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Communication Styles

A husband and wife sitting on a couch talking to each other. There are four types of communication to strengthen your marriage.

Four Types of Communication to Strengthen Your Marriage

The key to a great marriage is communication. What kind of communication? Dr. Greg Smalley recommends couples have four key marriage conversations.

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4 Animals Personality Test

You can take the 4 animals personality test in a few minutes. The goal is to give you a picture of your and your spouse’s unique, God-given strengths.

A young couple sit close together in the sun, gazing into each other's eyes.

What Is Intimacy?

What is intimacy? What is the definition of intimacy? Sometimes people will do just about anything to get close to someone they find interesting, intriguing, or just plain irresistible. Is that being intimate? “Our souls crave intimacy.” — Erwin Raphael McManus The Pull of Intimacy Sometimes singles will do just about anything to get close …

Man and a woman sitting on the couch showing respect for one another.

Communicating Respect in Your Marriage

An attitude of respect paves the way for you to show respect for your mate. Respect does not indicate that you agree on everything, but it does mean that you give your spouse the freedom to be an individual.

This is relentless parenting- a father walking with his arm around his teen son, giving him encouragement

7 Strategies for Relentless Parenting

Teen rebellion requires parental tenacity and persistence.

A silhouette of a face profile with dozens of crumpled pieces of colored paper above it, signifying a person's difficulty in identifying their emotions with soul words.

Learn to Identify Your Emotions in Marriage

Using “soul words” helps develop a greater awareness of your inner experiences. And once you begin the awareness process, you will be amazed at how thoughts, feelings and reactions become clearer to you.

For a Successful Marriage, Avoid These 5 Rs

The most common complaint among married couples is a lack of communication. Too much conflict is among the top five reasons people divorce.

why authoritative parenting falls short

Why Authoritative Parenting Doesn’t Fall Short

Does the authoritative parenting style work? Learn more about how this parenting style equips you to discipline and lead your kids well.

The Best Chores for Teenagers

As you communicate the importance of chores for your teens, reinforce the spiritual significance of work and its impact on the heart, mind, and soul.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Parenting and Love Styles (Part 2 of 2)

We all have baggage from our family of origin. But what do you do when you start repeating your own parents’ mistakes? John and Danny provide a dose of hope to parents who are discouraged because of the family they came from. Featuring Milan and Kay Yerkovich. (Part 2 of 2)

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Having Fun With Your Opposite Personalities

You married someone who’s very different from you! It’s part of God’s design. While your differences can be a lot of fun, they can also create a lot of tension. John talks to Erin about ways that a couple can have fun with their differences. Featuring Mrs. Melanie Shankle.

8 Small Resolutions That Can Change Your Family

Have you been successful in making lasting changes as a parent? Try these small tips to make a big change in your family.

A man and woman standing outside laughing together; he's looking at her as she looks off in the distance

A Marriage Meditation: Kind Words

Kind words are important to our marriage. We can use words that encourage our spouse or we can use words that hurt them. Which words will you choose?

a couple talks as they sit on a couch and drink coffee

Words That Build Trust in a Marriage

The words we use can be a key factor in building trust. Recognize their power for change, and they become powerful tools in your relationship.

a man checks his phone while walking throug an airport

Staying Connected When One Spouse Is Traveling

Travel is tough on a marriage. But with a bit of planning, you and your spouse can stay connected when one of you is away from home.

A man is writing in a journal to stay connected to his family through a journal.

Stay Connected to Your Family Through Journals

Contributor journals are an easy, fun way to stay connected to your family.

Illustration of man standing on a ladder in his garage, struggling with a water hose wrapped around his neck

How I Learned to Avoid Overreacting

I used to overreact. Now I seek clarity before reacting in communication with my wife. I slow down and examine my heart before engaging.

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To Keep Your Marriage Strong, Learn How To Listen Well

Active listening is important when you’re talking to your spouse. Here’s how to focus on your spouse’s feelings and deepen your relationship.

Close up of smiling middle-age couple with mom having a side hug with their grown, special needs son

What is the Right Kind of Attention for Your Children?

Paying the right kinds of attention to your children is easier when you become more aware of each child’s personality and temperament.

Why Can’t She Lie to Me?

My wife’s painful honesty hurts my feelings. She must not know the strategy known as “the white lie.” A time comes when each spouse is tempted to tell one. Is a white lie too much to ask for?