It doesn’t take long after becoming a parent to realize that there are a lot of parenting controversies out there. For example, parents of infants will butt heads over topics like breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding and sleep training vs. not sleep training. Now that my oldest has left the baby and toddler years, I’m encountering new … [Read more...] about Chores or No Chores? Which is Best for Kids?
school-age children
Why and How to Share Tough Bible Stories with Kids
The Bible is full of stories that encourage us, show us how much God loves us, and leave us feeling inspired. However, it is also full of stories that depict violence, speak of curses, and leave us struggling to remember that God is good and just. I find it a little difficult to share these latter stories with my kids! In the past, I often … [Read more...] about Why and How to Share Tough Bible Stories with Kids
16 Bible Verses to Encourage Moms
All moms need encouragement. It doesn’t matter if her kids are young or grown and it doesn’t matter if she has one kid or a dozen. Each and every mom you know could use a few words of encouragement! One powerful way to provide encouragement is to share words from Scripture. The Bible has many encouraging things to say to moms. I’ve … [Read more...] about 16 Bible Verses to Encourage Moms
Why Minivans are Really Cool Vehicles
A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I reached a new milestone in our lives as parents: We purchased a minivan. Many couples shudder at the thought of driving a minivan. In fact, just a couple of days before we purchased our van, I saw this bumper sticker on a minivan parked in the grocery store parking lot. I’ll concede that they … [Read more...] about Why Minivans are Really Cool Vehicles
Pie-Themed Clothespin Number Match
My preschooler became a fan of pie after we ate some over Thanksgiving last fall. As I’ve noted previously, she also really enjoys counting objects. I decided to make her a pie-themed number match activity so she could enjoy the two at the same time! This activity is the same concept as the Pizza-Themed Clothespin Number Match that I … [Read more...] about Pie-Themed Clothespin Number Match
16 Easy, Nutritious, and Kid-Friendly Lunch Ideas
It’s often difficult for me to get a nutritious meal on the table for lunch. I don’t always have a lot of time to dedicate to preparing lunch. When I do have plenty of time, I’m often distracted because I have two young kids vying for my attention. A few weeks ago, I began searching for easy and nutritious lunch ideas. Here are 16 of the … [Read more...] about 16 Easy, Nutritious, and Kid-Friendly Lunch Ideas
5 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged During Family Devotions
Last week we discussed why family devotions benefit our kids, even when our kids are wiggly and distracted through them. Today we’ll consider some ways we can minimize the wiggles and still their wondering minds so our kids stay engaged during family devotions. How to keep kids engaged during family devotions Make devotions part … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged During Family Devotions
Encouragement for When Your Family Devotions Look Like a Circus
A few months ago, as we ate oatmeal for breakfast, I read to my girls about Moses and the burning bush. My 3-year-old appeared deep in thought. When she spoke as I paused to turn a page, her statement left me speechless: “I know, mommy, let’s have doughnuts!” I wasn’t speechless because she shared some deep insight or asked an … [Read more...] about Encouragement for When Your Family Devotions Look Like a Circus