Getting children to talk about their days isn't always easy. When I ask my teen children to tell me what's going on in their life, sometimes the response is "Nothing," or "I don't know." Yet when they were younger, my role was much like a cruise director - I had to steer the conversation and keep their little minds on track. So when Heidi ...
Impressing on Children
What I Discovered in an Empty Box
I came across one of my parenting blog posts originally published February 2, 2011. Boy, a lot has changed in 11 years. You'd think with a home full of preteens and teens that an old post wouldn't apply to my life anymore. But reading it, I found myself holding my breath for a split second as the Holy Spirit reminded me that the same truths God ...
What is Love?: Ideas to Teach Children
Love. During the month of February, you can find the word on mugs, t-shirts, candy, and even written on your coffee by the local barista. We tell our spouses we love them. We command our children to love others with their words and actions. God tells us He is love. But what is love? Strictly an emotion? A passing feeling? A specific ...
Advice We’ve Learned Along the Way, Part 1
From the moment you find out you're becoming a parent, everyone has a word of advice for you! When well-intentioned and from someone you trust, these words of wisdom have potential to shape and direct the course you take. But if you look to social media or Google for your advice, you’ll be overwhelmed with the results! So, how do we ...
Valentine’s Day Activities to Teach Love
It wasn't even Christmas Day and the local shopping center cleared its shelves getting ready for the next holiday. And now that my Christmas decorations are down, I will follow suit and start thinking about Valentine's Day. While the holiday is filled with chocolate, roses, and sappy cards, Valentine's Day provides a wonderful opportunity to ...
How to Teach Your Child to Pray
As Christian moms, we know that teaching our children to pray is one of our most important duties. But for many of us, prayer is difficult in our own life and the idea of teaching it to our children feels like one more to-do on our very long list. But what if we choose to see prayer as a beautiful invitation to connect and communicate with God? ...
How to Pray Scripture {Free Printables}
God is a personal and relational God. He desires for every believer to talk with Him, particularly through the act of prayer. We know this and it sounds so simple. Yet, why is prayer so difficult sometimes? Maybe you don't feel adequate to pray because it's never been modeled for you, or you've never been taught how to pray. Then there ...
Candy Canes at Christmas
There is just something about candy canes and Christmas. Even if you don't love eating them, the spiral thick and three-thin stripes are the epidemy of the holidays. According to the National Confectioners Association, candy canes are the No. 1-selling non-chocolate candy during the month of December! The Origin of the Candy ...
How to Pick the Perfect Gift for Kids {Giveaway}
"What are we going to get _____ for Christmas?" This is a common conversation in your home right now. We desire to purchase quality gifts that our family will love, without breaking the bank. While a noble task, many times finding the perfect gift is not an easy one. As I have learned about child development and items that help promote ...
It’s Here! – New Christmas Activity Workbook [Free Printable]
A month ago we released the completely remodeled Thanksgiving Activity Workbook. Oh how I have loved seeing your images and videos on Facebook as you walk through the workbook. God is using it to build a heart of gratitude in children around the world. Today I am excited to announce the release of the new Christmas Activity Workbook! And you ...