Planning time A few times each year, I take specific time to plan as we shift from one season to another. Typically this is at New Years, end of school/beginning of summer, end of summer/beginning of school, and birthdays. Taking time to touch base with my kids during these seasons …

It’s time to plan the next season…AND connect with your kids Read more »

The Late-Summer Crazy The kids are arguing…again. The dishes aren’t put away and the floors need attention. Don’t even ask about the status of the bathroom. The sheen of summer break has grown dull and now we’re in the countdown to school. I know many moms are about crazy from …

Kids driving you crazy? Here are 5 sanity savers Read more »

Introduction When we learn to ask clarifying questions we can decrease misunderstandings.  Clarifying questions are those that confirm your understanding.  When we say something like, “did you mean to say that I’m bad at keeping house?” we are letting the other person know what we heard. When we ask clarifying …

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After School I’m sure you’ve lived this reality…your child gets in the car and pulls out his/her phone. You rush to ask about his day. “It was fine.,” he replies. You try to dig deeper. “Did anything fun happen?” “Nope.” Maybe you shoot for practical – “Do you have any …

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Marriages over time My husband and I were married four years when I first felt it. I woke up, looked at him, and thought, “this is as good as it gets?” Don’t get me wrong, our marriage was fine. But I wanted more than fine. I wanted dazzling. and exciting. …

Your Marriage Needs a Retreat Now Read more »

“Please do your chores” “Evin, please clean your bathroom today.” This is a phrase I’ve uttered countless times…generally every Saturday. I also said it to our first child but he rarely did this chore. The bathroom was nasty and I’d get so frustrated that I would just do it myself. …

One Simple Shift To Get Your Kids To Do Those Chores Read more »