It’s a Big World After All (And Our Kids Need to See It)
As parents, we often want to shield our children from being exposed to certain influences. However, there are times when we should actually choose to intentionally expose them. And one of the ways this is done is through travel. Exposing…
Happy Campers and Teachable Moments
The first time I dropped my daughter off at an overnight camp, I left in tears. This happened pretty much every time my firstborn reached a milestone, but this time was particularly tender. She was going to be gone for…
We Asked, They Told: What Parents of Children with Special Needs Want Us to Know
Many of us do not have regular interactions with children with special needs, which means we might not know how to relate to them when we first meet them. We might shy away from trying to get to know them.…
Goal-Setting: Make It a Family Experience
It’s that time of year again! Without fail, millions of people around the world (myself included) choose the month of January–the beginning of a new year–to set goals for ourselves. We vow to lose weight, manage our time better, watch…
The Wide World of Sports…and the Teachable Moments to Be Found There
Whether our kids are natural athletes or not, they can learn much about themselves and about life by taking part in team sports, even if it’s just for a short time. Sure, they’ll learn how to pass a ball, swing…
Gratitude for Creativity
One of the gifts I have such appreciation for in others is the gift of creativity. I love seeing what people have imagined in their minds and then created with their hands. I love seeing old and broken things repurposed…
Gratitude for Nature
Leaves, flowers, grass, trees, streams, dirt, mountains, sand, rocks… God made it. All of it. And He said that it was good. We live in this big, beautiful world that He created for us, yet we often neglect to even…
Gratitude for Meaningful Possessions
My grandmother’s chair, my grandfather’s glasses, my Bible, my wedding ring, artwork by my children, old family letters and photographs… These are just a few of the possessions that are really meaningful to me. We all have material things that…
Gratitude for Books and Reading
You are either reading this post, or someone else is reading it to you. Have you considered what a gift and tremendous help it is to be able to read?? Through written words, people can express thoughts, tell stories, pass…
Gratitude When Others Are “Winning”…and We Aren’t
As adults, we know how bad it can feel when it seems like everyone else is winning or thriving, and we just…aren’t. This is hard for our kids, too. They might see other kids get awards and recognition, when they…
