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Pre-K Proms are a Thing Now

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It is no longer unusual for schools to hold a kindergarten, or pre-kindergarten, graduation. Some feel that this small ceremony encourages children to believe that they can and will graduate from high school. The newest trend is for schools to hold “Pre-K proms”. Understandably, parents have mixed feelings about this. A prom is usually something that is for high school students. Teenagers (or their parents) spend a lot of money on tickets to the prom, the nice clothing the teen will wear to the prom, and perhaps some extras like dinner at a fancy restaurant or a limo to get … Continue reading →

Being Stretched as a Parent in Letting Go

This must be my week of being stretched as a parent. We are already in the midst of working with a recruiter for my 17-year-old son who wants to join the Air Force after he graduates in June. Now my daughter has come to me with an opportunity to go to Germany next spring. I am still trying to deal with the prospect of my oldest son leaving us. But now my daughter wants permission to leave our country in her sophomore year and spend 10 days visiting Germany, Italy and Switzerland. This is a trip she would be taking … Continue reading →

More Ideas for Family Bonding

Obviously, organizing a rummage sale is not the only way to strengthen the parent-child bond. In fact, up until yesterday, I wouldn’t have even considered it as an option. However, it just goes to prove that you don’t have to take an expensive vacation or take off an entire week from work in order to make special memories with your son or daughter. If you are looking for easy and affordable ways to connect with your children during the Memorial Day weekend, consider these fun activities: DIY Chia Head: Hand out a Styrofoam or plastic cup to each of your … Continue reading →

Never Too Old for St. Nick

One of my favorite things in the entire world to do is to buy my children gifts. There is just something about the way their eyes light up when they are given a gift. I love the anticipation and excitement. That’s why I don’t think I will ever stop doing St. Nick with them, at least not now. I don’t think you can ever be too old for St. Nick. Earlier this week my children were able to enjoy another year of St. Nick. I filled their stockings with candy as I always do but was really struggling with what … Continue reading →

When Your Chronically Ill Child Rebels

As a parent of a child with a chronic, life-threatening condition, I know how hard it can be when she fights her treatments or medication. It is frustrating, because you know she needs it. It is heart breaking because you hate that she needs it. In addition, you feel torn between forcing her and just giving in this one time. But it is never just one time. Children with chronic conditions go through a lot of stress and grown-up issues, more than most people can imagine. And they deal with this illness every single day of their lives. Treatments often … Continue reading →

Parenting Without Regrets

This weekend my husband and I enjoyed a night of hanging out with friends. A bunch of us get together once-a-month to share a light Bible study, eat, talk and laugh. I always walk away from these times feeling so refreshed. This particular time I walked away not only feeling refreshed but feeling very inspired. The study was on endurance and one of the questions posed to us was, “What is something in your life that you can say you don’t have regrets about?” I really liked that question. Sometimes we focus too much on the regrets in our life … Continue reading →

Cell Phones Can Be a Safety Measure

On one of my past blogs, Letting Children Grow Up Too Fast, I received a number of comments. I really appreciated hearing all the feedback and discovering that I am not alone in having a child who wants to be older than he is. One of the comments made raised a good point about the use of cell phones. A reader referred to cell phones as being a safety feature. I completely agree with this. In fact, I have heard even Dr. Phil defend parents who give their children cell phones for that very reason. I like to have access … Continue reading →

Should Parents Snoop on Their Teens?

Do you think parents should snoop on their teens? I think this is a topic not talked about but one that is definitely thought about. Some people might think this is an invasion of privacy. Others believe that if they live under your roof, they are subject to invasion. I will readily admit that I snoop on my teens. I do it for a few reasons. First, I do it to know what is going on. While I would like to believe that my children will share everything going on in their lives, I know it is unlikely. This is … Continue reading →

Technology at Church

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I have a love-hate relationship with technology at church. There are some amazing things out there, but they can be abused quite easily. Perhaps this love-hate relationship stems from the fact that I work with the youth and I see how often they turn to technology for myriad purposes—both the good and the not-so-reverent. But the youth definitely aren’t the only ones using technology in church. Have you ever looked down the pew and seen an adult playing a game on their phone? What about texting during church. I’ve seen that one a lot too. I have to admit it … Continue reading →

Letting Children Grow Up Too Fast

“Can I have a cell phone for my birthday?” “How old do I have to be before I can date?” “Can I hang out at the park with my friend?” “Can I get a Facebook page?” These are all questions that a child of mine has asked in the past week. The scary thing is he will be turning 11 years old this upcoming weekend. He is barely a tween. I am sure it is hard being the youngest. To have to sit back and watch your older brother and sister get more privileges can’t be easy. I am trying … Continue reading →