How are your children growing toward adulthood? Children have essential needs that enable them to grow up, and it is our job to help meet those needs. This session will identify the core needs that must be met to provide optimal growth toward maturity, and the Smiths will discuss how we, as parents, can effectively meet those needs. Home is the place where children grow the most. Be inspired to change your home environment resulting in a better outcome for all. Handout included.

Having watched their children approach life with gusto, sensing few boundaries, the Smiths will share some of the things they think made it possible for their children to think outside the box, and live like it! Stories from others they know, and examples from scripture will be used to help make the ideas and approaches applicable to your home. We all want our children to be brave. This session will examine what that may look like in its development.

What’s a dad to do? In a busy home, dads often find themselves being dragged along in all the activity involving the children. But can it be another way? The influence of the father can be the thing that helps all the activity stay on course. Dr. Smith will share ways he and others have made significant contributions to the home in the midst of a busy career. This session will not be an attempt to produce guilt about failures, but will offer solutions and hope for increasing the influence of dad in the home, resulting in everyone being more happy.

Have you ever said, “My kids are out of control!”? The Smiths will show you why it is not such a bad thing, and will even encourage you to transfer more control for the good of the children, and for your own sanity. Though this is not a new idea, the way of thinking about it is foreign to most people. Having raised 4 children to lead productive lives as adults, the Smiths bring real-life stories from their past to illustrate both good and bad approaches to control in the family. You will be encouraged, and you will be inspired.

Many parents are confident managing decisions and educational choices through the middle school years, but shake with fear when looking ahead to the high school years. The issues do seem to have greater consequences, but Dr. Smith will show a mindset and approach that can energize you to make them the best years. Your emerging adults can become the one who praises you, instead of being your greatest critic. Together, you can not only save tons of money, but you can launch your teen to find own purpose.

Preparing your children for success means giving them the best part of you, and that doesn’t happen by accident. A combination of deciding what you think is important and discovering ways to clearly and effectively communicate it is core to discipling your children. The Smiths will share ideas for ways you can communicate your family values. Additionally, a key concept for establishing goals for each child will be shared from scripture, . . . and it could be a game changer!

Often falling on the heels of making a bold decision in your family, a little voice in your head cries out, “What was I thinking?!! I can’t do that!” Even when we are obedient to clear direction, we can become insecure and fearful. Humorous stories will lighten your load if you are feeling the press to make changes, and will help you to stop listening to the accusations from within.  

Every homeschool mom thinks she is failing and wants guidance. Every one of them also can help another. Jan will give practical tips to finding a mentor or being a mentor. From child training to seemingly fruitless discipline, every mom needs a confidant for comfort and reassurance, or a new perspective. Get ideas from Jan’s forty years of mentoring.