The Death of One of our Most Cherished Marital Beliefs

Some of you won’t like what I have to say here. In fact, if you consider yourself “a romantic”, this article might initially anger you. But, please read the entire article prior to chiding me with your remarks in the comment section! Honestly, understanding this concept can save marriages!
The Myth of the “Soul Mate”



The “soul mate myth” is a well beloved myth indeed. Those that hold this expectation generally believe that there is one, and only one, right person to marry – their soul mate.
The idea of a soul mate is quite a romantic notion and has been the plot of countless cherished books and movies. But, please pay attention to me – this myth is incredibly dangerous. Let me explain!
Dangers Caused by the “Soul Mate” Myth
There is one major hazard for those who prescribe to this myth. Those who assume that marital bliss is a result of finding their one “soul mate” dangerously shift responsibility away from improving themselves or nurturing their marriage.
In other words, rather than working hard on our own individual improvement and working equally hard at nurturing our marriage, we can be tempted to assign all the blame to the spouse.
A 2014 study noted that couples either view their marriages as “destiny” or “growth”. Couples that view their marriage as “destiny” generally believe that their spouse is their “soul mate”. One of these researchers, Dr. Spike W. S. Lee, noted the following during a recent interview:
“If we are soul mates, then nothing will go wrong in our relationship, and it will be easy. A conflict makes a destiny-believer question whether the current partner is actually their soul mate, and then they give up on working it out,”
Too often “destiny” couples who are not happily married (though they had ironically once believed that their spouse was their soul mate), simply believe they were duped and that they didn’t marry their soul mate after all. Somewhere, their soul mate must still surely exist.........................................................................................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

When it Comes to Marriage, We are About as Happy as We Make up Our Mind to Be!

True, there are some marriages that have experienced tremendous trauma (such as abuse, infidelity, and neglect). In order to find happiness, those marriages likely need the help of a trained therapist. Gratefully, for the rest of us, we actually get to decide how happy we want to be within our marriage.
Don’t believe me?? Well, read on!
We Decide if We will Give our Spouse the Benefit of the Doubt



In happier marriages, couples seem to have a positive filter that influences the way that they respond to each other – even during times where offense, frustration, disappointment, or anger would be natural responses. Dr. John Gottman refers to this as positive sentiment override.
In other words, there is so much positivity built up in the marriage that the disappointment of the moment is more easily overlooked because of the overarching kindness and love within the relationship.
Simply put, positive sentiment override is the conscious and consistent decision for us to give the benefit of the doubt to our spouse. Or, as a wise colleague of mine has stated, when we don’t know one’s motives, we default to an assumption of goodwill (see this previous article for more additional information).
Happiness Tip #1 – Remember, choosing to give the benefit of the doubt is our choice. Though this may be difficult at times, as we consistently make this choice, we choose a happier marriage!
We Decide if We will Forgive our Spouse
You’ve heard this quote from 18th-centurty English poet Alexander Pope: “To err is human, to forgive, divine.”
While this transcendent principle is true in so many aspects of life, it is my professional opinion that constant and complete forgiveness is a critical component for anyone choosing to create a happy marriage................................................................................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

Don’t Be THAT Parent!

2 Disclaimers
Though I am annoyed and frustrated as I write this article, please don’t discount the content as the article draws on research and the principles are sound.
Likewise, though I was outraged at the extreme behavior of these two parents, please know that I don’t pretend to be a perfect parent myself – far from it.
That said, I am a bit angry!
Screaming “Little League” Mom
Last week I attended my 12 year old son’s baseball game. Like his father, this child adores the game of baseball and generally has a good time win or lose.
On this particular evening, the starting catcher was out of town. The young man who was catching was not as experienced and missed a few balls and made a few errant throws. Honestly, this child’s performance wasn’t much different than most of the other boys on the team.
However, I quickly started to feel awful for this young catcher – but not because of his baseball skills. Rather, after every mistake there would be a harsh and loud criticism from a woman in the crowd (presumably his mother)
“DON’T DROP THE BALL!”
“CONCENTRATE!”
“THROW THE BALL BACK TO THE PITCHER!”
“QUIT MAKING MISTAKES!”

Look, I’m no rocket scientist, but I’m going to guess that this child wasn’t trying to perform poorly in front of his family and peers (for full effect, the prior sentence is best read with dripping sarcasm).
C’mon mom!
Like me you might be thinking, I wonder if her son even enjoys playing baseball anymore.  Honestly, I don’t know how he could (especially when mom is present).  I left that game incredibly frustrated about what that obnoxious parent was doing to her child’s development. Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!
4 Days Later
Fast forward to Saturday and I was then watching my 8 year old son play in a soccer game. Please note that I said 8 year old son (not my 28 year old son playing for the World Cup Championship game).
This time the “obnoxiousness” came from a dad on the other team. I don’t believe I am exaggerating to state that he yelled at every young child on that team. I had never witnessed such an incredibly competitive (and poorly behaved) spectator at a children’s soccer game. I honestly couldn’t believe it. I felt so badly for those children (especially whichever one was his).
You Are Better Than That (Literally)
While these two instances frustrated and saddened me, I gratefully acknowledge that most parents aren’t that destructive to the psyche and self-esteem of children.
Most of you are about as opposite as you can possibly be from the parents I described above. I suspect that if you are the kind of person who reads marriage and parenting articles, you are likely an intentional and engaged parent (not a perfect parent…none of us are, but one who is diligently striving to build your children and give them the best opportunity to succeed in life). Keep it up!
But, even for those of us striving to be mindful and intentional parents, is it possible that we too may be guilty of over-criticizing our children?........................................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

The Over-Sexualization Of Harley Quinn

This has been a topic that has bothered me for years. Recently, it came to head with the release of the "Suicide Squad" trailer. In said trailer, there is a solid three-second shot showcasing Harley Quinn's booty. That one shot compounds a much larger problem than your casual sexism: it shows that the world truly has forgotten the true message of the character of Harley Quinn.

Nowadays, when somebody is asked to describe Harley Quinn, nine times out of ten, they go straight to the fact that they think she is hot. They talk about her romantic relationship with The Joker. They talk about her obnoxious voice and how hot it is. They also claim her to be dumb and very fun. Hell, I've heard some girls aspire to be like her -- they believe she is a strong female character.

This was not always the case. If one were to go back to her origin on the terrific 90s animated "Batman" series, they would know what Harley Quinn was all about, and how important and engaging her character was. Harley is the rare exception to the rule where the comics and the fans have ruined her character, for she is far from a strong female character, and she is not someone any girl should aspire to be. Quite the opposite, actually................................................................................................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

Does Talking about Pornography with Your Kids “Give Them Ideas”?

Almost three years ago I had my first “porn talk” with my kids. This came about after reading a simple article about teens and their ever increasing access and inevitable use of pornography. As I read, I became frustrated, then scared and finally determined. I knew I had to educate my kids immediately about this danger, as well as every parent I came in contact with.
I didn’t have all the answers that first day, but it didn’t matter. I opened the door to a new dimension in my relationships with my three kids. A dimension that brought a closeness and unity to our family that was not there before.
Just days after this first talk, I began doing serious research into the devastating effects of porn consumption by children. I read, I dug, I pondered, I planned and within a few months I had created a non-profit organization. An organization that focuses on teaching parents how to create deep connections with their kids and start some pretty challenging conversations about the dangers of pornography, and its opposite, healthy sexuality.
In those first few months of researching, organizing and layering conversations with my kids, I had a tremendous worry. Was I “giving my kids ideas” (or creating an unhealthy curiosity that was not there before)?
The answer became apparent. Yes! I was “giving them ideas.”
And I want you to give your children the same ideas.
Give your kids the idea that you are a great source of reliable, honest information......................................................
Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

Do You Frequently Hold Hands With Your Honey? This Simple Act Is More Important Than You May Think!

“I Want to Hold Your Hand”



Some months back my wife and I went to a local concert with a Beatles tribute band.. Not surprisingly, one of their featured songs that evening was the 1964 hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”
I left this concert with two main takeaways.
First, and less importantly, I now sort of understand why my wonderful father-in-law dressed like he did in the early 70s.
Second, and more importantly (especially since I am a marriage and family scholar) I started thinking about the importance of such a simple act – holding your spouse’s hand.
And, let’s face it, don’t we all want to be one of those cute older couples who are still holding hands decades later?
Further, is it possible that holding hands with your spouse now may help you still be happily married then?
Ahh, patience! We’ll cover that shortly. But first, a quiz!
Pop Quiz
Do you remember the anticipation leading up to holding your spouse’s hand for the first time?
Were you the one brave enough to make the first move?
Did this simple act fill you with warmth and closeness toward your future spouse?
However, wherever, and whenever it happened for you and your spouse, I bet you still fondly remember the details!
Our Memory
For my wife and I it was on a date a few weeks after we met. Carissa and I had already enjoyed a few dates together. This evening we were watching a play at a local theater.
I really don’t remember much about the play.
Why?
In part because it was a long time ago. Mostly, however, it was because my mind was completely preoccupied with my desire to hold her hand.
Well, why didn’t I just take it you might ask? After all, nothing ventured nothing gained, right?...................................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

Lessons on Forgiveness from Mother Eve and Nephi’s Wife

Watching the news and reading my Facebook feed there seems to be a common thread lately—hurt. Some of the recent headlines have brought me to my knees asking what can be done and how can we better heal? Answers to my prayers often come in reading the scriptures. And the answers that have come, for both those hurt and those doing the hurting, was forgiveness.

The forgiveness message came to me from studying women in the scriptures—sisters that we have minimal details about. Yet, their daily realities, their hearts and souls, their lessons of forgiveness for others and for themselves seem to reach through time and teach me about today. Here are just two of those women who taught me powerful lessons of forgiveness.



Mother Eve

How must it felt to be called the mother of all living? I feel overwhelmed with just the needs of my two children. Eve was in tune, obedient, and covenant keeping. When given the hard choice, Eve literally put family first................................................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

Elizabeth Smart: Porn made my ordeal even worse.

Elizabeth Smart has shared new details of her horrific kidnapping ordeal in a video for an anti-porn group, in which she says she has witnessed firsthand how damaging porn is. Smart—who was kidnapped in 2002, when she was 14, and raped repeatedly over the next nine months—says captor Brian David Mitchell ended up raping her even more after he had watched pornography, NBC News reports. "He would just sit and look at it and stare at it, and he would just talk about these women, and then when he was done, he would turn and look at me, and he would be like, 'Now we're going to do this,'" she says.



Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

God will give you more than you can handle: I guarantee it.

There’s a certain phrase I’ve come to really dislike.

All my life, I’ve heard this phrase whenever I go through a rough patch. *And by rough patch, I mean a prickly, gnarly patch that leaves me bleeding to near death*. You’re probably familiar with those kinds of “patches”.

“God will never give you more than you can handle” is the phrase I’m referring to.

And it’s a sweet sentiment, really. The people who say it are speaking from caring and concerned hearts.

BUT–it isn’t true.

I know that sounds harsh, but I promise I haven’t suddenly lost my mind or have become an angry-with-God bitter woman who hates the world. Actually, when I realized the simple fact that God can–and will–give us more than we can possibly bear, it got easier.

And it all started to make more sense............................................................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.  

When God doesn’t show up

Today in church a newborn baby was blessed.

In my church, how a baby blessing works is the father will hold the baby in the center of a circle of family and friends and a prayer is said for the start of the little one’s life. Today something that was said in the blessing caught my attention.

“I bless you to always feel Heavenly Father near and His love for you,” the sweet dad said.

Wouldn’t that be nice?! My inner thoughts said back. And maybe there are some of you who legitimately have the gift of always feeling Him near and knowing without a doubt that His love for you is bigger than life. *If so, I totally want your life.*

But I wasn’t born with that gift.

Instead I was born with a skeptical little heart that I have to hold at bay now and then, and a talent for working really hard at things and not giving up, even when my insides aren’t really feeling it. I’ve always been embarrassed about that.



Why does it feel like sometimes I just got the short end of the stick? Why do some of my trials feel like a really personal blow? Why, when I’ve spent years praying for something, it feels like a brick wall is listening instead of a loving Father in Heaven?

Why does it feel like sometimes God chooses to just not show up?......................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

I Wasn’t Cut Out To Be A Father

I wrote something about my kids on Facebook a few days ago, and in response I received this message:

Matt, your post about your kids was funny. You seem to really have this fatherhood thing figured out. I wanted to ask you a question about that. My wife is pregnant with out first child and I am worried. I feel like I am not cut out for this. I’m not sure that I’m dad material. I’m not sure I’m meant to be a father. We weren’t planning on this kid. But here we are. The thing is that I really enjoy my free time and we had looked forward to taking trips and things together. All of that seems to be out the window now. I don’t know if I can be a dad. I’m not the “fatherly” type. I’m really not sure how we can fit a kid into our lives right now. I guess I’m just wondering how you knew that you were cut out for this.

Hi,

First of all, congratulations.

Second, don’t assume that anyone has anything “figured out” just because you see their pictures on Facebook.

Third, take a breath. Everything will be fine.

Fourth, I get it. I wasn’t sure if I was Dad Material, either. I always thought there should be some way to test for it. Like maybe they could take a blood sample or something. “Your results are in. Your cholesterol looks fine but unfortunately you came back negative for Dad Material.” They could use that same test for Mom Material, Wife Material, Husband Material. Maybe even College Material, if medicine has advanced that far.....................



Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

Be a Man. Get Married.

Click --->HERE<--- to watch video.

7 secrets to raising awesome, functional teenagers.

I occasionally get asked by mothers of young children what the secret is to raising great teenagers.

My initial response is that I have absolutely no clue. My kids are who they are IN SPITE of having me as a mother. (The young moms don't find that answer too helpful.)

Really, the first thing that I will tell you is to disbelieve the myth that teenagers are sullen, angry creatures who slam doors and hate their parents. Some do that, but the overwhelming majority do not. Every one of my kids' friends are just as happy and fun as my kids are, so I know it's not just us.

Teenagers are incredible. They are funny, smart, eager to please, and up for just about anything as long as food is involved. They have the most generous hearts and want desperately to be loved and validated. They are quirky and messy and have the best sense of humor..........................

Click --->HERE<--- to read original article.

What Teens Need Most From Their Parents

As adolescents navigate the stormiest years in their development, they need coaching, support, good examples and most of all understanding

The teenage years can be mystifying for parents. Sensible children turn scatter-brained or start having wild mood swings. Formerly level-headed adolescents ride in cars with dangerous drivers or take other foolish risks.

A flood of new research offers explanations for some of these mysteries. Brain imaging adds another kind of data that can help test hypotheses and corroborate teens’ own accounts of their behavior and emotions. Dozens of recent multiyear studies have traced adolescent development through time, rather than comparing sets of adolescents at a single point.

The new longitudinal research is changing scientists’ views on the role parents play in helping children navigate a volatile decade. Once seen as a time for parents to step back, adolescence is increasingly viewed as an opportunity to stay tuned in and emotionally connected. The research makes it possible to identify four important phases in the development of intellectual, social and emotional skills that most teens will experience at certain ages. Here is a guide to the latest findings:....................

Click --->HERE<--- to read original article.

Chip And Jo Reveal The Truth Behind Their Love Story, And It’s Probably Not What You Expected

It’s no secret that Chip and Joanna Gaines find success in just about everything they do, and their relationship is no different. But it hasn’t always been that way.



The stars of HGTV’s hit show, Fixer Upper, have been happily married for over twelve years. And on Wednesday, the adorable dynamic duo finally revealed the secret to their rock-solid marriage — and it might not be what you’d expect!

When the Gaines were asked to share their love story, they joyfully obliged. And watching these two adorable lovebirds divulge the details of their romantic beginnings may be my new favorite thing ever!

Amidst a world full of heartache, divorce, and broken families, Chip and Joanna Gaines are a bright-shining beacon of hope, as their love for God and one another sets a different kind of example.


Click --->HERE<--- to read original article.

A Letter From A Dad To Carl’s Jr. and The Women in Their Commercials

BY GREG TRIMBLE

Dear Carls Jr. –

I’ve been a big fan of your burgers for a long time. You’ve always had a unique taste that kept me coming back. Then you guys came up with those unbelievable milkshakes. They are the best of any milkshakes around. Then there is your burritobreakfast! Some of my best memories consist of waking up early and heading down to Trestles beach in San Clemente, and there you were…open early with a clean bathroom and a big bacon and egg burrito to help me down the trail to surf some of the best waves in Southern California. What memories! And you were part of that!


I’ve eaten at your establishment more times than I can remember because of the fact that you have a location right across the street from my office building. You are the only drive-thru for miles…so when I’m in a hurry…you make it really easy. When I was little…I’d get a little happy stars meal and it would make me happy…

But things have changed between me and you. Your little smiling stars now make me frown. I haven’t eaten your food for at least 2 years now. So many times I’m in a hurry during a busy work day and your food sounds so good to me but I just won’t let myself…because of what you stand for now.

Let me explain myself. Awhile back you started a nasty little campaign to push the limits of what is acceptable in your commercials. It started to become really awkward when one of your commercials would come on in between time outs while my family was watching a basketball game together. We would just divert our attention and talk about something else or turn the channel for the time being. But now you’re just going to far. You’re getting sneakier with time and I’m not sure what to do.....................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire original article.

Make the choice every morning that life-giving words will come out of your mouth

"My daughter starts middle school tomorrow. We've decorated her locker, bought new uniforms, even surprised her with a new backpack. But tonight just before bed, we did another pre-middle school task that is far more important than the others. I gave her a tube of toothpaste and asked her to squirt it out onto a plate. When she finished, I calmly asked her to put all the toothpaste back in the tube.

She began exclaiming things like 'But I can't!' and 'It won't be like it was before!' I quietly waited for her to finish and then said the following:
'You will remember this plate of toothpaste for the rest of your life. Your words have the power of life or death. As you go into middle school, you are about to see just how much weight your words carry. You are going to have the opportunity to use your words to hurt, demean, slander and wound others. You are also going to have the opportunity to use your words to heal, encourage, inspire and love others. You will occasionally make the wrong choice; I can think of three times this week I have used my own words carelessly and caused harm. Just like this toothpaste, once the words leave your mouth, you can't take them back. Use your words carefully, Breonna. When others are misusing their words, guard your words. Make the choice every morning that life-giving words will come out of your mouth. Decide tonight that you are going to be a life-giver in middle school. Be known for your gentleness and compassion. Use your life to give life to a world that so desperately needs it. You will never, ever regret choosing kindness.' "
‪#‎LoveWhatMatters‬
Credit: Amy Beth Gardner
https://www.facebook.com/amybethgardner

Raising a child_meme

Dad’s Bad Mood Affects Kids, Big Time

(shared from Scary Mommy)

Study links dads’ stress levels to kids’ development

Parenting is stressful business. Not only do your kids often drive you crazy, the responsibility of caring for them, and providing for them, adds layer after layer of anxiety and frustration to your daily life. It’s worth it, of course, because you love your kids so much, but that actually makes it worse. Your children are so important to you, it makes everything else more important too.

The pressure of taking care of your kids is intense. But a new study proves that its important to take of yourself too. Especially dads.

According to a new study out of Michigan State University, scientists have determined that kids’ mental and behavioral development is strongly linked to their fathers’ moods. I guess I’d better stop watching the Dolphins play.

In some ways, the news from this study is heartening. As more and more dads take on bigger parenting roles, it’s important for studies like this to reinforce the impact fathers have on their kids, positive and negative. Moms may still be Queen Parent, but dads play a significant role too.

“The findings contribute to the small but growing collection of research affirming the effects of fathers’ characteristics and father-child relationship qualities on children’s social development, rather than just the fathers’ residence in the home or presence in the child’s life.”............................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

Your Kid Is A Brat, And It’s Your Fault

(shared from Scary Mom)

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but your kid is kind of a brat. Yes, yours. She’s whiney and always seems to get whatever she wants.

I know you are trying to be a good parent. Your own parents weren’t exactlyattentive. They didn’t  know where you were half the time. Your dad, for example, didn’t know you played the flute. He didn’t know you were in the marching band. Your mom had to work a lot and missed most of your field hockey games. And sometimes she was late picking you up after practice because she forgot.

But you’re not like that. You’re doing things differently.

You’re doing your best because you want them to be happy. You’re overly involved because you want to know what’s going on in their life. You want them to feel special and important. You’re never late to pick them up. You schedule and you organize and you suggest activities. You hover like a helicopter. You ask a million questions. You want their lives to awesome and enriched. You don’t want them to be disappointed. Ever.  

But, you are making mistakes, and so am I. And now our kids are brats. Here’s why:...........

Click --->HERE<--- to read original article.

You are loved_meme

10 Inspiring TED Talks That'll Boost Your Self-Confidence

Written by Lindsay Kolowich

Some days, you just feel ... blah.

It happens to all of us. It can be short-term, like when we're exhausted or bored, or we're embarking on a new project but have no idea where to start. Other times, it's a little more long-term, like when we feel like we're tapped out of good ideas, or stuck in our careers.

Where should you go from there?

In times like these, we all have our own coping mechanisms. But if what you need is some words of wisdom and a little motivation, check out the 10 TED talks below. We've curated some of the best TED talks for when you're feeling down and out, stuck, unmotivated, or generally in need of a confidence boost. Check 'em out, and bookmark them for when you need a little encouragement. They could be just what you needed.................

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

To Help Kids Thrive, Coach Their Parents

By PAUL TOUGH

IN 1986, in a few of the poorest neighborhoods in Kingston, Jamaica, a team of researchers from the University of the West Indies embarked on an experiment that has done a great deal, over time, to change our thinking about how to help children succeed, especially those living in poverty. Its message: Help children by supporting and coaching their parents.

The researchers divided the families of 129 infants and toddlers into groups. The first group received hourlong home visits once a week from a trained researcher who encouraged the parents to spend more time playing actively with their children: reading picture books, singing songs, playing peekaboo. A second group of children received a kilogram of a milk-based nutritional supplement each week. A control group received nothing. The interventions themselves ended after two years, but the researchers have followed the children ever since.

The intervention that made the big difference in the children’s lives, as it turned out, wasn’t the added nutrition; it was the encouragement to the parents to play. The children whose parents were counseled to play more with them did better, throughout childhood, on tests of I.Q., aggressive behavior and self-control. Today, as adults, they earn an average of 25 percent more per year than the subjects whose parents didn’t receive home visits.

The Jamaica experiment helps make the case that if we want to improve children’s opportunities for success, one of the most powerful potential levers for change is not the children themselves, but rather the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of the adults who surround them.

More recent research has helped to uncover exactly how that change can take place.

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

Civility is essential to strong societies

By Kristine Frederickson, For the Deseret News

One politician hurls invective at another politician, who responds in kind. A leader’s character is trashed, and venomous charges are leveled against him or her. In return, he or she trashes and indicts opponents, and all the while, principles, policies, proposals — what should matter most in choosing our leaders — are cast aside. It never ceases to shock, and you wonder how much lower people can stoop, until, with increasing rapidity, we stoop lower and lower.

And lest we indict only those in the political arena, we also find that in face-to-face encounters, in the media and on the Internet — and there’s nothing quite like anonymity, devoid of the requirement to face the person of whom you speak ill — all kinds of malicious charges and slurs are flung about. In today’s world, there seems to be a trend toward greater and greater disparagement and ugliness toward others.

Yet it need not be so and should not be so, for such behavior portends serious and disastrous consequences for society.

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

Seven lessons we learned from Anne Frank

By Whitney Evans, Deseret News

Anne Frank was born on June 12, 1929. She and her family, Jews living in Amsterdam, went into hiding on July 6, 1942. They were discovered and arrested on August 4, 1944. Anne died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in February or March 1945.

In what would have been Anne Frank's 87th year, we take a look at important lessons we've learned from this icon of WWII history, using excerpts from "The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition."

The Importance of Perspective
Why Records are Important
Why Bluntness Can Be Good
How to Find the Silver Lining
Self-Awareness
The Healing Power of Nature
Immorality

Click --->HERE<--- to read entire article.

"What Should I Do If I See Pornography" for kids

Last September, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a short video clip entitled, "What Should I Do If I See Pornography" that is designed for parents to show their children.  It is a fantastic resource to help children better understand the dangers of pornography and how to talk to their parents and Heavenly Father about images they may have seen.

http://overcomingpornography.org/spouses-and-families/what-do-i-do?lang=eng

Below is also a link to three Family Home Evening lessons in the Family Home Evening Resource Book put out by the Church.  It provides excellent outlines, activities, and resources to help families understand and manage media that comes into the home.

https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book/lesson-ideas/media?lang=eng&query=media

GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE WITH GRATITUDE

(shared from United Families International)

Whether you have been married for fifty minutes or fifty years, you may have discovered that your spouse is not perfect.
You and your spouse may even be noticing a “demand-withdrawal” communication pattern starting to develop. It happens. One spouse tends to criticize, nag, or make demands, while the other spouse withdraws or avoids the confrontation. It’s a negative pattern that can make make even small disagreements feel like a tangled knot that can’t be undone.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Demand-withdrawal is one of the most common marital problems. Is there anything that can help married couples weather these kinds of storms?

Yes.  A new study shows that the single most important, consistent, significant factor that can make all the difference is Gratitude.

Dr. Allen W. Barton and his research team from University of Georgia recently found that “even if a couple is experiencing distress and difficulty in other areas, gratitude in the relationship can help promote positive marital outcomes.”

Even in marriages with demand-withdrawal communication patterns, gratitude has a powerfully protective effect...............

Click --->HERE<--- to read original article.

FATHERS, BE GOOD TO YOUR DAUGHTERS

(from United Families International)

“Katy Perry, a pop icon in the United States, said, ‘I don’t need a dude to have children.  We are living in the future. I’m not anti-men. I love men. But there is an option if someone doesn’t present himself.’  . . . I’m going to spend the next little while addressing this statement, and say, ‘Katy, if you have a daughter, she will need a man as a father-figure.”

That was Dr. Timothy Rarick’s opening message in his recent presentation on the impact of fathersduring a remarkable UN Side Event at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Using a winning combination of research, anecdotal stories, and multi-media, Dr. Rarick proceeded to make a compelling case for why daughters need fathers, and fathers need daughters.

The room was filled to capacity with UN Diplomats and international visitors who laughed, cried, and applauded together during Dr. Rarick’s presentation which crossed all international borders. We are excited to invite you to watch his complete presentation here.

We are also pleased to offer some of Dr. Rarick’s main points in today’s alert..............

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