Parenting
12 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…
Read More9 Warning Signs of Drug Use
“My kids would never drink or use drugs.” Yes, that’s what we all think, right? How many of us have taught our kids from little up not to smoke, drink, or take illicit drugs? Yet, alcohol and drug abuse is rampant in youth culture. The lure of drugs and alcohol can creep into any family.…
Read MoreManaging the Family Calendar
Managing the family calendar is no easy task! Families are stretched to the max. Most are overwhelmed. How much is enough? My family is too busy! I’m exhausted and my kids are too! These are the comments often made by both moms and dads when talking about the family calendar. It’s so easy to get…
Read MoreFreedom of Speech vs. Love and Respect
Is anyone else tired of watching the news, reading social media, and listening to talk radio or podcast? It boils down to freedom of speech verses love and respect. Everyone seemed to have an opinion. Yes, we have freedom to speak and the right to assemble, but what part of our constitutional right of free…
Read MoreSix Signs of Bullying Behavior
Bullies are everywhere, especially these days. Kindness is at an all time low. Bullying behavior is not just mean, it’s contempt and cruelty. It is more than teasing, it’s repetitive and unwanted. The goal of the bully is to dehumanize and ostracize the targeted individual. Surprisingly, bullying can begin as early as age five, the age…
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