I was recently listening to some early 2000s Alternative music (aka modern classical music) and Simple Plan’s “Perfect” came on, which is a song to a dad with the main lyrics being: “I’m sorry, I can’t be perfect.” I wonder how the band is now that they’re older and likely have kids of their own. … [Read more...]
The Servant Generation: Why Today’s Parents Lack
This title is a general statement that is used to express the overall problem with our culture (at least in the GTA), and not meant to insult anyone specifically... minus one person; you know who you are (that’s my attempt at being funny and not actually being accusatory). In fact, I have met some … [Read more...]
Honor Your Parents (the lost commandment)
This past year I’ve had one verse constantly popping in my head: “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life...” (Exo 20:12a) If you didn’t know, this is one of the 10 Commandments, which are given twice in the Old Testament because they’re that important. They’re usually … [Read more...]
Beware of the “Screw You!”
I grew up in a house where my parents never got mad at each other. Some parents save their fights for after the kids go to bed, but my parents never actually fought – never. They were both passive, which is the anger category where you avoid conflict at all costs no matter how much it hurts you. … [Read more...]
Should Anyone be Proud of You?
When I was really young, I thought the pinnacle of being a good son was buying your mom a house like Elvis did. What I didn’t know was that idea was dumb (no offence to me). Maybe if I was from an immigrant family who moved to a new country with nothing then that would be a nice idea because it … [Read more...]
Don’t be the Weak Gazelle
When I was in my late twenties and working as a youth pastor, I fortunately bumped into a woman I had worked with when I was a teenager at the Lime Ridge Mall movie theater. Oh, the good old days when the mall had a theater... and herds of cockroaches because of the food court and Bulk Barn. Side … [Read more...]
Know Your Power
One of the best life lessons I’ve received was from a grade seven teacher... when I was 20. No, this wasn’t a Billy Madison situation; I was a volunteer. When I was in OAC (if you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’re old enough to know what that was... and got the Billy Madison reference), I was … [Read more...]
Part 2: Talking to My Daughters About Sex
When it comes to talking about sex with kids, there shouldn’t be the official sex talk that is super awkward for everyone, but a more ongoing open discussion made up of many smaller conversations like when you’re on a long drive or sitting by a lake. It’s like how kids share more with their friends … [Read more...]