When a teenager decides to take a path you never hoped they would travel, nor did you ever imagine they would, it can result in a mother questioning her abilities. I know because I have been there. You ask yourself what signs you might have missed. I know because I asked myself that. You wonder if you could have changed the course. I know because I have wondered the same thing. You wonder if it will ever get better. I know because I had those concerns. And you ask yourself, “What can I do to make sure this never happens … Continue reading →

Have you ever been surprised by a child’s accomplishment? As parents this might sound inconceivable but I have a confession to make…I am guilty of this. Last week was the annual “Legacy Awards.” This is a special night in our church’s youth group, where teens are nominated for a variety of things. All the teens get dressed up. And those who are nominated get to take a ride in a limo and then come down the red carpet while the paparazzi (the parents) snap pictures. It is just like the Grammy’s, where someone comes up (youth sponsors) and opens an … Continue reading →

I am still learning as a parent…well, aren’t we all? Sometimes we think we know what the deal is but later discover there is something deeper going on. When you have teenagers, one of the common difficulties is dealing with attitudes. These are snotty responses, eyes rolling and the like. I think you can easily picture it, especially if you are raising teens. It can be frustrating. I am not the only one to be complaining about this lately; all of my friends are dealing with it. But what’s behind the attitude? Sometimes it is all about correcting your child’s … Continue reading →

What do you do when you have done all you know to do? When you have given your very best in parenting but it seems like everything comes back to slap you? Lately it seems all I am hearing are stories about people either I know of or know personally who are going through very troubling times with their teens. I guess what has made it all the more disheartening is that these are teens that have been raised in the church, so they have been taught a certain standard. I realize church doesn’t save a teen from doing destructive … Continue reading →

So do you have a favorite child? If you do, would you ever admit it? Well according to an article, “Why Mom Liked You Best: The Science of Favoritism” (published a few days ago by Time Magazine), most parents do have a favorite. The article stated that 70% of fathers and 65% of mothers really do have a favorite child. The others…well; they just do a better job at keeping it a secret. Now some parents might be horrified at the idea of favoritism. And most of us would probably deny that we do have a favorite. But I think … Continue reading →

Well I just returned from a three day weekend trip to North Carolina. I attended a Christian writer’s conference and for the first time in my life, flew to another state without my husband and children. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as far as my children being without me for three days. Since they are pretty self-sufficient and independent, I didn’t anticipate it being a big deal. The few days leading up to my trip, my oldest two did express that they would miss me. It was my youngest son, my 12-year-old that seemed more than happy that I … Continue reading →