Connecting
Correction without connection produces conflict. Discover the most powerful parenting tool for establishing long-term positive influence. Connecting.
All Connecting Articles
What Does The Bible Say About Raising A Child?
There is no better source for good parenting and child training than the bible. There just isn’t. Answer this question: What does the bible say about raising a child? and you don’t have to wonder if you’re doing it right, because God’s word is true. But how are you supposed to find that answer buried...
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...
It’s OK to Love Your Baby So Much
You love your baby so much, you feel it in your bones. You want to be with that baby every second of every day. Being that needed by another human is an intense emotion. So just in case you’re feeling a little guilty about giving your baby ALL of your love right now, I gotta...
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...
Top 10 Things To Know When Considering A Home Birth.
Home births are becoming more and more common and acceptable in modern society. Having had 2 hospital births as well as 2 home births, all of which went really well, I am certainly an advocate for a woman being aware of all her birthing options. Since you are considering having a home birth, and naturally...
10 Best Practices To Have A Great Hospital Birth!
Eeekk! Are you so excited? I remember reading up on hospital births, epidurals, natural delivery, birth plans, and all the other important delivery topics when I was expecting my first baby! Educating yourself is fun and so valuable. After having 2 hospital births and 2 home births go perfectly, I’ve compiled a list of my...
Breastfeeding Doesn’t Work For You, Now What?
If I could reach through the screen right now and hug, I would. Breastfeeding doesn’t work for you and you wanted it so badly! I’m sorry, I truly am. Not everyone will understand your heartbreak, but I do. My heart aches for you, but your baby needs you to move on and do what needs...
Successfully Breastfeed Your Baby With These 15 Breastfeeding Truths!
Yes, breastfeeding is amazing. It’s all the great things you’ve heard it is, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I am so glad you are passionate about breastfeeding your baby. That is a good thing. You need that passion. I was adamant about nursing all four of my babies and I did just that! There...
3 Simple Ways to Know Baby is Getting Enough Milk
Congratulations on your new baby! That’s one adorable little doll! I wanted to take a minute and address a question I get a lot from new moms just like you. “Shelley, is my baby getting enough breast milk? How do I know? There’s no way to measure!” Being able to tell whether or not your...
How To Brush A Baby’s Teeth In 15 Simple Steps! Age 6-12 Months.
Today is important. We’re going to talk about how to brush a baby’s teeth. During my four years in Pediatric Dentistry, I regularly saw many babies as young as 18 months who needed extensive dental surgery. Surgery that required general sedation. I want to tell you how to prevent that because I don’t want your...
11 Ways To Make Your Baby Smarter Using The Outdoors!
I want to tell you how to use the outdoors as a free and effective way to make your baby smarter! Neurodevelopment is the brain’s development of neurological pathways, which essentially make your baby smarter. I’m going to give you several ways to be working on intentionally creating more of those pathways for your baby....
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...
9 Ways To Love Your Baby Better!
That baby of yours is just so darn cute! I love how squishy and soft he is. Did you know he has a baby love language? Ya, it’s true. Do you know what his baby love language is? Let’s figure it out… shall we? The hugs and kisses you’ve been giving him are a great...
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....
I Hated My Birthday – Until I Realized How it Effected My Children!
Bits and pieces of my fifth birthday party float in and out of my mind. Like a snapshot, I see myself with my cousins. Little girls all dressed up. I can see a cake, a memory which comes from a picture I’ve seen. Fast forward eleven years and mom is taking a picture of me...
4 Ways to Praise Your Child – How to Know When to Praise
Being told you’ve done a good job feels great! Especially as a mom. Moms don’t get enough accolades. Have you ever noticed that? When was the last time someone came up to you and said, “Good job! You’re a great mom!” Never? If someone did, it was probably your husband’s or your own parents. Grown-ups...
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....
How to Help Your Child Overcome Fear Using Christian Apologetics
You teach your child about faith. You share your thoughts and feelings and maybe even your testimony. And you train him with scripture and show him God’s love by giving mercy and grace (best you can.) You comfort him when he wakes up in fear from a bad dream. These are all great things you...
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...
4 Ways to Strengthen the Mother Son Relationship
When my oldest son was a little-bitty guy, he liked to climb on and off my bed. He loved that it was tall and high off the ground. He would get almost all the way up and look back and say, “mommy, wook, dis so danj-wis!” I would tell him that he was a great...
How to Build a Child’s Confidence!
Your child is small, but he is capable of a lot. He’s capable of so much, that I am sure you’ll be surprised when you let him do things for himself and discover how to build a child’s confidence. Holding kids back is common for parents, so let’s talk about how to avoid doing it....
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!...
