Before having children, I knew little about Autism, ADHD, or even how food affects behavior. Children, I have discovered, require us to participate in continuing education. I've attended seminars, poured over books, and worked almost as feverishly as I did during my undergraduate years. One of my children has a disorder that doctors have yet… Continue reading Lessons from Parenting a Child with an Atypical Disorder
The kids aren't alright, and neither is mom. Exasperated sighs and groans cover each math lesson. Tear drops glisten across those essay rough drafts. Mom's hair is standing on end and there just isn't enough coffee or chocolate in the world to combat her stress or exhaustion. Welcome to notorious November. Mid-year, many of us… Continue reading Encouragement for the Discouraged Homeschooler
We take so much care with driver’s training, yet so little care with technology training. Our electronic devices provide children access to one of the most powerful and dangerous tools of our age—the internet. Occasionally, we are lulled into a false belief that parental controls will prevent our children from being “one of those kids”—those who post inappropriate pictures, suffer from bullying, or get lured away by predators.
We never like to address the inconveniences of parenting. We don’t like to tell expecting moms and dads, “Sleep now, because you won’t be sleeping for the next few years.” Or, “Enjoy that pre-baby vacation because it’ll be awhile before vacations are relaxing.” It all sound so “glass-half-empty,” doesn’t it? Here’s the reality: Raising children is inconvenient, but it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. When the Lord blesses us with children through adoption or birth, He has entrusted a young soul into our care for teaching, training, and affection. Your plans are going to be interrupted, and at what seems like the worst moments! How do we react to these interruptions?
If you don't have any major plans this evening (or Thursday), it would be worth your time to go out and see Kirk Cameron's new film "Connect.": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hiltak3hsZc This movie covers how the digital age is affecting our children and provides insight into how we can equip and protect them. Today's parents grew up with… Continue reading Do You Have a Cell Phone? Does Your Child? Here’s a Film You Need to Watch.
"Mom, I need to get a zipper binder and headphones." "Dad, my teacher said my pencil box isn't big enough. I need another one" "Mom, I have to have a zipper binder too." My head was spinning. It was only the first week of school, and on top of the lengthy list of supplies we'd… Continue reading What Our Children Need Most
Connecting with our children is vital. Connecting our children with God is paramount. Books supply a comfortable entry point to discuss uncomfortable topics and provide a context for the consequences of bad behavior.
As we press through August and into the fall, we will see frequent signs that school is back in session. Gradually, a few parents will develop a worry line or two. Homeschool moms may find themselves sobbing as perfect lesson plans implode in the face of another autistic episode. Another mom may be quietly sobbing in an empty room as their youngest child moves three or three hundred miles away from home in pursuit of a college degree. A dad may be getting stomach ulcers worrying about the safety of his daughter around all those teenage boys. On top of all the back-to-school changes, these parents are still facing life with all it's pressures and frustrations. Are we sensitive to their needs? Are we reaching out to be supportive? Encouraging? Helpful?
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18, ESV Raising kids isn't for the faint-hearted. Educating them is no cake walk either. In the run-of-the-mill routine of life, we can slip into two traps: putting our parenting… Continue reading School-Time Prayers
I saw you on Sunday morning. I watched you walk down the aisle at least three times. On the first trip, you held a squirmy baby in one arm and a diaper bag in the other. Your second exodus involved a recalcitrant toddler, howling like a wolf at the moon. You made your last… Continue reading To The Parents with the Squirmy Kids at Worship
