Loved ones can be complicated. As your children begin to grow up it only makes sense that we count on our extended family and friends to encourage and guide our kids. But, what if they undermine your parenting and discourage your children instead? What then? “When you want to know the real secrets about your dad and mom, come and see me.” … [Read more...]
Does Your Child Struggle to Make Friends?
Friendships are the life blood of kids, especially teenagers. There comes a day when they will step over your dead body to get to a friend. Grace, my junior higher, is struggling with making friends at her new school. There’s something to be said about staying in one area all of your thirteen years. People know you. Friendships have time to … [Read more...]
Teach Your Child to Serve
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:13-14 On our way to church I shared with Grace, “Don’t forget, you’re … [Read more...]
Encouraging Children
Years ago, my husband and I attended a church that was wonderful at teaching God's Word. Unfortunately, as a ministry, they lacked the gift of encouragement. More often, as a church body, we were schooled on trials and tribulations. It was a sad and stunted environment to grow in. The same can be said about encouragement for children. Each … [Read more...]
Fourth Child Syndrome
This morning I had a coffee date with a friend. We'd scheduled and re-scheduled a dozen times already. I refused to change plans again.Of course, this would be the morning Samuel, my youngest, wasn't feeling well.When my first child was a baby, I jumped at the first sign of sniffles. I had the doctor's office number on speed dial, … [Read more...]