Parenting
9 Warning Signs of Addiction in Tweens & Teens
Parents can be blindsided by a tween or teen’s substance abuse. These nine warning signs will help you determine if your child may be dealing with addiction. What appears to be normal “growing pains” in how a child behaves can actually be a red flag. And truly, it can happen to any family. 9 Warning…
Read MoreHelp for Families with Adolescent & Teen Addiction
Addiction is frightening, depressing, and isolating. Parents, you are not alone if you’re dealing with addiction to drugs or alcohol in your family. Reach out, learn more, and get help for your child and for yourself. According to the Center for Disease Control, “Although drinking by persons under the age of 21 is illegal; people…
Read MoreWhy Kids Need Virtues Training
Kids need virtues training. Why? Because no one wants to spend time with poorly behaved kids or adults for that matter. • Virtue is moral excellence and exhibition of good behavior. • Virtue is universal and highly recognized by all cultures of the world. • Virtues are basic qualities necessary for well being and happiness. Moral excellence…
Read MoreMy Mother-In-Love
Christmas was quieter this year. Scott’s mom went to be with the Lord in early December. She was truly a mother-in-love, a second mom to me. Scott and I take great comfort in knowing she is with Scott’s dad and her Savior in heaven. In memory of my mother-in-law, Shirley, I’m sharing a Mother’s Day…
Read MoreBIG Emotions in Little Children
Got BIG emotions in your little ones? If so, it’s perfectly normal, aggravating and stressful, but normal for small people. There are a variety of reasons kids exhibit high emotions. Tantrums associated with BIG emotions typically originate with basic needs not being met, developmental challenges or power struggles. Basic needs include sleep, food and drink,…
Read MoreEncouraging Gratitude: Thank You Notes
Expressing thanks is a life skill we all want our kids to master. What’s a good way to encourage gratitude? Thank you notes! Besides, during the Christmas holiday kids get an opportunity to practice. Being grateful for not only the gift but the effort made by the gift giver is respectful and kind. Writing a…
Read MoreMaking Christmas Calm & Bright
Family, friends, and festivities make for a fun holiday season but not necessarily a peace-filled Christmas. Pose the following questions to your family at a family meeting to determine priorities and prepare for a calm and bright holiday. A little preparation and attainable expectations will make a huge difference for everyone. • Who will we…
Read MoreTen Tips for Raising Generous Kids
Training children to be generous can be overwhelming! It’s often difficult to get kids to even share with their siblings. Compassion, kindness, empathy, and generosity can be modeled and taught to our kids. Generosity is easily taught during the holidays with so many options and opportunities for families to get involved helping others. Use these…
Read More8 Strategies for Great Family Gatherings
There’s at least one in every family. The uncle who consistently asks inappropriate questions, the aunt without kids who’s an expert in childrearing, or the cousin with extreme political views who insists on a debate during holiday meals. Fortunately, we can choose our friends. Relatives we need to learn to live with; the good, the…
Read More10 Tips for Terrific Parent-Teacher Conferences
Fall conferences provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to collaborate as a team to discuss the curriculum as well as the specific needs of your child. Make the most of fall preschool and elementary school conferences with these ten tips for terrific parent-teacher conferences. Keep ins mind, your child’s teacher is well trained and…
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