R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Can I Get a Little?
0No matter how hard we try to keep calm, sometimes we blow it. When that happens, we can be open to ideas from the Holy Spirit, as was Brenda, a mom who receives our email tips. When we heard her story we invited her to …
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When Things Go Wrong, Don’t Fix the Problems!
Jeremy and Anna were frustrated about the chaotic dinners at their house. It was definitely a “herding cats” experience to get their two boys to the table and then a “managing monkeys” experience once they all got there. Their younger son Ayden sometimes got quite …
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Parenting from a Donkey
Jesus was a “different kind of king”* This was evident in many ways, and highlighted by the unexpected way he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Custom was that a king entered a town with a full show of prestige, power, and authority as a conquering …
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Is Parenting a Calling or a Responsibility?
If I have a child, I have a God-given calling to parenting. To view parenting as a calling instead of a responsibility can change my perspective on daily interaction with my children. My view of parenting challenges can change from, “What should I do about …
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T.E.A.C.H.ing Values in Real Life
Renee and Randy were in a common repeating cycle with their 5-year-old, Peter. “We felt like we were constantly on eggshells because of his daily meltdowns.” We showed them the T.E.A.C.H. framework, and their next report was a great review of how effectively they applied …
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Why Do Kids Obsess Over Video Games?
During my recent reading of “Boys Adrift” by Dr. Leonard Sax, I came across a letter that really grabbed my attention. The letter’s author is a 27-year-old doctoral student at Notre Dame — oh, and he’s addicted to video games. I don’t think you understand …
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Parenting Resolutions You Can Keep!
Happy 2013! As you think about the year ahead, and plans or resolutions you’re making for a better future, we invite you to consider making some high-impact Parenting Resolutions. First, take a minute to put your feet up. Take a breath. Ask the Lord RIGHT …
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Are We Ever Really Safe?
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Humans long to be safe. We want our children to be safe. Our efforts to create safety, whatever they may be, tend to lull us into …
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Thankfulness in Three Dimensions
As we prepare for the upcoming day of “giving thanks”, take a moment to reflect on these three dimensions of thankfulness. First Dimension: Thankfulness for Blessings Big and Small When we think of thankfulness, we often give thanks for things — turkey, pumpkin pie, or …
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6 Destructive Lies We Tell Ourselves — And How to Fight Them!
Sometimes we humans seem to act unpredictably or irrationally. But every action has a purpose, rooted in an underlying or “core” belief. Our core beliefs are what guide our behavior. The way core beliefs are formed is complex. Our environment, the media, our peers, and …
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“Spread Yourselves THICK!”
“Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial.” ~I Corinthians 6:12 Our oldest child, Daniel, made a grand pronouncement one morning upon learning that we all had to go to church early and stay through three services because of our ministry commitments. “You …
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How to Love the Children of Your Reality
We all have dreams for ourselves and our children. When we run into difficulties with our kids, we feel a threat to those dreams, and sometimes we start to panic. What if he can’t get into a good college? What if she becomes a shopaholic? …
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Prep Your Kids for a Responsible School Year
When kids make poor choices at school, either behavioral or academic, parents usually get pretty upset. If we are honest, it’s mostly because we think our kids’ bad judgment or irresponsibility reflects poorly on US! But really, their behavior is THEIR “report card” and not …
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How to Avoid Combat with Your Kids
When your kids act up, Stop and Breathe. Breathing clears your mind and calms you down. When you don’t breathe, your brain stays in fight or flight mode and you can’t think clearly. You usually charge in and start a battle. When you breathe you calm …
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What You Really Need for Mother’s Day
Hint: It’s not flowers, trophies, chocolate, or a day at the spa! Mother’s Day: the one day a year when we moms are officially recognized for working our fannies off to be “all things to all people.” The other 364 days a year we wear …
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Mercy In Our Struggle
“Can’t you just get in the bathtub without arguing?!!” Daniel and I were nose-to-nose in a typical power struggle. I knew it was going to take most of my intellectual and emotional savvy just to get this grimy little kid in the tub. Of course, …
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