A study at 6,000 schools indicates: Being reared in an intact family helps children the most to achieve their best. Students who were living with both parents had consistently higher reading and math scores than their peers from other living arrangements.  Students living with single parents had significantly lower reading scores in 18 countries and significantly lower math scores in 21 countries.  Their peers in stepfamilies had significantly lower reading scores in 26 countries and lower math scores in 21 countries

"I will always believe the most powerful position on earth is being a father." Chuck Norris

"In order to strengthen the father in the home, I make two simple suggestions: First, sustain and respect the father in his position;Second, give him love, understanding, and some appreciation for his efforts. . . . In terms of giving fathers love and understanding, it should be remembered that fathers also have times of insecurity and doubt. Everyone knows fathers make mistakes--especially they themselves. Fathers need all the help they can get; mostly they need love, support, and understanding from their own."

"Sex education belongs in the home, where parents can teach chastity in a spiritual environment as they reveal the facts of life to their children about this sacred power. There, in all plainness, the youngsters can be taught that procreation is part of the creative work of God and that, therefore, the act of replenishing the earth must be kept on the high plane of personal purity that God provides, free from all form of perversion.
This responsibility should not be left to schools, friends, playmates, or strangers.

Cooking For Boys: Homemade Root Beer!

To parents from a Prophet: Elder Gordon B. Hinckley ... offered the following comfort:

"I recognize that there are parents who, notwithstanding an outpouring of love and a diligent and faithful effort to teach them, see their children grow in a contrary manner and weep while their wayward sons and daughters willfully pursue courses of tragic consequence. For such I have great sympathy, and to them I want to quote the words of Ezekiel: 'The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son' (Ezekiel 18:20).

Upcoming Movie:

Its surprising what can be learned from an animated film about a rat in a restaurant. Remy, has everything it takes to become the world's greatest chef -- except that he is a rat. In the soon to be released "Ratatouille", he teams up with Linguini--a fumbling young man just starting out in the world of fine cooking himself. Once again Pixar wows us with the animation. The slapstick comedy and realistic effects blend like a fine French sauce. This fun family film encourages us all to be true to self, to family and to strive to become whatever we dream to be. <http://www.moviepicks.org>

These are stressful times for families. Most families face difficult strains on time, money and emotions. Sometimes homes become the place where everyone is worn out or angry. But, in spite of these difficulties, there are ways for our families to remain strong and happy. What makes families strong?
Researchers who have worked on answers to this question for years have identified nine strengths. These strengths suggest a guide or map for us to follow in creating our own, unique, healthy family. The strengths can work in all types of families. (More)