When I first started homeschooling I had an idea of what it would look like. I ordered a huge box of curriculum, bought old school desks and prepared to do school at home. I’ve learned many things along the way. Here are things I wish I’d known 25 years ago: Don’t compare! Don’t compare yourself with… [Continue Reading]
for the family
Staying Strong When Your Heart Feels Weak
I’ve never thought of myself as a weak person. That is until the day I crumbled onto the floor of my bedroom, feeling as if I had nothing left to give. Tears had flowed earlier that day, but not now. I’d been trying to reach out to my angry daughter throughout the day but to… [Continue Reading]
7 Prayers to Say for Your Children
7 Prayers to Say for Your Children So many times I find myself praying for the same things for my children. That they are healthy. They they are safe. That they are obedient. The other day I was reading the Bible, and I came upon Philippians 1:9-11: I pray that your love will overflow more… [Continue Reading]
Finding Quiet Times in a Noisy, Busy House
We have ten people who live in our house. Me, my husband, my grandmother (she’s 88!) and our youngest seven kids. Not only that, I also homeschool. There are always people around. There is always noise. And believe it or not, I’m an introvert. I thrive on quiet. So how do I find quiet times… [Continue Reading]
What’s Behind Your Child’s “Mad”?
As a parent, it’s easy for me to get upset when my children get angry. I want them to control their emotions. I want them to control themselves. But through the years I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to deal with anger is to figure out where it comes from. Once we figure… [Continue Reading]
Creating a Happy Bedtime Routine for Kids
Want to learn how to create a happy bedtime routine? I share three tips sure to help you to create a happy routine that doesn’t leave you stressed out. The fast way to get happy kids is to get rested kids, yet getting kids to go to sleep is often one of the hardest things in… [Continue Reading]
Why Are Kids Impatient and Mouthy?
Too often I’m a bad example, and then when I find my kids impatient or mouthy I demand they change. Now. I sat in the doctor’s office and watched as another mom hurried in with two kids. She made sure to let the front desk clerk know she was early and expected to be… [Continue Reading]
5 Simple Prayers That Will Make You a Better Parent
Being a parent is hard. It’s easy to get focus on the daily struggles and frustrations and forget that each day is an opportunity to teach, guide and grow my children into the unique people God created them to be. I often come up with goals for how to relate and react to me kids,… [Continue Reading]
4 Ways to Teach Your Children to Take Leaps of Faith
From the time my daughter was eight years old she told me she wanted to be a missionary. That’s sweet when you’re looking into the eager eyes of a child. Much harder is peering into the eager eyes of a young adult, realizing this was soon to be a VERY. REAL. THING. Leslie’s plan was… [Continue Reading]
Have a Positive Outlook on Life . . . in 3 Minutes!
Are you a glass half-empty or glass half-full type of person? Do you always look to the negative or try to find the positive? For many years I swayed toward Miss Negativity. I could have an almost-clean house, and I’d mope over the one area not yet sparkling. Or I’d read a dozen great reviews… [Continue Reading]
6 {Easy} Habits To Transform Your Year
Every year I think I’m going to do better and be different—about to-do lists, cleaning, cooking, and spiritual pursuits. I see where I’m falling short, but my efforts only last so long. That’s usually because I try to do too much. Can you relate? My solution is to incorporate easy habits that make a big… [Continue Reading]