Little Authors and Illustrators

Reading books with children is fabulous! From developing pre-reading skills to enjoying family time, books are wonderful tools. Creating books is terrific too, with kids as the authors and illustrators. Use imagination and creativity to add personally “published” books to your families library with these ideas. Have your child dictate a story to you. Read…

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Parent Tips for Healthy Social Media Use

Parents often ask for tips for teen social media use. My usual response is to remind their kids that phones are tools not toys, Google is a resource library, and social media is meant to be social. Unfortunately, with the average person spending 2.5 hours a day on social media platforms, the boundaries for our…

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Are Instagram and Facebook Too Discouraging?

Friends, are Instagram and Facebook discouraging or encouraging for you? This is a reposting of a blog I wrote a few years ago. It struck a cord with a lot of people, especially moms. On average, people spend more than two hours a day scrolling through and posting on social media platforms. Considering the time…

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Grandparents, Family History Bridge Builders

A special thank you to guest blogger, grandfather, and author Jim Doudiet for sharing his thoughts and experiences to encourage and inspire grandparents to connect with their grandchildren. . Grandparents can be fantastic family history bridge builders. They are the bridge between the past with their own memories of their parents and grandparents to the…

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Social Emotional Learning for Littles

Three of my favorite tools for parents of littles when teaching social emotional learning skills are modeling, reading. and encouraging. All three are easy to wrap into the daily routine for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age children. Within the context of modeling, reading, and encouraging, identify the emotions to help your child put a name to…

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Kids and Pets: A Winning Combination

Children and pets are a natural combination. Having a best buddy, especially one who loves unconditionally, is a gift for a kid. Through the years, our golden retrievers tagged after the boys across the yard, through the woods, and even off the end of the dock into the lake for a swim. While companionship is…

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Yiayia’s Blessing

Yiayia’s Blessing is a beautiful prayer specifically for grandchildren. Grandparents have unique opportunities to share the gospel with their grandkids. My friend, Bev Coniaris, prays this prayer at bedtime with her grandchildren sharing the love of Jesus. I hope you’re inspired by her sweet and meaningful words and actions.  xoBecky Yiayia’s Blessing  “Jesus loves you…

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Books for Boosting the Best Behavior

Boosting polite, respectful, and kind behavior in kids can be encouraged by snuggling up with a good story. Books are a natural teaching tools for parents and grandparents. Here’s a list of our favorites to get kiddos thinking about others and acting their best. Books for Boosting the Best Behavior The Berenstain Bears and the…

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Building Confidence with Manners Conversation Cards

Do you want to build confidence and self-esteem in your grandkids? Are you looking for a fun way to teach manners? Are you interested in starting a discussion about polite behavior with your grandchildren? When kids know how to behave in social situations, they are confident! Grandparents, you have more influence over your grandchildren than…

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Toileting: 10 Training Tips

Toilet training is one of those tough parenting topics. Everyone has issues with toileting in one way or another. Every child is different. Potty training is social, emotional, physical, verbal, and psychological. Lots of pieces need to come together so watch for readiness on all fronts. Try these strategies for training your child. Toilet Training…

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