Parenting
What’s Our Mission as a Family?
Family mission statements define the values, vision, and expectations of the family. Children typically live up to the expectations set for them. A well-defined description of who a family is and what they believe clarifies overarching goals for each member of the family. What’s your family’s statement of intent? Faith-filled families are centered in Jesus…
Read MoreAre you Trustworthy?
Are you worthy of another’s trust? Are your kids trustworthy? Trustworthiness and confidentiality are vital to good relationships. Ephesians 4:29 is a great place to begin when discussing trustworthiness and confidentiality with your kids. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according…
Read MoreCalm Anxious Kids with God’s Word
Calm anxious kids with scripture. God’s Word tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). The way to relieve…
Read MoreLittle 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…
Read MoreParent 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…
Read MoreAre 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…
Read MoreSocial 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…
Read MoreKids 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…
Read MoreBooks 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…
Read MoreToileting: 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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