Connecting
Correction without connection produces conflict. Discover the most powerful parenting tool for establishing long-term positive influence. Connecting.
Connecting with Family Articles
Authoritarian vs Authoritative Parenting: How to Avoid the Dangers of Mistaking the Two
As she focused her eyes on the road ahead, she made careful note of the lines on either side of her. A quick glance at her legs reminder her of their strength. Another quick glance at me confirms her confidence. Boundaries + ability + confidence. She slowly let go of the handlebars, raised her hands...
11 Biblical Parenting Principles: Empower Yourself to Raise Godly Kids in a Broken World
Search the world, and it will leave you empty. Search the word, and you’ll find a cup that overflows. The biblical parenting principles tucked away in the Bible are a treasure begging to be hunted. Biblical Parenting Principles for Behavior Training This biblical parenting principle is the driving force behind everything I do at Faithful...
Why Moms Yell and Stay Trapped in a Hamster Wheel of Guilt
Though her tone dripped with accusation, I sensed a compliment buried somewhere in her question. I knew she wanted to talk about why moms yell, but those conversations can go sideways real quick. I took a deep breath, whispered a prayer, and stepped lightly through the exchange. “You probably don’t ever yell, do you?” How...
Draw Your Children Closer to Jesus with a Christ-Centered Easter
With trust in his eyes, a sparkle in his smile, and his chubby fingers wrapped around my own, my little guy gazed up at me. The innocence in his face made it clear, all those years ago, that what that wide-eyed, sweet, curious child believed about Jesus began with me. I could teach him to...
5 Proven Ways to Reduce Family Stress This Fall
It’s no secret that this year has been stressful. As you muddle your way through all the responsibilities that keep you busy, it’s essential to dedicate some time and effort to equip yourself and your family with tools to reduce family stress and cope with life’s pressures. Life isn’t always easy – which is why...
The Best Scriptures on Parenting to Guide Your Family’s Pursuit of God
The word of God is an armory of spiritual ammunition. Jeremiah 1:12 says, “… I am watching and I will certainly carry out my plans.” Scriptures on parenting provide Christian parents with the Truth, skills, knowledge, and promises they need to raise children who are a light to a fallen world and will someday be...
The Best Christian Parenting Books: A Top 20 List for Biblically-Minded Mom
There is certainly no shortage of parenting books available. The vast expanse of the internet makes it a bit overwhelming to ensure you are purchasing the best Christian parenting books! It seems everyone has written a book these days, so how do you sort through the ones that will actually help you raise your children...
How to Have a Family Bible Study That Draws the Kids Closer to God
Beginning a family bible study is one of the best and simplest ways you can grow your children’s faith and biblical knowledge. With all the fantastic bible resources available these, diving into the living word of God with a family bible study has never been easier. When your children see you in the word, experience...
Mom and Boys: How to Nurture a Special and Delicate Bond!
A mama and her boy have a delicate and unique relationship dynamic. Some of the most powerful ups and downs of life are shared between a mom and boys. Being a boy mom comes with a pretty significant burden. Moms can help shape and mold their boys into men in a distinct way that no...
Family Game Night with Toddlers: Practical Guidance for Including Your Little One in the Fun
Family nights are a positive way to connect as a family and build bonds that tether children to their parents. Hosting a family game night with toddlers takes a bit of forethought and a lot of flexibility. What I’d love to highlight today, is that you can still host a fun and exciting family game...
Intentional Parenting With Purpose and Mindfulness
An intention is something you mean to do. With regard to intentional parenting, this definition alone is sort of muddy and convoluted. I could call myself an intentional parent and have great intentions that I rarely or never put into action. When it comes to intentional parenting in a way that makes a powerful and...
Creating a Perfect Family Meeting Agenda: How to Make it Work and Keep it Simple
Family meetings are an important part of life in our home. It took some time, but over the years, we’ve created the perfect family meeting agenda for ourselves. Since each family is different, I’m going to share the process of creating a family meeting agenda that’s perfect for your family, so you can spend more...
How to Reduce Sibling Conflict: Is it Rivalry or Is it Something Much Simpler?
So often parents jump to assume our children have a sibling rivalry the minute we hear them begin to quarrel. That’s not typically the case! I want to chat about sibling conflict, what sibling rivalry really is, and, most importantly, how to significantly reduce and diffuse sibling conflict. What is Sibling Rivalry? By the very definition, a...
15 Powerful Ways to Connect with Your Child Everyday
Making a meaningful connection with your child is one of the most impactful steps you can take toward purposeful and powerful parenting. Thankfully, connecting with kids though not always easy, is simple. A healthy parent-child relationship is full of joy, communication, and closeness. My goal for this article is to provide you with 15 of...
Best Board Games for Toddlers to Promote Brain Development
**Please check all age requirements for each game before allowing your child to play. The best board games for toddlers listed. Some Games do have small pieces that could cause choking. Toddlers are a never-ending sprout of development. Their brains are growing, taking shape, and making them into who they’ll become with every second of...
24 Best Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids
Before having children, Valentine’s Day was about treats, surprises, maybe a bit of romance, and held a sense of anticipation. Nowadays, Valentine’s Days provides a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with and nurture the little hearts entrusted to you! The best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids are by doing things together...
Preparing for the Teenage Years So Your Child Can Thrive
Is it difficult for you to picture your child as a teenager? Although the teenage years may seem far off, time goes by fast. Preparing for the teenage years in advance can spare both your child and yourself from a great deal of the typical heartache families experience during their children’s teenage years! I’ve spent...
How to Use Words of Encouragement for Kids to Strengthen Your Parenting!
Intentionally thought out words of encouragement for kids will strengthen your parenting efforts, build lasting bonds with your children, and bolster family unity! I want to talk to you about this today, because often times the fear of over-praising with empty words, choosing the wrong trait to compliment, or just plain ole’ doing it the...
Conversation Games for Kids to Get Your Kids Talking!
Using conversation games to get your kids talking to you opens up the lines of communication and provides valuable insight into your child’s heart.
5 Ways for Moms to Relax Over Christmas
In order to relax over Christmas, let’s talk about 5 important areas of home life to keep a close eye on. Despite our lack of over-the-top cute Thanksgiving decor, and my inability to remember to post what I’m thankful for EVERY SINGLE DAY in November, and even all the crafts that don’t get done… We...
50 Great Ideas for What to Buy a 3-Year-Old Boy for Christmas
Let’s talk about what to buy a 3-year-old boy for Christmas, so you’re sure to get plenty of happy squeals from your favorite little fella! He talks about everything he loves, all the time! However, buying the perfect gift for a 3-year-old boy who has everything and trying to surprise him at the same time...
Your Ultimate Guide to Purging Toys Before Christmas with Parenting Purpose
The purging toys before Christmas holiday tradition has been alive and operating in our family to downsize and declutter toys for over a decade. However, today we’re not going to talk just about getting rid of toys to make room for more. No, no… we are going to chat about how to use this time...
15 Fall Activities for the Family Who Doesn’t Celebrate Halloween.
Today we’re going to chat about fall activities for the family who doesn’t celebrate Halloween. By taking away the expectations and pomp that accompany that one day, a whole world of fall wonder opens up! For all the years we’ve spent fall without Halloween, our family has made some amazing memories. I want to share...
How To Be a Fun Mom The Super-Simple Way
It’s easy to get hung up on overcomplicating how to be a fun mom. Crafts aren’t your thing. Your body can’t handle jumping on a trampoline. Getting lost in a game of imagination doesn’t come easy. What’s left? How can you find ways to be a fun mom when it doesn’t come easy and you’re...
10 Outdoor Summer Activities for Toddlers To Promote Fun and Learning
It’s as easy to fall into the trap of hibernating in the cool air conditioning, during the summer months, as it is to hide from the cold in the winter. So while the sun is shining and the summer is here, let’s get outside with our little ones. These 10 outdoor summer activities for toddlers...
How To Build A Strong Family Unit – 6 Ways To Strengthen Family Bonds
Accomplishing a strong family doesn’t happen by accident. How your family looks 10, 15, and 20 years down the road is the result of the work you’re putting in right now. You’re doing such a great job with your child. I want you to know how to build a strong family unit because all your...
Lonely And Depressed Stay At Home Mom With No Friends
Lonely and depressed stay at home mom with no friends… I see you. I feel your pain through the space between us. That pain spans the distance and connects us in a twisted and lonely way. You cry as you scrub the toilet, and for others it sneaks up when changing the sheets. You have...
What’s The Difference Between Having A Vision For Your Family Or A Mission Statement?
We set out to write a family mission statement many years ago, shortly after my oldest child was born. And here I sit today, without a family mission statement on my wall! And you know what? I don’t care. All the time I didn’t spend toiling over the perfect words to post on my wall...
Feeling Guilty About Having A Second Baby? What You’re Forgetting.
I remember literally balling my eyes out. Laying on my side, in my bed, curled around a body pillow, weeping. The kind of cry that makes it hard to breathe, swells your eyes nearly shut, puffs your face, and crushes your heart under the weight of your burden! I was weeks away from having my...
What To Do When You Are Feeling Like A Terrible Mother
I know you want to hide. You feel awful about what happened… believe me, I get it! Here’s the thing though… while you’re in here hiding, feeling like a terrible mother, your child is out there, feeling like a terrible kid. She’s thinking, “I hate making mommy mad! I just wish she’d give me a...
One Thing Every New Mom Needs To Know About Her Husband
Dear New Mommy who is immersed in motherhood: That’s you… Mommy. The one praying, saying, and doing all you can to give your little ones the best you have to offer. There’s something you should know. A fact every new mom needs to know about her husband: it will make you pause your busy-ness and...
15 Steps To Plan Your First Family Meeting With Small Children.
I am excited to be having this chat with you! The fact that you want to know about having your first family meeting with small children means you’re a dedicated mommy. That makes me just plumb happy. The best time to start holding family meetings is right now when your kiddos are still little. To...
15 Reasons For A Family Meeting Every Week While Your Kids Are Little
Having a family meeting every week while your kids are little, is the right time to start. Your children being so little is the very reason you should start right now. Your little ones think you hung the moon. They listen to your words as though you are the most amazing person ever. As they...
21 Ways To Make Your Parent Child Date Go Great With Your Toddler!
I’m glad you’re not thinking you should wait until your child is older before going on a parent child date! Indeed, the earlier you begin going on dates with your child, the more successful and enjoyable they’ll be. My husband took our oldest daughter on a date for the first time when she was 6...
15 Benefits To Starting Parent Child Dates In Early Childhood.
Daddy-daughter dates, daddy son dates, mommy-son dates, and mommy-daughter dates are all good dates. And although that sounds like a mouth full, what it really means is that you have many, many fantastic chances to invest powerfully in your little one’s life with a simple date. Taking your child on a date in early childhood...
How To Live On One Income With A Baby – Transitioning to a Stay At Home Mom
I know the thought of missing your baby’s milestones breaks your heart. I get it. She has soft, delicate skin and the scent of perfection. She’s so brand new, fresh, flawless, and tiny. She needs you and you need her. You could stare at your baby all day. I feel the same way. Except, my...
Make Christmas Magical For Your Child
Spend a lot of time in the car, listening to the radio during December, and you’ll hear Christmas music. “I want a hippopotamus…” “Tiny Tots with their…..” Wait! What?! TINY TOTS? Driving along and like a blow to the stomach with a simultaneous slap to the face, bringing tears to fill my eyes… I realize...
The Ultimate Gift Buying Guide of Useful Gifts For Mom
“Tiny tots… with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard to sleep tonight.” You know who doesn’t find it hard to sleep on Christmas Eve? Mom. In this ultimate gift guide, we’re going to browse dozens of useful gifts for mom, so she can feel the thrill and excitement of Christmas magic too! As...
The sweetest missionary I know – New Zealand 2018
Update 2021: Elayna is back from New Zealand and continues to serve God in a tangible way. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28: 19-20....
Is Intentional Parenting Really Necessary?
Doctors go to school for years, (aren't we glad) lawyers must know all the laws, CPA's, teachers, scientists, all need a lot of training. They could not be successful without it. Babies, however show up after no formal training for the parent. One day you are not a parent, then a few months later, you are. We are left to
Top 5 Best Practical Parenting Books For Useful and Realistic Parenting Help
Intentional parenting and child training takes a lot of effort. Moms like you and I, moms who are determined to raise great kids, need parenting books that understand our parenting goals. Parenting books and resources that tell you, “when your child does this, you should do this.” Boring ole’ facts. Strait to the point help!...
How to Teach Honesty and Forgiveness to a Child Through Your Marriage
When was the last time you lied to your spouse? About anything? How about forgave him when he didn’t deserve it? Ya, I know… those questions make you stop and look around, wondering who’s watching. Or wonder, who can see inside your thoughts. Understanding how to teach honesty and forgiveness to a child happens when...
Creation Museum Review. Is It Worth the Time and Money?
Creation Museum Review. Our time at the Creation Museum was such a blessing to our family, I want to share this Creation Museum Review to help you decide if a trip there should be a priority for your family. Dismissing a trip to the Creation Museum likely happens for a few reasons. It is expensive....
How To Get Debt Free As A Stay At Home Mom!
You’ve read the tales of huge amounts of debt being wiped out. Everyone loves these stories. A family toils works and sacrifices until finally… they can tell the whole world they are debt-free! Our story is a little different, and I want to share with you today, how to get debt-free as a stay-at-home mom....
4 Great New Mom Gifts, That You Didn’t Get At Your Baby Shower!
Did you know September is the most popular month to become a new mom? It’s true. Funny… but true. People make babies during the holidays! I also became a new mom for the 1st time in September! When I was pregnant with my first I had 3 baby showers! Can you believe that? I cried...
Keeping Your Child Safe on the Internet – Protecting The Internet Generation
Keeping your child safe on the internet, although more difficult than some other areas of parenting, is not impossible. Being in the 35+ category, I remember a childhood free from screens! A childhood full of bike-riding, playing until dark with the neighbors and using encyclopedias to look something up for school. Now, however, once your...
The Blessing of Holding A Family Meeting Every Week!
Years ago, while reading a parenting book, (I’ve read too many to remember which) I read an idea from the author about holding a family meeting each week. I was instantly sold on the idea! Our family was a team and meetings seemed like a great way to keep the team united. I was right!...
