Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson

Driving into the office recently, I was reminded of the morning routine . . . folks at the corner donut shop, mom and kids pulling through the McDonald's drive thru and the man waiting at the bus stop reading his newspaper.  

For years now, (over 30 actually!), people have made Dr. Dobson part of their daily routine as they've tuned in across the country Monday-Friday to hear Biblically-based counsel on marriage, parenting and Godly living. 

What's not become routine though is listener identification with Dr. Dobson's newest ministry organization.  In light of the recognition that so many continue to ...

Newspaper headlines this week are very retrospect . . . notable events of 2011 and those individuals who left a mark. 

As we bid farewell to 2011, we said goodbye to Steve Jobs who wanted to "put a ding in the universe."  Another significant passing was that of Betty Ford whose personal battles inspired many to seek treatment for their own struggles.    

I can't help but wonder . . . what kind of mark am I leaving on those around me --- on my children in particular? 

The first week of "Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson" is a great way to start the year off ...

This past week, a hurricane-like wind storm wreaked havoc in parts of LA County resulting in  . . .   

> downed power lines and exposed live wires resulting in loss of electricity

> toppled and uprooted trees

> closed roads, schools and businesses

This past week, I was reminded about the priority of family . . . 

> no school meant children were unrepentantly home for the day . . . time for pickup basketball games, walks in the neighborhood

> no electricity meant video and electronic games weren't options but board games were

> without electricity, it was dinner by candlelight without TV while we shared about our day

In the fullness of ...

A headline in a recent LA Times article read "Fade-Out on Family."  Though the article was really about the fade-out of family TV programs, it also spoke to the fade-out of the family unit. 

Reflecting that the scarcity of family TV programs largely reflects societal and pop culture shifts, the article noted that the family unit itself has markedly changed. Over the last four decades - as divorce and single parenthood climbed sharply - the percentage of children younger than 18 living in a two-parent household slid from roughly 85% to 67%, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. 

As ...

By the time you have three children, as I do, you think you know a thing or two about being a parent. 

Of course, it doesn't start out that way.  When my oldest was born, I bought a "mini library" of resource books. Then, your children grow and you find you have more answers to everyday parenting challenges than you ever imagined you would! 

Still, there can be surprises  . . . as the "not-so-everyday" parenting challenges arise.  That's why so many parents (like me!) are so appreciative of "Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson."  

Along with lots of prayer, I ...

Walking into a department store with my youngest daughter, we witnessed three teenage boys being interrogated by policemen.  Rebecca asked what was happening and I told her it looked like the boys had been doing something they shouldn't have been - maybe shoplifting. She innocently asked, "is it bad to steal if it's something you really need?" 

I had a long shopping list but I knew I had to live in the moment and walk my daughter through a teachable scenario - in 8 year old terms, I explained to her that the ends do not always justify the means ...