Author: Nathan Carpenter

  • Parent Encouragers

    Joey and Carla Link March 15, 2023 Praise and encouragement are far better motivators to get your children to do what they are supposed to do than discipline and critical words. When you praise your child, you are showing him/her your approval for something he did. When you encourage your child, you are giving him/her courage to do something he needs to do, and you cheer him on…

  • Be Positive!

    By Joey and Carla Link March 8, 2023 It is easy for parents to focus on the negative side of parenting. Being negative in our parenting is when we continuously point out what our children are doing wrong such as: “Why can’t you get ready on time?” “When are you going to do what I tell you to do?” “Stop…

  • “Please” “Thank you” and “I’m Sorry”

    Joey and Carla Link March 1, 2023 How often have you heard a parent say to their child, “Now what’s the magic word?” before giving the child something he/she wants? Teaching your toddlers to say or sign “please” and “thank you” seems to take forever. Why is that do you suppose? In light of all the other things you work on…

  • Do Your Kids Know What to Do? Then Stop Reminding Them!

    By Joey and Carla Link February 8, 2023 “Michelle, it’s almost time to leave for school. Here’s your backpack, put it by the door so you don’t forget it again. Where’s that note I need to sign for your teacher?”  “Henry, don’t forget to take the trash out after dinner.” “Emma, did you make your…

  • The Funnel is a Handy Tool

    Joey and Carla Link February 1, 2023 In last week’s blog titled “Do Your Kids need Fences?”, we talked about the funnel and what it has to do with parenting. The funnel is such a handy tool, so much so we are talking about it again to keep the behaviors your kids aren’t old enough or…

  • Is It Time to Fence Your Kids In?

    Joey and Carla Link January 25, 2023 When watching home fix-it shows, when someone with a pet is looking for a new home, they always say they need the back yard fenced in. Why? Because they don’t trust their pet to stay in the yard without one. The fence provides boundaries so the dog knows…

  • Getting Along with Others

    Joey and Carla Link January 18, 2023 How many times a day do you say to your kids, “Why can’t you get along?!” when you are on your way to intervene in another sibling conflict. We can relate. We said it plenty to our three when they were growing up in our home. We are…

  • Teaching Your Children the Joy of Giving

    By Joey and Carla Link December 7, 2022 Why do we give gifts at Christmas? Those who believe in and love God do so because it is a way of honoring the gift He gave us in His Son Jesus, through whom we have the promise of eternal life. We do wonder why celebrating Christmas…

  • Grateful Kids

    By Joey and Carla Link November 16, 2022 “What does it take to get grateful kids? It doesn’t matter what they get, they always want more.” Have you ever thought this about your kids? I know there are times I thought this about mine.  The opposite of gratefulness is selfishness. From wanting a bigger or better…

  • 3 Steps to Plan Good Stuff in Your Child’s Heart

    By Joey and Carla Link November 9, 2022 You have told your 6 yr. old son he has to be kind to his 4 yr. old sister no matter what. God said to be kind to each other and so that is what you all were going to do. (Ephesians 4:32) Yet time and time…