Three weeks ago we considered if preschool is really necessary and two weeks ago we discussed four questions that parents can ask themselves when determining if preschool is right for their child. As promised, today I’m going to discuss the decision we’ve made for our preschool-age daughter. We’ve decided that she does not need to … [Read more...] about Our Casual, Play-Based Approach to Preschool at Home
toddlers
Deciding If Preschool is Right for Your Child
As we saw last week, the research findings on preschool are varied. Some studies show that preschool boosts school readiness skills (particularly for low-income children) and gives students an academic advantage during their elementary years, while other studies show the benefits of preschool are transient and that it may contribute to burnout … [Read more...] about Deciding If Preschool is Right for Your Child
Can Busy Moms Really Find Time to Spend with God? (Part 2)
Last week I was joined by two other moms—Michele of Living Our Days and Elizabeth of Guilty Chocoholic Mama—as we discussed how we find time to spend with the Lord. Today we are going to examine two related topics: How motherhood impacts a mom’s devotional time and what practical tools are helpful for facilitating time with God. Be … [Read more...] about Can Busy Moms Really Find Time to Spend with God? (Part 2)
Is Preschool Necessary?
It seems like just yesterday that my oldest child was born. However, she’s about to become a three-year-old! I’ve noticed that many children her age are beginning preschool programs. Some of these are very formal programs, while others are traditional childcare with a special focus on school readiness skills. Does my child need … [Read more...] about Is Preschool Necessary?
Can Busy Moms Really Find Time to Spend with God? (Part 1)
Moms are busy. It doesn’t matter how many children they have, if their kids are young or grown, or if they work or stay at home. Given this reality, is it really possible for moms to find time to spend with God? I first considered this question a couple of years ago when I was struggling to find time to spend with the Lord while … [Read more...] about Can Busy Moms Really Find Time to Spend with God? (Part 1)
Why I’m a Singing Mom
If you were to eavesdrop on my household at random times throughout the day, it’s likely you would hear me singing more than once. This isn’t because I’m particularly fond of singing and it’s certainly not because I’m gifted at it. I began singing to my children before they were born. When I was pregnant with my first, I would sit in … [Read more...] about Why I’m a Singing Mom
50 Fun Activities for Fathers and Their Toddlers
According to the Pew Research Center, mothers spend about twice as much time with their children as fathers do. Regardless of the reasons for this statistic, one consequence is that many fathers feel uncertain about what sort of activities to share with their toddlers—curious creatures who are notorious for their mercurial moods, short … [Read more...] about 50 Fun Activities for Fathers and Their Toddlers
Helping Kids Understand that True Beauty is on the Inside
When I look at my daughters, I see the two most beautiful girls in the world. However, the older they get, the more I realize that I need to help them understand that the beauty that truly matters has nothing to do with how a person looks. Our culture teaches the exact opposite. If we listen to the messages conveyed by most TV shows, … [Read more...] about Helping Kids Understand that True Beauty is on the Inside