Practical Family Living

Parents Modeling Faith

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Every parent seeks to passon their faith. Taking a look at one example in scripture, we see how the everyday patterns of life provide a foundation in which a child may learn the reality of God's presence and decide for him/herself to believe in God

Balancing Power and Position

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Using the life of Hagar as an example, we can discover how easily the balance of power and position in relationships can become unbalanced.

In Pursuit of Belonging

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Sometimes obtaining a sense of belonging promotes behaviors that demean or 'step on' others in order to feel significant. Using a passage from Hebrews, this article takes a look at the role of the priest, our role as priests in the family of God and similarities of responsibility.

Communicating With Kids (and Adults!)

Practical tips are provided to help children pair emotions with words and a specific technique is described to improve communication for both kids and adults.

Teaching Children About Feelings

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Children need help in identifying what emotion they feel just as much as we do as adults. Here are some guidelines which are fun and a relaxing way to help your children learn what they may feel and when.

Abundant Attachment with God and Others

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Illustrates how parents and spouses can use Jesus' words from the Gospel of John for healthy attachment

Family Systems and Generational Bondage

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Article describes how past generational patterns can influence current family functioning, and how God can equip us in healthy family functioning.

Teamwork in Tasks and Ministry

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Article describes seven principles to decrease stress through teamwork and delegation in ministry, family, or work-related tasks.

Family Relationships: It's Not About Winning and Losing

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

What family relationships are not about

How to Stop Bullying

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Helpful suggestions and step by step plan to end bullying

For Shame, For Shame: How to End Shaming When Disciplining

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

The power and influence of parents is great; keeping the parent-child relationship in its proper place

Overcoming the Role of Family Hero

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

A vignette portraying common characteristics of the family hero

Ten Ways to "Train Up A Child"

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Parenting is hard. Raising children in today's world is a juggling act for most people when trying to do a good job of applying God’s word."Ten Ways…"gives a real map of behavior for parents to follow as they seek to be a good parent. The admonition to "raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" is fleshed out in this article in practical and moment by moment ways.

Parents Guide to Lingo on the Internet

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The benefits and dangers of the internet are becoming more apparent as time passes. Parents have the increasingly difficult task of protecting their children and adolescents from the dangers. Here you will find some of the common uses of letters and symbols by kids as they communicate with one another.

Stay Strong While Raising Strong Willed Children

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Strong willed children can be amazingly creative, innovative and steadfast while at the same time frustrating and exhausting to parents. This article discusses some tools for parents to use to teach, train and motivate their strong willed child.

This is Your Life: Adolescents Leaving Home

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article addresses launching as a transition in family life, and ways one can prepare for it.

Kids in the Wheelbarrow: Cultivating Trust in the Home

Explore your definition of trust, discover what trust means in your home, and begin to cultivate a trusting environment.

I have a WHAT?

As the Nationwide Insurance commercial proclaims, "Life comes at you fast," parents can find themselves quickly thrown into raising a teenager. As you jump into adolescence with your adolescent, take a deep breath, and use these reminders to help with the adolescent journey.

What Teens Want Parents to Understand

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Some teens believe that parents "don't get it" or "just don't understand." Recently, I asked teens to help me understand what it was like to be a teenager. This article reports their comments.

Our Love Affair with Food

This article discusses forming healthy or unhealthy relationships with food at several stages in our development. Tips for being aware of the place of food in our lives and resources for developing a healthier relationship with food are included.

CHILDREN AND ATTACHMENT WOUNDS, Part One

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Early trauma in a child’s life can result in attachment wounds in your child. Article describes how a specialized family therapy; Family Narrative Attachment Therapy, can help rebuild bonds between parent and child. Especially useful for foster and adoptive children.

ADHD and Homework: It Can Work!

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Children with ADHD have a tremendous amount of potential. ADHD is not a limitation nor a predictor of school performance. In this article, Christine provides a practical guideline for parents to help make homework time more productive and less stressful.

Parent/Teacher Allies: Being Your Child’s Advocate

Parents and teachers make a great team for supporting your child! Being your child's advocate at school can help your child enjoy school and achieve higher goals. Ideas in this article are shared for taking an active role with the teacher and within the school system.

Moms' To Do List

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Moms are good at taking care of their loved ones but often do not take time for themselves. This article offers encouragement to moms to care for their needs and discusses ways moms can be proactive by nurturing their minds, bodies and spirits.

Coming Along Side the 20 Somethings

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Young adults look so adult yet, as we all know, looks can be deceiving. This special group of people need more support than we can imagine. The energy and enthusiasm can mask the fears and challenges they face. Author and therapist, Brenda Spina takes a few moments to outline the challenges they face as well as some practical ways in which all of us can support these precious young men and women.

"The Talk"

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

The mere thought of having "the talk" about sexuality with their children often makes parents shudder and want to head for the hills. Parents take heart. This article encourages parents as it provides a step by step nonthreatening approach to discussing sexuality.

Encouraging the Growth Mindset in Children

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Parents naturally want the best for their children and can be instrumental in helping their children become resilient to challenges. This article informs parents on recent research and ways they can encourage their children to have a growth mindset.

Twelve Years, Ten Lessons

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

An article of tribute and thanksgiving. As Mary Lambrecht follows God's call to Texas, she shares ten basic lessons learned in the therapy room and in ministry through The Center for Family Healing and Practical Family Living.

Everyone is Welcome!

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Schools are working very hard to address the growing problem of bullying through teacher trainings, student education, role playing, parent meetings and having police liaisons. However, the problem has not only persisted but has become more severe and more widespread in recent years. Before bullying can be adequately resolved, the issue of cliques needs to be addressed.

If We Always Encourage Kids, Aren’t We Raising Weaklings?

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Describes how, when and why to encourage children. Some parents are concerned that too much self esteem can ruin a child. However, learning to help a discouraged child can only strengthen them. Strengthening the inner workings of your child is described here.

The Golden Rule for Cyberspace

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Most of our teens know how to work with technology but few realize how technology works. As parents and educators who love our teens, it is part of our job to educate them that what they post online can change the course of their lives. This article provides tips to share with our beloved teens.