Parenting
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How to Develop a Family Culture of Honor, Value, and Encouragement: Debi’s Story
Well, I did something new this month: I headed back to full-time employment after 17 years of part-time writing projects and full-time domestic engineering😊 I love using a wider range of skills in the workplace again, but even three weeks in, I’m aware of how fiercely I need to guard my family time and prioritize […]
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Kids Headed into a New Season? 3 Ideas for Sending Along Wisdom
“Is this more of a yahoo or a boohoo breakfast?” This was the question my girlfriends and I asked each other years ago while crowded around a Panera table, half an hour after Kindergarten Drop-Off Day One. Believe me, there was a range of emotions that morning, from giddy freedom to downright despair! Fast forward […]
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Debunking the Myths of Motherhood: Meet Molly Prim
This month has been all about gaining freedom and perspective as parents. From the tall tale that a “good” mom shouldn’t need breaks from her kids, to the lie that she should be able to do it all (and all at the same time), to the whopper that she should love each child in exactly […]
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Debunking the Myths of MotherHood: Meet MoNicka
Hey there, Myth-Busting Mamas! We’re cruising into week three of our series with encouragement today from my friend MoNicka! I got to know Mo while serving together with youth. Her warm smile and kind words are a blessing to kids and adults alike. She’s befriended many moms in our church and neighborhood—and more than a […]
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Debunking the Myths of Motherhood: Meet Suzanne Werlein
This month we’re debunking those parenting myths that cause tension, guilt, and frustration! If you’ve ever struggled with the many roles and responsibilities of “mom life”—and drifted into despair because of it—today’s Myth-Busting Mama has a word for you! My friend Suzanne Werlein is part of the heart and soul of Faithbridge Church, a vibrant […]
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Debunking the Myths of Motherhood: Meet Jennifer Perez
Nothing like eight weeks of family togetherness to make you question yourself as a mom, huh? I’m thankful for so much, but I’d be lying if I said this COVID-19 season hasn’t tested me and prompted soul searching. Lurking beneath my feelings of tension, guilt, and frustration? Some faulty assumptions and beliefs that undermine God’s […]
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How to Lead Like a Mother and Mother Like a Leader
Show of hands: who’s really lost it yet with their fellow quarantinees? I’ve had some moments before this, but yesterday, wham, everything bubbled up. I was going toe-to-toe over something completely stupid with one kid, everything in me wanting to win the argument, while also yelling across the house at the other to please-just-turn-down-the-TV. Meanwhile, […]
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As Those Baby Birds Leave the Nest, Here’s How We Partner with God through Prayer
As we wrap up this month of “launch strategies” for all the teenagers in our lives, I’ve reached out to another mom with a college-aged daughter so she can give us a peek ahead at the next stage. Guest blogger Lianne Robinson, a friend and fellow-writer from my own college days, shares what it’s like […]
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Hand Those Kids Their Crowns!
It’s only fitting as we round out our month of parenting strategies for launching teens that graduation announcements are arriving daily. I love them, but they sort of terrify me as reminders that my first baby will be a senior next year. To my friends letting us share in your joy, thank you! Your babies […]
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Why You’re Still Your Kid’s Best Mentor (Even When You Think They’re Not Listening)
This month we’ve been digging into the hard work of parenting teenagers, knowing that our job is to make them launch-ready for adulthood. Add in the ever-shrinking amount of time between now and that launch point, and it’s easy to feel panicky. Some parents may deal with that panic by reminiscing over baby pictures, laying […]