Hope for Discouraged Parents
I always thought that Henry Ford’s first car was the Model T. I was wrong. The first automobile was the “quadricycle”—its name reflective of its four large bicycle-like tires At 2 a.m. on the morning of June 4, 1896, in a rented coal shed behind his Bagley Avenue home [...]
How to Speak Less and Say More to Teens
Do you ever see your teens eyes glaze over while you’re talking to them? This usually happens when we're talking too much. Most parents say 50% more than necessary when talking to their teen. If you’re particularly verbose (like me!) you may even say 70% more than necessary. In today's virtual world, teens are listening [...]
How to Express Vulnerability
Choose to Be Vulnerable Being more vulnerable begins with a choice. For most, it won’t “just happen.” If you’re not sold on the idea, it might be helpful to read (1 min) my last post the power of vulnerability. Risking vulnerability is choosing to influence through connection and not through [...]
The Power in Vulnerability
Perfection is Unattractive I know this sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out. Have you ever had a conversation with someone who seemed as if they were too “perfect.” Chances are you didn’t resonate with them. When we’re around “perfect” people, we can feel suffocated. Its because at a deep level [...]
The Power of Radical Acceptance
Roy teaches how to practice radical acceptance with teens. He offers practical suggestions on how to actually do it and what to say and how to say it in real life situations. […]
Why does God allow bad things to happen?
Roy Petitfils, best selling author and expert on engaging teens, offers tips for responding to teens who ask “Why would a good God allow bad things to happen?” […]
Responding to Teens’ Antagonistic Questions
Roy offers tips for responding to antagonistic teens’ questions. […]
Being Angry with God
Roy discusses why its important to allow teens (and ourselves) to be angry with God. […]
Parenting is Tough
Despite Samsonite pleadings to spare him inhumane torture and emasculation, I occasionally bring my 10 yr old to get his hair cut. Once as we waited, a 7 year old boy was jerking about and screaming on his mothers lap as she tried to control him. I remember the look [...]