Parenting
10 Tips to Toss Out Worry, Chaos, and Confusion
“I’m anxious, all the time.” “It’s hard to sleep at night. I worry about everything.” “My heart pounds, my hands sweat, my stomach hurts. I’m so stressed out!” Make a change in 2018! Life can be hard, whether its an ill parent, a distant spouse, unruly kids or personal troubles. Sometimes it’s just too much…
Read More6 Tips for Photo Organizing from a Pro
Friends, Photo organizing is on my list for 2018. Those of you who know me are aware of my desire to “have a place for everything and everything in it’s place”. But the task of getting the family photos in order is SO overwhelming I’ve put it off for years! Many of our pictures are…
Read MoreHomemade Gifts: Hot Cocoa and Chocolate Candy Canes
Generosity is love in action. Homemade gifts come from thought, time, and the heart, especially hot cocoa mix with candy cane stir sticks! This Christmas, plan how you will instill a generous spirit in your kids. Who can you and your family bless? Getting the kids involved in the gift preparation and giving, helps them…
Read More10 Shopping Strategies for Parents of Littles
Shopping…some like it, others hate it. Holiday shopping has it’s own sparkle as well as tarnish. The cheerful carols, mistletoe, and tinsel are combined with grouchy shoppers, slushy snow, and fatigue. One of the big challenges during the holidays is shopping with young children. With the barrage of ads and bulging shelves at stores touting…
Read MoreIs My Child Special Needs? 8 Tips to Help You Help Your Child
Let’s get this on the table before we begin: All kids are special. And most kids need specialized help in one way or another be it glasses for vision, a little extra coaching to kick a ball or maybe speech therapy. But what do you do when you notice your child needs a lot more…
Read MoreThe Faith-Filled Halloween Pumpkin
Carving pumpkins for Halloween is a fun activity for families. The evening can be focused on faith, not scary costumes designed for fear. Bring faith into the mix by using this poem as a template to decorate a pumpkin that symbolizes faith in Christ. You can use a large pumpkin with Mom and Dad carving…
Read More7 Tips to Getting Your Teen to Go to Church & Read the Bible
Do your teens attend church with you on a regular basis? Do you discuss the sermon afterward? Do you feel equipped to answer their questions, using the Bible? Many parents don’t feel well equipped to lead their families, much less their teenagers in faith matters. My husband and I felt the same way at times.…
Read MoreTips and Tactics for Halloween
Halloween is a holiday parents enjoy or dread. It can be fun and entertaining or chaotic and scary. Making a few decisions as a parenting team and then with the family as a whole will help to get everyone on the same page regarding considerations and expectations. Then everyone in the family can enjoy the…
Read MoreExecutive Function is Enhanced Through Play
Executive function is a buzz phrase in education. In the most basic terms, executive function allows a child to organize, plan, and get things accomplished. These school readiness skills are as important as academics. Self-regulation, problem solving, and attentiveness are all executive function skills. Play-based activities in preschool and at home, allow children to practice.…
Read MoreWhy is PLAY Important for Your Child’s Development?
“What did you do at school today?” asked Mom on the car ride home from preschool. Ashley, the 4-year-old in the backseat answered, “I played with my friends!” If this is your child’s usual response, FABULOUS! Play is your child’s job. Play is a vital part of your child’s job description. Through play, children explore…
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