Fight For The Heart | Special Topics
Fighting for the Heart of Our Adopted Son
Instinctively as parents we want to fight for our children. Fight for their rights. Fight for their health. Fight for their relationships. And most importantly, fight for their hearts. My husband, Ben, and I knew pretty early on as parents that we wanted to prioritize relationship over rules... Read More
21 Questions to Get to Know Your Kid Now
Want to know a secret? I don’t really like Butterfinger Bells. (Please don’t tell my mom.) 20 years ago, I told my mom my favorite Christmas candy was Butterfinger Bells. You know the ones. Bell-shaped chocolates with little bits of chopped up Butterfinger crunchies, individually wrapped in foil.... Read More
Elementary (K-5th) | Fight For The Heart
A Few Things to Know About Preteens
This time of the year is filled with anticipation. By now some of you are well into the school year while others of you are just getting started. Either way, you’re probably wondering a few things: What will my child face? How will they change? What will they... Read More
Family Life | Fight For The Heart
One Simple Way to Love Your Kids Better
I can be a sulker. When someone offends me, my natural response is to sulk, and give them the cold shoulder so they can figure out on their own how to make amends. I also tend to be a guilt-tripper, detailing grievances against me or behaviors that might... Read More
Family Life | Fight For The Heart
To Praise or Not to Praise Your Kids
Don’t tell your kid he’s smart, or he won’t think he needs to try. Tell your kid he’s smart so he’ll believe he’s capable. Don’t praise your kid at all; then he’ll grow up expecting constant affirmation. Praise your kid for her efforts so she will see the... Read More
Elementary (K-5th) | Fight For The Heart | School Life
5 Things All First Graders Have In Common
Enter a room full of six- and seven-year-olds and you’re bound to spot one thing right away: the cute little gaps of kids who whistle while they talk. Forget calling it first grade. This is the Missing Teeth Club. Read More
Family Life | Fight For The Heart
The “S” Word
I don’t write often about discipline online because it’s a great way to have an argument with strangers. I feel like in general we have enough yelling on the Internet and I don’t need to contribute more. Parenting is fraught with controversial topics and discipline is certainly on... Read More
Family Life | Fight For The Heart
What to Do When Your Kid Offends You
Getting time away from my kids is one of my favorite things. Now, don’t get me wrong . . . I love my kids, but for the sake of my well-being, I need time away. And when it comes to getting away, my favorite way to get away... Read More
Family Life | Fight For The Heart
Building Bridges With Your Kids
Picture it. Family movie night. You’ve just popped an industrial-size bowl full of popcorn. You’ve got a mug of hot chocolate for each kid, with exactly 13 mini marshmallows each. Everyone’s snuggling under blankets and settling in for some much-needed R&R. Then, the big question . . .... Read More