Category: Parenting & Raising Kids
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How to Help Your Kids Find Suitable Spouses
“Mommy, I’m going to marry you when I grow up!” My three-year-old son blurted out this declaration one night during his bedtime routine. “Silly boy,” I said. “I’m already married to Daddy.” I went on to explain that God had someone else in mind for him. “Someday you will meet a girl who you will…
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If Parenting Had Do-Overs
Being an empty-nest parent is like being a Monday morning quarterback. You find yourself looking back on a game you’ve already played, and analyzing what you could have done differently. Prior to motherhood, I was a reasonably confident decision-maker. Parenting turned me into a second-guesser. How would my decisions impact my children’s character and competency…
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A Conundrum in My Kitchen
A full fridge means leftovers are at critical mass There’s a conundrum in my kitchen. While most people grocery shop when their refrigerator is empty, I have to shop when mine is full. It took me awhile to identify the reason. In my house, a full fridge does not mean there are food choices in…
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The Huge Boss, the Small Boss, and Dogs That Don’t Listen
Some days, I just want to be the huge boss Our family roles have been defined since my son’s preschool days. According to his 4-year-old reckoning, Dad is the huge boss and I am the small boss. Since this pronouncement happened over 20 years ago, I can only guess at the criteria my son used…
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Learning to Paint in the Blank Spots
Lessons gleaned from preschoolers learning to paint “This is Ben,” said the teacher. “He is learning to paint in the blank spots on the page.” I looked at the paint-smocked preschooler, who stood in front of the easel holding a color-laden brush. In the center of his paper was a cloud of at least half…