How to Raise Good Conversationalists

How to Raise Good Conversationalists

It was the dress rehearsal for “The Pirates of Penzance” at a local Christian school. A friend had asked me to pitch in on the stage makeup and I was backstage, gleefully smearing grease-paint handlebar mustaches and bloody-looking scars of eyeliner on junior highers. For most of the boys, it was their first day both [...]

Mother’s Day Idea: Communicate Your Desires

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I hope Mother’s Day holds joys and home made treasures for you this Sunday, but if there is a chance you will be disappointed if the celebration isn’t all that you anticipate allow me to make a practical suggestion! I have always thought it fabulous that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day come so close together [...]

A Mother’s Prayer

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Reflections on A Mother’s Prayer by Kristyn Getty In the spring of 2008 I first prayed for a baby, and in the spring of 2011 God answered that prayer with the birth of our beautiful daughter. My joy was full, but so were the fears I wrestled. In some ways I felt like a baby [...]

How to Help a Stepmom on Mother’s Day

How to Help a Stepmom on Mother's Day

I have never expected my two stepsons to acknowledge me on Mother’s Day. They have a mother—it is not me. She is the one who deserves their time, attention and gifts on that special day. However, that doesn’t mean that over the 27 years of being a stepmom the day hasn’t brought tears and discomfort. [...]

A Perfectly Imperfect Mother’s Day

Happy Mother's Day!

One of the best Mother’s Days I ever had was spent at Chuck-E-Cheese. I know, I know … how in the world is that even possible? In all fairness, it was my idea. It actually turned out to be a brilliant idea if I do say so myself. No one would dare take Mom to [...]

How and Why to Handle Backtalk

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“You stupid, big fat ugly Mommy.” “You are so mean. I wish you weren’t my Mom.” “You are the worst Mom in the world.” Or: “No! I won’t!” If you haven’t heard these phrases or ones like these in your home, you must not have kids! Backtalk in a home with young children is a common, [...]

Follow the Leader: Helping Kids Picture Priorities

Follow the Leader

Just a few months ago we brought two children into our home from the foster care system. We’re excited about adopting them, and we can’t wait to make them part of our forever family. At the same time I’ll be the first to admit the process hasn’t been easy. These kids have a few years [...]

She’s Noticing Boys!

Over the years, I have had conversations with young moms who express that they are fearful of what it will be like when their children get older. They are especially concerned about how they will deal with their children when they start showing interest in the opposite sex. I remember feeling that way, wondering how [...]

How Do You Define A Bully?

The Ignored Teen

You may think your child is not a bully because he or she does not pick on others. But do they ignore others? That can be a form of bullying too. I have spent a few years as a substitute teacher and I have consistently observed the ignored in the room and quite frankly it [...]

Teaching My Child to Avoid Idolatry

Idolatry

The notion of idolatry sometimes seems like a foreign, Old Testament concept, yet it’s all around us. And I’m not only referring to worshiping statues. The other day Eldest turned on one of those network TV music talent shows. I actually enjoyed the program. The judges and producers were encouraging, helpful, and kind, even in the face of [...]