As I entered the front door, I felt my stress level rising. The house was in absolute disarray. Toys were all over the floor. The kitchen sink was still full from breakfast. Kids homework was spread all over the dining room table. I am not the most organized person (my friends know) but I have my threshold for messiness, and it had crossed it. I had a choice before me during this moment of … [Read more...] about Five Guidelines for Smoother Transitions in the Family
Parenting
Hurry! Why the Fruit of the Spirit Can’t Grow
Have you ever been in a hurry? If you have ever sat in Los Angeles traffic when you’re in a hurry, you know the angst you feel! If you have kids, you understand the word hurry quite well. “Come on kids; we have to hurry if we’re going to make it to school on time!” If you are someone who has their calendar filled with one appointment after another, you know the hustling it takes to make it to … [Read more...] about Hurry! Why the Fruit of the Spirit Can’t Grow
Back to School Boot Camp: 5 Tips for a Strong Start
Summer is winding down. For some of us, we can’t wait until it is over and we are back to our routine. Others of us, we are dreading the change. We wish it could go on for a little longer. Whichever camp you are finding yourself in, the reality is, school is upon us. It is time to get ready. It's time for "Back to School Boot Camp." Back to School Boot Camp is more than getting ready for school … [Read more...] about Back to School Boot Camp: 5 Tips for a Strong Start
Teaching Our Kids about Generosity and What I Learned from Them
In our city, we often see men and women standing on the roadside holding out a cardboard sign that reads, “I’m Hungry. Need Help. God Bless.” Seeing them usually causes some kind of wrestling within my heart. It is a good thing. For a minute I get a reality check. I remember that not everyone has a home, a bed, and food to eat - a few things that, for those of us who have them, we can … [Read more...] about Teaching Our Kids about Generosity and What I Learned from Them
4 Tips to Stress-Free Mornings with Kids
Mornings can be cray-cray! From getting yourself up and somewhat functioning to getting the kids fed, cleaned, dressed, and everything packed and ready to get out the door on time, it is no small feat. (Do you feel tired just from thinking about it?) I remember how crazy it was when we had three little ones under the age of three and how more insane it became when we added two foster twin infants … [Read more...] about 4 Tips to Stress-Free Mornings with Kids
Preparing for Middle School: Advice from Middle School Kids
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