Summer is here! A time for kids to take a break from school and enjoy playing with friends. But why should kids have all the fun? Adults have a lot to gain by engaging in play. For children and adults alike, play creates a sense of community. Engaging in adult play can increase social well-being…
It’s not always about what your children have, but rather about who you are teaching them to be. I spend a lot of time working with parents who are trying to get on the same page regarding their children’s behavior, school performance, social commitments and future decisions. All of these things are important and need…
People pleasing can come easy when we want to show someone we love them. We tend to enjoy pleasing others with blessings such as gifts or meeting their needs. But sometimes pleasing can become difficult and detrimental when our motive is no longer based on love but rather driven by fear. There was a…
Let’s give thanks! Sounds pretty straight forward, right? As we enter a season of thankfulness and giving, we should be able to come up with something. What are you coming up with right now? As you’re sitting there, wheels turning, oftentimes it’s easier to start building an “ungrateful” list: credit card bills due tomorrow, a…
When hearing the word “intelligent”, many parents immediately think of high SAT scores and GPAs. While this type of intelligence is valuable, it’s not the only type that a child will need to navigate the complex world they are faced with. In Dr. John Gottman’s book Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child, he states there are…
We’re all familiar with phrases like “going through a rough patch”, “things are up in the air” or “on shaky ground”. These typically imply some difficulty or uncertainty whether related to an outcome, relational dynamics, or an individual struggle. It is in the midst of the unknown that we desperately need a solid foundation. When…
Some would agree a child learns more by what is seen than by what is heard. As you sit with that idea for a moment, try to consider the different ways in which you share your beliefs and values with your children. As Christians we are called to care for the least, the last, and…