Her smile. I did it to see her smile and it worked. We laughed together and ran – inside the house. And the broken parts mended a bit. Sometimes life raising kids feels heavy. It is a huge responsibility. I am so serious about the principles I want them to learn and the tasks they need to accomplish that I can forget something important. Laughter and joy are just as important to teach as a good work ethic. Let me say that again. Kids need to learn the art of enjoying life, of laughing, of the joy of the Lord …
10 Party Planning Tips
One of my absolute, all-time favorite things to do is plan a party. Oh, I get so excited thinking about the details of a party: the theme, the food, the decorations, the party favors, the outfits…..it can all be so wonderful. But, party planning can also bring out the “Crazy Christen” side too: the panic, the frustration, the sharp tongue (anybody with me?). Here are 10 tips I’ve learned about staying “cool” instead of “crazy” while party planning: 1. Remember the reason for the party. When my girls turned one, all I wanted to do was celebrate their lives …
5 B’s for Being the “Bad Guy” Moms Sometimes Need to Be
A few weeks ago I posted 5 B’s to a Better Day. Today? 5 B’s for the “Being the Bad Guy” moms need to BE! BE the ONE TO SAY “NO” to UNWHOLESOME TV I remember well when at a gathering, all the kids were going to watch a movie. However, when my husband and I found out the movie that had been turned on, we told our kids, NO. Their same aged friends stayed “tuned in.” We were the “bad guys.” Some adults thought we were silly. We’ve never been sorry for being the “bad guy” and saying NO to …
Really Mom?! How to Manage Your Emotions When Your Kids Don’t
Her eyes flashed hot, “Really Mom?” her eyebrows raised, “Really?” My blood ran hot as my mind raced. Yes. REAALLYY! I wanted to scream with all my might. I must be doing something wrong. This can’t be what God intended mothering to be like. . . Her penetrating stare interrupted my inner dialog. “Yes really,” I whispered as my eyes flashed with anger. Lord help me. How can I teach her to control her emotions when I can barely keep mine in check? I used to think if only I mothered right there would be no confrontations like this one. …
Lunchbox Love Notes For Your Kids
It’s that time again. The kids are back in school and with that our mommy calendars immediately start to fill up. New routines. New bed times. New nightly stress about homework and even after school activities. Oh how I love the smell of a freshly sharpened number two pencil (no really, I do) and also dislike all the anxiousness that surrounds the back to school season. Did we get all the supplies on the class lists? Are we going to miss the bus? What about classes, did they get the classes they needed or the teachers we wanted? Breathe in …
Help, I Want My iPad Back!
By Guest: Arlene Pellicane If you have an iPad and kids, you have probably uttered these words to your son or daughter, “Give my iPad back!” Whether it’s an iPad, a different tablet, or a smart phone, you have probably struggled about your child’s growing use of technology. I recently had lunch with a grandmother named Sally who was lamenting the loss of quality time with her teenage grandson. She and her grandson were very close during elementary school. Peter was always talkative and social with his grandpa rents and others. Peter’s grandmother was very much a part …
Gimme Gimme MINE!
Toddler Rules of Possession author unknown 1. If I like it, it’s mine. 2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine. 3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine. 4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine. 5. If it’s mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in anyway. 6. If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine. 7. If it looks just like mine, it is mine. 8. If I saw it first, it’s mine. 9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine. …
3 Smart Moves to Start Your Day
Smart Move 1: Get on Your Knees with Your Bible Open Before You. Not only will this smart move keep you limber, it will also open your mind to an outside help and source: God. Bow before Him. Acknowledge to your Heavenly Father, “I love You and want to live for You today.” Pray, “Fill me with Your Spirit and mind.” Place your little one on the floor beside you. It will teach them the smart move of starting their day in prayer before God. Smart Move 2: Turn on Christian Music. You’re making a wise choice when you …
Temper ‘n’ Tantrums
Temper ‘n’ Tantrums… the TNT of the toddler and (sometime beyond)world. What is a mom to do when her little one drops a big emotional bomb? First things first… 1. Don’t catch it! It is so hard not to participate in a tantrum. Kids want to draw parents into their drama. It’s a way of controlling the adult. The adult may get angry, plead, cajole, give in….whatever….just to make the screaming meme stop. Just remember, your response has the power to impact the tantrums to come. (And there will be more.)Next… 2. Stay Cool. It’s tough remain in control when …
DIY T-Shirt Bags
Written by Heather Riggleman, author of Mama Needs a Time Out. Do you see this? This is what happens when I am not paying attention to my kids or keeping them busy with something…. Yep. That is my son on a trampoline with his big sister’s rollerblades. Take note, the net isn’t up yet…. So today’s craft is T-Shirt bags. We have tons of old t-shirts laying around and I’m forever looking for a bag to tote library books, toys to grandma’s and groceries. Today, the kids get to make bags for the pool and other summer gear! …