Parenting style MUST SHIFT as your child grows. Developing influence with your child is essential to reducing the struggle for control as he matures. Having raised 4 children to lead productive lives as adults, the Smiths bring real-life stories from their past to illustrate both good and bad approaches to controlling kids in the family. Effectively handling each stage of growth, from toddler to teen, will set the stage for more influence. You will be encouraged, and you will be inspired.

Conflict with our children can cause a great gulf between us. Discipline in the home is a must, but it need not create tension between us and our children. The Smiths will share how Biblical discipline is often misapplied, but more importantly, how we can pattern our family discipline after that of our Heavenly Father. Stories of parents doing it well will empower you to make needed adjustments in your approach to discipline.

Communication patterns open, or close, the door to connectedness. Conflict is a normal part of every relationship, yet healthy conflict resolution is not common. Simple principles help us develop this skill that can be learned. This session will review some of the basic communication principles that are foundational to successful conflict resolution.

Learn from pediatrician Dr. Roger Smith how stress and trauma affect a child's ability to learn and perform. Research on stress has yielded a better understanding of the biochemical and neurologic responses we see as "behavior." Parents can tap into this research to better guide their children through life's stresses. This session will review both the science and the social impact of emotions in the context of a biblical worldview. Dr. Smith will transform scientific gobbledygook into layman's language with tangible applications.

Conflict arises when parents least expect it, but it is a normal part of family life. Christian Discipline (child training…not punishment) in the home is essential for healthy relationships and creating an atmosphere where God is honored and learning begins. Unfortunately, accomplishing that goal from the toddler years to the teenage years is difficult and confusing. In this fast-paced, how-to workshop, Roger and Jan will share practical ways of dealing with common areas of conflict from a Biblical perspective.

Conflicts arise when parents least expect it, but it is part of normal family life. Discipline in the home is essential for healthy relationships and creating an atmosphere for learning, but accomplishing that from toddler to teen is difficult. In this fast-paced, how-to workshop, Roger and Jan offer practical ways of dealing with common areas of conflict from a Biblical mindset.