Index: Balance

In his book, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” Norman Vincent Peale shares a story of a pastor talking to a painter about worrying.“Howard, don’t you ever worry?” the pastor asked the painter.The painter laughed and said, “No, not on your life. I don’t believe in it.”The painter goes on to tell how he didn’t have time to worry and how… Read more »

Christmas is full of symbols and characters that inspire us and that we can relate to. We all want to be Santa for someone each year, so we look for needs that we can meet anonymously — just like he would. Some of us relate to Rudolph. We feel different, but know that our difference is just what the people… Read more »

When I was a little girl, my brothers used to tease me. Every time I was teased or called names by them, I allowed myself to become emotional. One day when I was upset, my father said to me, “Nicholeen, if you don’t let the teasing work, then it won’t be fun for them and they’ll stop teasing. You have… Read more »

As nice as it would be to have complete control over outcomes, it isn’t humanly possible. Cause and effect is a principle of life that we can usually rely upon, but sometimes there seems to be another will for our days and experiences that turns our plans upside down. Sometimes these unexpected turns can create a domino-effect of unfortunate events,… Read more »

Could it be that Coronavirus could actually cure your family? Now families have to be together all the time. Some families think this sounds awful. If a family is thinking this, then they are in need of lots of family time, not the contrary.In an effort to turn this pandemic into a blessing for your family, I did a free… Read more »

“Let’s stay at home for a while,” suggested my children after a month full of fun day trips, camping trips and cousin time. Even though they love all of these activities and seem to be able to go forever, they do need time at home too. While discussing our August schedule at a family council meeting the children suggested we… Read more »

Parents are meant to shepherd their children toward truth and safety, as well as in learning skills, in order to prepare them for the purposes of their lives. But not all shepherds are the same.Two sisters were given some sheep to care for, and a promise that the sheep would be of great value if tended properly.The younger sister wanted… Read more »

Roles. They define our rights, obligations, responsibilities, beliefs, and even who we are. How well do we each understand our respective roles? How do we teach our children about proper roles? How would the problems children and parents face change if they better understood roles? Aren’t parents whether aggressive, passive or assertive always defining roles anyway? How do roles effect... Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss some of the reasons behind rude behaviors that teens tend to exhibit and share four tips for dealing with those behaviors. Do you know teens who or openly rebellious and selfish? Are these teenagers your own children? Are you at a loss to what could help them change? Listen in for these great… Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss the one magical ingredient that can have the biggest influence for good on your family! Do your children struggle in social situations? Do you have a hard time truly connecting with your family in general? Going to family therapy and wish you didn’t have to? Listen in for the one and only “magic… Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss social skills: how and where are they learned? What social skills should be avoided? What if you’re anti-social as the parent, but still want to teach your children good social skills? Listen in for great tips and inspiration! https://tsg-podcasts.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/12+December/TSGPodcast89-RaisingSocialChildrenInAnAntiSocialWorld.mp3… Read more »

In this podcast, Nicholeen and Paije discuss Nicholeen’s weight loss journey. Do you want to shed a few pounds, especially during the holidays? Is there more going on besides struggling to make good health choices? Listen in for Nicholeen’s ever unique perspective and for tips to help you reach your health goals! https://tsg-podcasts.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/11+November/TSGPodcast88-WeightLossTheSelfGovernmentWay-Nov29-2021.mp3… Read more »