Sixteen years ago, I wrote a blog post during a season when my oldest child —affectionately called Bubs—was struggling with safely releasing anger and frustration. Reading it again now, I’m reminded of how much growth can happen when an adult slows down, listens, and chooses to train instead of simply telling a child to stop a behavior. Why ...
Impressing on Children
Turning Ordinary Moments into Faith Lessons
Several years ago, I caught Peanut (5) singing a silly childhood song about trick-or-treating, smelly feet, and underpants. (Go ahead…you know the one.) While it tiptoes the line of being inappropriate, it’s a song kids have sung for generations because of its catchy tune and simple, sing-song lyrics. Peanut was clearly proud of his new ...
Helping a Child Understand Purpose (Even at a Young Age)
What's your purpose in life? It’s a question that feels big—definitely too big for little hearts still learning to tie shoes and hold crayons. But the answer, in some ways, is beautifully simple: we were made to glorify God. Why Purpose Matters How does knowing one's purpose help? According to Faithward.org, understanding what the Bible ...
Gratitude that Lasts Beyond November
I don’t know about you, but it’s easy for my family - and me - to slip into complaining instead of thanking. Meals, messes, overflowing laundry, busy schedules — sometimes the negative flows out so easily. Psychologists have found that children who practice gratitude are more positive, more satisfied, and experience fewer negative feelings. ...
8 Teachable Moments Hidden in Halloween Candy
Opening the pantry, I was welcomed by the delicious aroma of candy my kiddos collected at our church’s Fall Festival. While I love the yummy smells, enough candy and sugar greet me to start a small candy store. The do-not-waste-anything mentality inside of me won’t let me throw it away. But I don’t want my kids eating all of it. Heaven knows ...
Two Simple Holiday Traditions That Teach the Gospel
There are two holiday traditions I’m especially thankful we started when my children were young. I truly believe they were key in helping them understand the Gospel and Jesus’ deep love for them. Holidays are filled with excitement, decorations, and gifts—but when faith is woven into those moments, they become powerful teaching tools. These two ...
Teaching a Child to Sing Bible Songs with Joy
You’ve chosen the perfect Bible song for learning time — but instead of joyful singing, you see blank stares, half-hearted singing, or rolling around on the carpet. You wonder, What am I doing wrong? It can feel discouraging when music time doesn’t go as planned, especially when you know how powerful songs can be in shaping the child’s faith. ...
Raising Kids Who Truly Apologize
As moms, we’ve all been there—two kids in tears, one clinging to a toy, the other muttering a quick “sorry” before running off. But deep down, we know that kind of apology doesn’t build character or heal relationships. What our kids need is to understand why their actions hurt others and how to respond in a way that shows genuine heart ...
Helping Your Preschooler Learn at Home
If only teaching our kids looked like the picture-perfect moments we imagine—smiling child, tidy table, eager heart ready to soak in knowledge. In reality, teaching your own preschooler often feels messy, frustrating, and personal. One mom from our ABCJesusLovesMe Facebook group put it perfectly: “I find it is easier to teach other children, ...
Starting Strong with the ABCJesusLovesMe Curriculum
Fifteen years ago, I was just days away from sending my oldest to kindergarten and preparing to welcome baby #4. Life felt full—full of joy, full of activities, and full of change. But in the midst of it, I was committed to being intentional with the two little ones still at home. ABCJesusLovesMe provided the structure I needed. During that season, ...