I love my church. I mean I L-O-V-E, love attending my church. It is the time that I receive encouragement, strength, and have my heart refueled. But a few years ago, my eyes were opened to a different view of church attendance. Far too many parents view church as a place of disapproving looks, unattainable obstacles, and exhaustion. ...
Search Results for: little man
The What and How of Parenting One-Liners [Free Printable]
If asked what the most beneficial tool in my parenting toolbox is, I would say - without any hesitation, "One-Liners." These pre-scripted, parenting quotes have been instrumental in training my children. And parents and teachers continue to echo my sentiments as they have also seen these short phrases transform their homes and ...
Valentine Affirmations Heart Activity
Last year I saw on multiple social media outlets the idea to place hearts on your child's door from February 1st to Valentine's Day. On each heart was written a note or phrase of encouragement and affirmation. Unfortunately I learned about it too late. This year I want to make sure that I am ready. And I want to invite you to join ...
Should I Send My Child to Kindergarten?
This is a question that I am very passionate about. What is your opinion about sending kids to kindergarten who have summer birthdays (or those who are close to the cut off date)? Cut-off Dates As far as I know, every state has a cut-off birth date for children to begin kindergarten. The states I am familiar with place their cut-offs in ...
You Must Try This Home Hint
According to the New York Times, Pinterest is a $10 to $11.3 billion company. They have made a fortune sharing and organizing tips and ideas. Why is it such a hit? Because moms especially are desperate to make their lives more simple and beautiful. Because I am decoration-ally challenged, I can't make your life more beautiful. But, I do ...
The Key to Effective Discipline
A while back I read this quote in the newspaper from Dr. John Rosemand. The key to effective discipline is a proper parental attitude. Breaking it down, it's one-third proper body language..., one-third proper speech..., and one-third refusing to engage in nonproductive back-and-forth (arguments). It sounds so simplistic, but do ...
Are You Skipping These Learning Opportunities?
Yesterday Little Man set up Monopoly, begging everyone in the family to join him. It is a game that I loved as a child. As a parent, I tolerate it. Crazy how things change like that. But, I knew it was important to my young son. Even though it wasn't always pretty, I was thankful that I grasped the moment. As we played I recognized the ...
Chore and Budget System for Kids and Teens
In 2014, I shared a Money Management and Behavior System for Preschoolers. It worked beautifully in our home to teach our young children responsibility, encourage good behavior, and set a foundation for wise money management. Now five years later, our children are in school and entering the teenage years. I realize that we need to ...
Needing Some Hope at Christmas?
Hope. I've shared many times before that after my sister died I clung to Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I needed the assurance that God hadn't forgotten me. He hadn't tossed my heart to the side. He was ...
How to Read to Your Child {Review}
Talk to any elementary school teacher and they will agree that the best thing you can do with your child to prepare them for school is read to them. And then, read some more. But what does reading to your child look like? Birth to 3 Years of Age During these formative years it is important to introduce the child to a plethora of quality ...