Kendra Smiley Kendra's role-of-a-lifetime began over 35 years ago when she and her husband, John, were married. Together, they have raised three sons. John, a school teacher turned salesman, was a pilot in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves for 30 years. A natural-born entrepreneur, Kendra kept the home fires burning, while growing a home-based business, serving as a youth leader in her church for over 20 years, and staying active in her community. Her work as a mother, entrepreneur, church and community leader did not go unnoticed. In 2001, she was chosen as the Illinois Mother of the Year. "My best choice," Kendra gladly shares, "Was made right after I was married. That's when I realized my personal need for a savior. It wasn't enough to believe God was real, I needed to make the choice to receive him as my personal savior." The Smiley household started on a Christ-centered journey that continues to this day. Today, Kendra enjoys the fruits of her choices. She has written more than half a dozen books, spoken to thousands around the country (and abroad), founded and distributed a daily radio program -- today heard on more than 50 stations. Kendra connects with people whereever she is -- teaching individuals to make the next right choice. View all articles | Contact author

I received a question from a radio listener recently that I wanted to share with you. "[Kendra], do you think that it is wrong to let your children hear you argue with your spouse?"

I am happy to answer that, no, I believe it can be beneficial if done in a healthy way with parameters:

• Remind your children that no two human beings are going to agree on everything. One of the benefits of having two parents is that they bring different strengths, ideas, and opinions.

• There is a difference between disagreeing and being disagreeable. The key is to present your position in a rational way and be respectful in listening to the opposing opinion.

• When your children see you and your spouse engaged in dialog representing two different points of view and then watch you negotiating to achieve a compromise, they're learning a valuable lesson.

• Obviously, there are some topics that should be off limits for discussion in front of the kids. These conversations should take part behind closed doors. Keep the basic tenets of agreeable disagreements in mind here too.

• Apart from those subjects, allowing your children to witness the conflict and then more importantly, how you and your spouse resolve it, is a good thing.