Like it or not, for better or for worse, these days television plays a role in the upbringing of most American kids. How much of a role that is, and whether it’s a positive or negative one, is up to parents. While we certainly understand the motivations of those parents who choose to do without TV entirely, we haven’t made that choice for our family, for a variety of reasons. For one, we feel that, just like guns and the internet, television is something that can be used for good AND for evil. … [Read more...]
Five tips for raising THANKFUL children
By: Kim Morefield It's just about that time of year! The holidays are SO much fun! Tasty delights, fun family times, celebrating the meaning of the season, and of course MORE food. The holidays are always such a blessed time, but I wonder if any other mommas feel the anxiety I feel when my precious bundles of joy eat the special dishes my beloved relatives spend hours preparing, or receive the gifts friends & family members painstakingly sought out special for them, or enjoy the precious … [Read more...]
Abby’s story – when God healed our little girl
Six years ago this week we became parents for the second time. The pregnancy and birth was routine, every step as expected. After all, why shouldn’t it have been? We were old hats at this baby thing. Nathaniel was almost two years old by then, in big boy diapers now. We used to worry so much then, not so much now. I remember how we laughed about how one or the other of us would wake up every couple of hours when Nathaniel was tiny, peek over at the crib and watch for that steady movement of his … [Read more...]
Playing together – Seven character traits ‘family game night’ can develop
With so many electronic distractions these days, from smart phones to game systems to television and more, it’s no wonder the notion of ‘family game night’ conjures up images of a black and white 50’s family happily spending their after-dinner time around a Monopoly board, laughing and bonding and generally enjoying each other’s company. Board games? Like the neighborhoods where folks didn't need to lock their doors at night, we don't do that anymore. These days, games are a generally … [Read more...]
The ordered steps of friendship
We all see aspects of ourselves in our kids, but Abby’s shyness stirs up emotions in me that are hard to describe. When she’s around others, especially people she doesn’t know, often she’ll wrap her arms around me and tuck her head under my arm, chin down. She’s terrified and, no matter how much we might think her fears are irrational, they are palpably real to her. I know, all too well, because that’s how I was. When I was in 6th grade my parents made the decision to move from the tiny … [Read more...]