The Middle School years typically creep up on many of us before we're ready. I definitely feel this way. The years are moving quickly and in two and a half years, my eldest will be in middle school. What can we do to help our kids prepare for the changes that await them? I have been working in middle schools as a substitute teacher, and it has brought some delightful real life surprises. Some … [Read more...] about Preparing for Middle School: Advice from Middle School Kids
Parenting
Why I Teach my Kids to Compare and How to Do It
“Mom, I am one of the worst soccer players at our school,” said my 8-year-old son. Feeling sorry for him, I replied, “Oh don’t say that. I’m sure you’re decent!” Frustrated by my dismissal of his analysis, he emphatically replied, “No mom, I am actually pretty bad. I am really one of the worst players.” Then, I realized that I was projecting my insecurity onto him. He didn’t feel … [Read more...] about Why I Teach my Kids to Compare and How to Do It
Principle 7: Daily Pray For and Pray With Your Kids
Pray for your kids. Pray with your kids. I know you’ve heard this before. But read on. I promise you that you won’t feel preached at and you won’t regret reading this. I will never forget this image that a friend shared with me as she prayed for me. “I see you on a field where you planted a few seeds. A couple of them are sprouting, but they are tiny. You’re standing over those sprouting … [Read more...] about Principle 7: Daily Pray For and Pray With Your Kids
Principle 6: Quickly Forgive | Family, Kids, and Grace
“I’m sorry, sis. Forgive me. I won’t do it again.” “Well, you know what? You say this all the time. If you’re really sorry, you’ll stop doing it.” “I know. I’m sorry sis.” “Fine. Stop telling me you’re sorry and just stop being so annoying.” The conversation went something like that. It was many years ago, and I can’t quite remember what it was all about. But, I still remember saying … [Read more...] about Principle 6: Quickly Forgive | Family, Kids, and Grace
Want to be a Better Mom? Two Questions to Ask Your Kids
I’m not a believer in New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I think in terms of growth goals. This year, I want to continue fostering intimacy and growth in my relationship with my kids and my husband. Rather than coming up with the growth areas on my own, I decided to do something a little different this year. I asked my family to give me input about my strengths and weaknesses as a mom and … [Read more...] about Want to be a Better Mom? Two Questions to Ask Your Kids
Big Family Gift Overwhelm Solution
Here we are.... a few days before Christmas. The pressure is on to get the gifts on time for Christmas and some folks are living and breathing the coined American idiom, "Shop 'til you drop." Contrary to the common belief that all women love shopping, I don’t. Maybe I am an exception, but I avoid the mall as much as possible. Christmas can be such a hectic time and, for someone like me who … [Read more...] about Big Family Gift Overwhelm Solution