Strangest headline ever? I have something really profound to share with you about traditions. Let me back up a few years to when my children were much smaller and I…
Tweens & Teens
Stop Lending Your Children Your Brain!
What’s your first response when your children tell you about difficulties they are facing? Do you immediately jump in to help them solve their problems? If you do, then stop…
Texting Leads to Discontent
Our dear friends have a son who was a handful. He experimented with drugs and alcohol. Upon graduating from high school he gladly announced that he heard if you sign up for…
The Longer I Parent, the Less I Know
I should have this parenting figured by now, shouldn’t I? I majored in Early Childhood. I was a nanny before a parent. I have five children, plus have fostered several…
Popular Kids… Not Wanted
There were four little boys gathered together and the larger boy, stepped out from the pack and growled, quite loudly, “Get away, we don’t want to play with you!” I…
Who’s Keeping Score?
Have you ever been through one of those seasons in life when you just can’t seem to get your head above water? Just being called “mom” likely puts you in…
Before You Sign Up For A New Activity, Ask This Question
My inbox is constantly bombarded with invitations from my kids’ school. Do my children want to join swimming, tennis, robotics, karate, soccer, chess, basketball, or baseball? Some activities are free,…
A Resolution To Stop Cussing
Have you noticed the words teenagers use on Facebook? They know we’re watching. What do you think they’re saying when we aren’t? Perhaps most upsetting to me is how normalized profanity…
How to Prevent Chores Gone Crazy
If you sing these words to the Jason Mraz song “I’m Yours,” you will see a glimpse into the Hawkins home — well, actually more like a glimpse into my husband’s…
Ideas For Fun-Challenged Moms
Last summer, I had a mom come to me and ask, “How can I teach myself to have fun with my children?” Initially I was taken aback by her question,…