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 »
In the beginning… When my kids were little I read to them, as most of us do. We loved these times together. As they grew older, we would co-read. We generally shared a book and would read when we had time, then discuss it when we had time together. Now, …
Parental Involvement When my oldest was in school he really struggled. Learning did not come naturally for him. I tried everything I knew and still felt like I was failing him. After several years we learned he had a few learning disabilities that were preventing him from being as successful …
5 Ways To Help Your Child Be Successful in School Read more »
After School Ah, the joys of trying to engage our kids 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?” …
Tips for How to Engage With Your Kids After School Read more »
“Please do your chores” “Evin, please clean your bathroom today.” This is a phrase I’ve uttered countless times…generally every Saturday morning. 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 …
One Simple Shift To Get Your Kids To Do Those Chores Read more »
A typical after school day My son got in the car after a long day in school. He’s a freshman at a public high school for the first time. His elementary and middle school was a small, private school. Now he’s swimming with the big fish. Big fish who hurt …
Real life My husband is a great man. He works hard and has strong integrity. Most days he also treats me like a princess. He opens doors for me, helps carry bags, always has me go first, and generally treats me like a precious jewel. A few weeks ago my …
The After School Slump When my son gets in the car, he’s generally pretty quiet. At the time of this writing, he’s 14 and he’s never been super chatty as soon as he leaves school. I always ask a general, throw-away question like, “How was school today?” He always says …
How to ask the right questions with kids to get them talking Read more »
Things I wish I’d known before my child became a teenager by Gary Chapman (yes, author of the 5 love language series) is a simple read with profound effects. Written with short chapters and easy to read language, you’re going to fly right through it. Topics include communication, psychology, faith, …
Nonfiction book Review: how to prepare for teenagers Read more »