Family

Overcoming the Challenges of Step Parenting

Linda Nunez
13 Sep 2016
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  Being a step-parent is very sacrificial and requires a thick skin to roll with the punches that come with the role. I always tell my friends who are dating a person with kids that step parenting can be extra hard work. Marriage is hard enough alone, so imagine adding kids, exes and brokenness into the mix! Many couples step into to a blended family ill-equipped with blinders on and unrealistic expectations about what this intricate process needs. Like me, many think they will beat the stigma of the evil stepmom Disney has unfurled and magically swoosh her new family […]

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Take a Break for Fall Colors

Penni Bulten
8 Sep 2016
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One of the things people who have moved from a northern area to South Florida may miss is the obvious change in seasons, as evidenced by brightly colored fall foliage. Whether a vacation is specifically timed for a fall view or takes advantage of the public school’s fall break schedule, fall foliage is not as far away as one might think. There are quite a few places in the Southeast to enjoy fall colors, see historical sights and take in local ‘color’ unique to each state.   Alabama Northern Alabama has later peak fall color times, from late October to […]

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Connecting with Smartphone Obsessed Kids

Maritza Cosano
2 Aug 2016
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75,400,000 — That’s quite a significant number. It represents the total population of millennials — those people born between 1983 and 2000s — dubbed “the smartphone generation.” The largest generation in the United States, this population is certainly different from any other, as they are digital natives. They witnessed the explosive growth of the Internet and were brought up completely immersed in it. It is what shaped their always connected, tech savvy and digitally infused lifestyles. Now parents are frustrated with the smartphone generation, as they cannot come to terms with today’s 24/7 digital world and their kids’ obsession with […]

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Back to School Tips from a Teacher

Linda Nunez
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The first day of school is fast approaching, and for most kids this day is full of excitement and new everything. For first timers though, (like kindergarteners or kids attending a completely new school) the first day of school can be more stressful than thrilling. But what about us parents? We also get nervous on the first day of school. I must admit that I definitely get a little anxious. With a five-year-old entering kindergarten and stepkids going into 5th and 12th grade, I worry if my kids will like their new teacher and classmates; if their school is safe […]

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Seven Steps to a Great School Year

Bob Barnes
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Before any big event, wise people make thorough preparations. Whether it’s a wedding, a vacation or a new career, we want to be prepared for whatever comes our way. In the same way, wise parents plan ahead for their child’s success. Instead of playing defense and taking on each battle as it comes, it is mandatory to plan ahead. Here are seven steps to help your child’s school year get off to a great start and a successful finish. These steps will also help your family get along when the stress of school hits. Step No. 7 Decide the bedtime […]

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Your Bucket List for Summer Fun

Gabriella Morris
1 Jul 2016
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It’s summer! The kids are home from school and schedules change from homework help to summer camps. Even if you don’t have kids, there’s something about summer that makes us want to break away, take a vacation or try something new. Here are some fun ways to celebrate summer simply right here in South Florida.   Make a Sidewalk Chalk Mural Chalk is cheap. Grab it any grocery or craft store and pick out a smooth spot of sidewalk or driveway to decorate. If you wet the chalk before you use it, the colors dry more thick and intense.   […]

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Teach Your Kids about Money

Jeff Masters
7 Jun 2016
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  Most parents make exceptional efforts to train their kids in sports, academics and social activities not realizing the great effect of the neglect of early training in the disciplines of finances. A recent survey by TrueCredit.com found that about 20 percent of parents, nearly one in five, had never spoken with their kids between the ages of 4 and 18 about money basics. To raise money-smart kids, parents should start at a young age and regularly reinforce money lessons as children grow up. According to research from Cambridge University, money habits start to form by age seven. To neglect […]

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Help for Dads and Moms to Change Kids’ Behavior

Steve Davis
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  “I’ve tried everything!” said Maria. “Discipline plans, behavior methods, every program I can find, but the kids are still not well behaved! What’s the secret? Can you help me, please?” In this case Maria was a teacher. Dr. Pearson, our visiting professor and a successful principal in K-12 education, responded, “Tell me what you’re doing now with your kids and how well it’s working.” Maria shared; she used a large chart posted up front with the kids’ names listed. Each student was given 10 points in the morning. During the day, points were taken away for misbehavior. “And how […]

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Ways Students Can Use Summer Vacation to Prepare for the Future

The Good News
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Is your family thinking about the skills and experience your child needs for college and future success? The majority of college admission officers recommend that students start preparing before or by ninth grade. Yet, more than half of middle level students haven’t started prepping for college, according to statistics from the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). Experts say that summer is the perfect time for children to get ahead in building skills and experience for the journey to and through college and lifelong success. “It’s never too early to start building your future,” says Jonathan […]

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The Legacy of a Godly Father

Bob Woods
1 Jun 2016
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As I contemplate the upcoming Father’s Day and my reflections on my first year of this day since the passing of my father, I would like to commemorate a life well lived and the legacy that he has passed on to his seven children. From this point forward we are trying to continue the heritage as patriarchs and matriarchs of our own clans.   If the Lord comes tonight This incredible story actually begins with my grandfather, my Dad’s father, who was born in Vermont before the outbreak of the Civil War. He and his family attended the Advent Christian […]

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