Parenting
Raise Responsible Kids
Raise responsible kids. It’s an ongoing task for parents. Guide kids in making good choices because as kids mature, the stakes are higher. Modeling accountability, having appropriate expectations, providing routines and opportunities for kids are all part of raising children to be responsible adults. Seven Tips to Raise Responsible Kids Model Be trustworthy, honest, dependable,…
Read More8 Tips to Help a Grieving Child
The death of a loved one is difficult. We’re grieving and so are our children. Often the loss of a grandparent, great aunt/uncle or other elderly family member or a pet is the first experience children have with death. We cannot protect our children from the pain of grief and loss. However, we can help…
Read MoreFaith Travels: Oberammergau
The Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany is a terrific faith travel destination for families. Attending the play with my family was the highlight of our trip to Europe in July. And the history of the play is beautiful. Since 1633, the people of this small village have stayed true their forefather’s pledge to honor God…
Read MoreEncouraging Summer Reading
Encouraging summer reading can be difficult. Sometimes kids need a little incentive to read during the summer months. Here’s a tried and true idea to get kids motivated and reading…Book Bingo! There are kids who are naturally drawn to books. I was one of these kids; flashlight under the pillow, a few books going at…
Read More12 Tips for Transitioning to Kindergarten
Kindergarten, it’s a big deal for children! Some kids transition well into the next stage of their education. Others are comfortable at preschool and would prefer not to change schools or classrooms! And other kids vacillate between excitement and hesitancy. With all kids, acknowledge the emotions that go into the kindergarten transition. Taking the time…
Read MoreRaising Courageous Kids
Are you raising courageous kids? Are they brave, willing to try new things, meet new people, and embrace new opportunities to learn? Some children dive right into unfamiliar situations while others hold back. Both responses are normal for young children! There are ways to encourage all children to be courageous in a variety of situations.…
Read MoreTough Transitions Tips for Littles
Do your little kids ever have a tough time with transitions? Is switching gears from playtime to cleanup difficult? Everyone has trouble with transitions now and again, adults included. Most families with young children deal with transition trouble often. Try these techniques for specific situations transition more easily. Helping your child cooperate and shift more…
Read MoreHealthy Teeth, Happy Smiles
Healthy teeth are reflected in healthy smiles. Seriously, is there anything cuter than a big smile; a baby’s toothless grin, a little kid’s front-tooth missing smile, a shy tinsel-grin of a tween with braces? Smiles are contagious and universal. Few human actions are as easy or rewarding as a smile. February is National Children’s Dental…
Read MoreSweets for the Sweet…Valentine Treats
Valentine treats are sweets for our sweethearts. Valentine’s Day is exciting for kids with homemade cards, conversation heart candies, red gumdrops and shoe boxes covered in doilies and construction paper hearts. The holiday is a good reminder for us to love one another. This recipe is my family’s very favorite cutout cookie recipe. I remember…
Read MoreThe Bible: A Family’s Guide to Life
Faith lessons and family values are rooted at home, in what a child learns, observes, and lives each day. So, how well do your children know the Bible, God’s Guidebook for life? Can your children defend their beliefs? Can they stick to biblical principles and family values despite the whims of society? I’ve noticed in…
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