINTMENT FORMS AND FEEs SEMINAR INFORMATION Therapy is available for:AdultsAdolescentsPre-AdolescentsFamiliesCouplesIndividualsAreas
- [Forms & Fees](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/onboarding/) - Let's Get Started Form & Fee Information New Patient Information While I do not utilize apps like Venmo or Cash App, for my counseling practice, I do accept all major credit/debit cards! Adult Intake Packet Adolescent Intake Packet Parent Intake Packet Insurance Information Although I do not participate in insurance billing or insurance network discounts,
- [Seminars](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/seminars/) - HOPE FOR YOUR FAMILY Seminars of Dr. Roger Butner About Speaking Engagements: Dr. Butner is passionate about sharing his experience, wisdom, hope, and encouragement with as many people as possible – for the blessing of your lives and relationships, and for the glory of God and the growth of His Kingdom. In addition to his
- [Tweets-OLD](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/tweets-old/) - At the request of some of my Twitter/Facebook followers, I provided this page to list all of my ongoing status update "CHALLENGES." (Basically, practical wisdom for life in 140 characters or less.) It is my pleasure and privilege to share this journey with you as I continue to struggle and learn and grow in my
- [Video-OLD](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/video-old/) - I hope these videos are helpful to you in practical and peace-giving ways. Please consider sharing any videos you find particularly helpful and encouraging. And I would love to hear any questions, suggestions, or requests you may have for other video topics. Many blessings to you and yours!
- [Seminars-OLD](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/seminars-old/) - Dr. Butner is passionate about sharing his experience, wisdom, hope, and encouragement with as many people as possible - for the blessing of your lives and relationships, and for the glory of God and the growth of His Kingdom. In addition to his counseling practice and regular appearances on WAFB's Parenting 101 segment, he is available
- [Reviews-OLD](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/reviews-old/) - The following are comments shared by actual clients of Dr. Butner - based on their experiences... Our family was impressed by the comfortable environment and relaxing atmosphere. Even more impressive was the fact that Mr. Butner both listened and heard what we were saying (often he picked up on nonverbal things!). He definitely helped us
- [Counseling Services-OLD](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/services-old/) - Click the "BOOK NOW" button above to access Dr. Butner's confidential schedule of available times and set your appointment time with him via link to his Booksy page. I look forward to meeting with you soon! OR CLICK HERE to download and utilize the Booksy app directly to access Dr. Butner's confidential schedule of available
- [Contact-OLD](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/contact-old/) - Please feel welcome to contact me with questions about you or your family's situation. I'm glad to offer free consultations for those who are unsure what direction to take to find the best solutions to problem situations. I'll be happy to set up a counseling session, recommend helpful resources, or help you find the most
- [Forms & Fees](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/counseling-forms-fees/) - While I do not utilize "cash apps" for my counseling practice, I continue to accept all major credit/debit cards! Click here to download adult intake packet Click here to download adolescent intake packet (To be completed by adolescent [age 10+], in addition to parent completing the following document) Click here to download parent intake packet (To be

## My Templates

- [Default Kit](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/?elementor_library=default-kit)
- [mission/vision](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/?elementor_library=mission-vision) - Our Mission We communicate clearly, because in a world crowded with over-the-top marketing, simple wins. We are not rock stars, ninjas or any other disingenuous buzz term. We are creative professionals. Before you can market a business, you need to know its story. Find out more Our Drive and Vision We’re the trusted partner that
- [mission](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/?elementor_library=mission) - Our Mission We communicate clearly, because in a world crowded with over-the-top marketing, simple wins. We are not rock stars, ninjas or any other disingenuous buzz term. We are creative professionals. Before you can market a business, you need to know its story. Find out more Our Drive and Vision We’re the trusted partner that
- [Default Kit](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/?elementor_library=default-kit-2)

## Portfolio

- [Take An Appointment](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_portfolios/take-an-appointment/)
- [Doctor Tips](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_portfolios/doctor-tips/)
- [Health Tips](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_portfolios/deting-relation/)

## Case Study

- [Doctor Appointment](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_case_study/doctor-appointment/) - We help our clients to build their best possible economic We understand you’re saving for all different life eventss retirement, a house, simply to build wealth, or all of the above. Your investment account should adjust to your lifei not the other way around You have within you, right now, at this very moment, all
- [Health Tips](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_case_study/health-tips/) - We help our clients to build their best possible economic We understand you’re saving for all different life eventss retirement, a house, simply to build wealth, or all of the above. Your investment account should adjust to your lifei not the other way around You have within you, right now, at this very moment, all
- [Doctor Tips](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_case_study/doctor-tips/) - We help our clients to build their best possible economic We understand you’re saving for all different life eventss retirement, a house, simply to build wealth, or all of the above. Your investment account should adjust to your lifei not the other way around You have within you, right now, at this very moment, all
- [Take an Appointment](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_case_study/take-an-appointment/) - We help our clients to build their best possible economic We understand you’re saving for all different life eventss retirement, a house, simply to build wealth, or all of the above. Your investment account should adjust to your lifei not the other way around You have within you, right now, at this very moment, all
- [Talk FreeMind](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_case_study/talk-freemind/) - We help our clients to build their best possible economic We understand you’re saving for all different life eventss retirement, a house, simply to build wealth, or all of the above. Your investment account should adjust to your lifei not the other way around You have within you, right now, at this very moment, all
- [Dating & Relation](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_case_study/dating-relation/) - We help our clients to build their best possible economic We understand you’re saving for all different life eventss retirement, a house, simply to build wealth, or all of the above. Your investment account should adjust to your lifei not the other way around You have within you, right now, at this very moment, all
- [Faq & Solve](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_case_study/faq-solve/) - We help our clients to build their best possible economic We understand you’re saving for all different life eventss retirement, a house, simply to build wealth, or all of the above. Your investment account should adjust to your lifei not the other way around You have within you, right now, at this very moment, all
- [Health During](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_case_study/health-during/) - We help our clients to build their best possible economic We understand you’re saving for all different life eventss retirement, a house, simply to build wealth, or all of the above. Your investment account should adjust to your lifei not the other way around You have within you, right now, at this very moment, all

## Brand

- [](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_brand/656/)
- [](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_brand/654/)
- [](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_brand/652/)
- [](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/em_brand/650/)

## Elementor Header & Footer Builder

- [Footer](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/elementor-hf/main-footer/) - Dr. Roger D. Butner, PHD, LMFT8542 Siegen LaneBaton Rouge, LA 70810225-333-1582 Quick Links: Home About Dr. Butner Visit Blog Seminars Get Started: Services Counseling Formats Forms & Fees Contact Book Appointment: Schedule a visit with Dr. Butner. BOOK APPOINTMENT Copyright © 2025 Dr. Roger D. Butner, PHD, LMFT. All rights reserved. Facebook-f Youtube Linkedin-in

## Categories

- [addiction/recovery](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/offbeat/addiction/)
- [dynamics of adolescence](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/dynamics-of-adolescence/)
- [inspiration](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/offbeat/inspiration/)
- [manhood](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/offbeat/manhood/)
- [relationships](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/offbeat/relationships/)
- [teen media issues](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/teen-media-issues/)
- [parenting encouragement](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/parenting-encouragement/)
- [spiritual formation](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/spiritual-formation/)
- [offbeat](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/offbeat/)
- [Christian parenting inspiration](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/christian-parenting-inspiration/)
- [Speaking Engagements](https://www.hopeforyourfamily.com/category/speaking-engagements/)