Parenting
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…
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…
Read MoreGood Manners Start in God’s Word
– The basis for good manners and polite behavior for all ages and stages of life is found in the Bible. Scripture is filled with verses in how to relate to others well. If you’re needing resources for teaching your kids or grandkids to respect God, others, and themselves, dive into the Bible. – Paul…
Read MoreScience Readiness for Preschoolers
Young children are scientists at heart. Kids experiment to make sense of their world. Scientific learning begins at birth, with cause and effect and builds from there. Science readiness is easy to implement with young children. Encourage curiosity and exploration in your preschooler. Scientific learning happens indoors and outdoors. Use the following tips to guide…
Read MorePowerful Prayers for Kids
Powerful prayer is a parent’s best tool to both encourage and protect our kids. Start the day covering your children of all ages with blessings and love as they head out the door, off to school, and into the world. Daily prayer becomes a great habit, for the whole family. Incorporate scripture into the prayer.…
Read MoreCreating a Bedtime Routine
Creating a bedtime routine benefits the whole family. Keep the sleep schedule as consistent as possible, even during school breaks and vacations. When everyone is well rested, family life is a lot more pleasant. Creating a Bedtime Routine Plan quiet activities 30 minutes before bed to set the stage for sleep. Make your child’s bedroom…
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