When my children were young, I had an older mom-friend who I loved to watch as she parented her older teens and college-aged children. She really enjoyed them, and the…
Tweens & Teens
Is It Ever Okay to Tell Him He’s Not Good at Something?
“I hate spelling. I’m a bad speller.” That’s what eeked out from my son’s down-turned, sun-bleached head this week as he and I labored through the words on his spelling…
From Mommy to Mom: Navigating the Choppy Waters From Childhood to Adolescence
Once upon a time, I was a mommy. My daughter wanted me to read her just one more story, to hug her constantly, to carry her on my hip, and…
Life, Love, and Learning About Margins
I realized yesterday that I’m caught smack in the middle of every working mom’s biggest dilemma: How can you be there for your kids during an immensely important time for them…
Teaching Tomorrow’s Truths Today. Six Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Sex
My 12-year-old morphed into a driving expert this year. She doles out helpful advice and suggestions to me and other drivers on the road. Often, she informs me that I’m…
An Of-The-Moment Discussion With Your Daughters: Miss America’s Red Cup and Being Yourself
Today when your teen or pre-teen daughter gets home from school, she is probably going to be talking about Miss America’s red plastic cup. Which gives you a tremendous opportunity…
Cherish the Days
The other day while cleaning out a kitchen cabinet I came across a set of tiny lunchbox notes I’d found on clearance. I bought them for Eldest when she was…
Welcome Home
I am finding that the older my children get, the harder I have to work to let them know I am on their team. I am for them. They have…
Help Me to Know…
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5
Intentional Parent/Teen Connections
The school supplies have been purchased, the new backpacks loaded, and the kids have been dropped off for their first day back to school. And like many of you, I…