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
Parenting
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
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