Mar 23
Mar 23 Parenting Your Middle School Girl: On Rollercoasters

I spent six weeks of one summer vacation in a driver’s education class. We memorized laws, worked through driving simulations, learned how to adjust the car mirrors, and practiced driving for hours with the big yellow “Student Driver” sticker on the back of the car.

But I did not get even one hour of training before my daughter turned 12.

This oversight is the parenting equivalent of handing car keys to a four-year-old.

So now that I’m 46 and have the most precious adult daughter, I have some hard-earned wisdom to share with you.

Mar 20
Mar 20 What Happens when Mama Bear Goes Overboard

Rachel Wojo

God has a way of divinely equipping moms for the job, doesn't He? Imagine the supermom power as a seed that grows beside an infant in womb. When that sweet baby is born into this world, the arms designed to cradle the baby work just as effectively to protect that baby. Combine beautiful, protective strength with the adrenaline that kicks, and there you have it- what is often affectionately deemed as"Mama Bear Mode."

Now, I don't know about you, but this mode is fierce for me. My husband sees that look in my eye and he begins to pity the person on the other end of whatever is about to be unleashed.

Mama Bear mode sure has gotten me into trouble before; maybe you too?

Mar 19
Mar 19 Why Quality Literature Matters {+ a Giveaway}!

Christin

I am pretty picky about what I allow my children to read in the way of books. When it comes to Literature, I don't want my children reading twaddle -- watered down, fluffy titles that do not challenge them to think critically or creatively utilize their imagination.

Furthermore, reading should offer a somewhat challenging angle, not just for their thinking, but also their vocabulary and problem solving skills. I cannot overestimate how much growth can occur from excellent quality literature.

Mar 18

Mar 18 Finding Teachable Moments

Ruth Simons

Parenting

Maybe we make it hard on ourselves, moms. We love to try and say the most important things at the most difficult times.

Here'a s familiar scene for many of us:

Mar 17
Mar 17 The War In My Heart

Natalie

Parenting

I was down on my knees in the flooded bathroom. I felt like I was drowning in discontentment. I wanted my son to be different. I felt angry that he was making things so difficult for me.

In that same bathroom, the day before, I couldn't take the toothpaste eating and spitting in my face anymore. I yelled and screamed. I showed my son how ugly the anger was that boiled in my heart. I felt the war against flesh and spirit. I let anger win as it shot out of my mouth. I failed my son and left him in tears.