Have you ever wondered if motherhood is a waste of your education? Have you ever worried that the skills you have developed in your career will atrophy as you raise your child? Do you think that your professional work will fade into meaninglessness as you prioritize motherhood over your career? I’ve wondered and worried about all of those things. When … Read More
Simple Steps for Reading Aloud to Your Baby or Toddler
Experts agree that even when a baby is in the womb, he or she benefits from hearing you read aloud. So, imagine the value of snuggling up with your baby or toddler and reading a little book together. When you read aloud to your baby, you are telling them that they are cherished. You are welcoming them into a story … Read More
How to Have a Good Day After a Rough Night
I’m the mother of six children, ranging in age from six-months to 14-years-old. As you can imagine, I don’t often get a full night of sleep. I’ve discovered that the health and happiness of our home depends largely on how I respond to sleep-deprivation. I imagine that most moms are in the same situation. We’re up feeding newborns, comforting toddlers, … Read More
FIVE ONE-LINERS THAT TRANSFORM THE WAY I HOMESCHOOL
As I go through my days, homeschooling six children and serving the Lord in a variety of ways at home, at church, and in the community, I am regularly blessed by a handful of one-liners that invigorate me and help me to do the right thing with the right attitude. These five phrases come to my mind, and shape my … Read More
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD DO WHAT YOU SAY
Alas, motherhood would be so much easier without resistance, rebellion, and whining. Wouldn’t it be awesome if our children just did what we told them to do? We want to encourage our children to think for themselves and have a voice of their own, but we also want them to respect authority and obey God’s Word. Often, our children must … Read More
The Importance of Wisely Timed Words
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 It was one of those afternoons with a thousand commitments. The kids and I loaded the van with the snacks and bags and strollers we’d need in order to make the most out of our trip into town. The first stop would be to … Read More
5 Simple Ways to Connect with Your Child
Looking for a simple way to connect with your child today? You don’t have to go to Disney World or spend the weekend at an indoor water park in order to build your relationship with your child. Honestly, sweet day-to-day connections happen right at home when we make a few good choices. I’ve been feeling mid-winter stress that can darken … Read More
Help for the Child Who Can’t Fall Asleep at Night
You’ve tucked your child in bed. An hour later, you hear those familiar little footsteps… What you do next could have a big impact on our child’s heart. Last year, our 7 year old son went through a long season in which he couldn’t fall asleep at night. He would try, honest. Yet every night, when the old farmhouse was … Read More
Help for the Child Who Internalizes Other People’s Negative Emotions
I am so thankful to be part of a generation of adults that aims to build empathy in children. Most of our kids need to learn how to identify with someone’s struggles and sorrows. They need to learn to jump in, speak up, and give life. But some kids internalize too much. They all-too-easily feel all of the pain and … Read More
How to Be a Mom When You Have a Cold
I’m fighting a cold as if it’s the dead of winter and the germs are flying everywhere. I’ve been up all night, propped up on pillows, breathing through my mouth like Napoleon Dynamite. When my throat begins to tickle, I dive for a spoonful of the honey on my nightstand to preempt a coughing spell. A couple of our little … Read More
