10 Tips for Difficult Family Gatherings

A rustic table setting with a lattice-topped pie and a bowl of apples captures the essence of family gatherings. Text reads: "10 Tips for Difficult Family Gatherings" alongside URLs FaithFirstParent.com and FaithfulGrandparenting.com. Wheat stalks add to the charm.

Family gatherings can be a time of joy, a time of angst or everything in between. God created our families. It’s our responsibility to try our best to be a loving peace keeper, even with the really difficult relatives. And there’s usually at least one in every family. The uncle who consistently asks inappropriate questions, the…

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Ten Tips for Raising Generous Kids

A red heart, symbolizing generosity, is painted on a square piece of burlap fabric. It hangs from a brown twine with a small clothespin, reminiscent of the lessons in "Ten Tips for Raising Generous Kids," set against the simplicity of a plain white background.

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…

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More Margin, Less Stress

    In parenting classes I sometimes begin with an ice breaker. A favorite is, “If you had a day to yourself to do anything you’d like without any regard to time, money or distance, what would you do, where would you go, and with whom?” Moms with younger children get animated with the thought…

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Thankful Hearts Prepare

A thankful person holds a framed sign with the words "GIVE. THANKS." against a backdrop of blurred grassy fields and trees, suggesting a serene outdoor setting.

The forecast is for snow, three to five inches! Yes, I’m totally excited. While many consider the sloppy weather a nuisance, I love it…especially the first snow of the season. It sets my eyes and heart on the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. With my eldest son away at college, I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving even…

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More on Manners

Close-up of a Christmas tree branch adorned with small white snowflake ornaments and warm white string lights. Pinecones are nestled among the green needles, crafting a festive atmosphere with impeccable manners against a soft, blurred background.

Christmas festivities have already kicked into high gear to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. It’s the time of year when families and friends draw close, sharing stories, traditions and of course meals. To make this joyous time less stressful when visiting with the relatives, take some time to work on manners with your…

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