Search Results for: blog older kids need to hear youre proud of them too

Learn Your Teen’s Love Language

One of my favorite books that I have read more than once is “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. This book talks about the different love languages that we have. They are: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Most of us enjoy all of these love languages but we tend to especially appreciate one or two more than the others. By reading this book not only do you discover what your primary love language is but you also realize that it’s usually the love language you show toward other people. The problem … Continue reading →

How did I get here? My kids are officially teens!

I am new to the Parenthood blog, but not to families.com. I have been on the site for a couple of years now as the Homeschooling blogger. I now have the honor to write not only for homeschooling, but also parenting (specifically teens), the home blog, and also the frugal blog. In short, I will be writing a little over here, and a little over there! It’s not that I am stunned to be writing the parenthood blog. It’s that I am stunned that I have kids old enough for me to write about teen issues in the parenthood blog. … Continue reading →

Keep Inviting Them (Even If They Say “No”)

At 16, 17 and 18, my kids are starting to come back around—not that there were terribly lost, but hanging out with Mom was not something they wanted to do there for a couple years. My youngest is still a little wary, but we did have lunch together (and then another dinner out) for the first time in a LONG time a couple weeks ago. It is absolutely normal and natural for adolescents to avoid hanging out in public or even in private with mom and/or dad, but that does not mean we should give up trying to connect. Once … Continue reading →

Remaining Optimistic in the Face of Failure

Let’s face it, we all make mistakes, and most of us learn from our mistakes and our able to grow and learn and “do better next time.” Some of us have children, however, who tend to make A LOT of mistakes, or it takes them a while to learn from the stumbles and mistakes they do make. As a parent, it can be hard to remain trusting and optimistic when our kids have such a hard time–but it is important we do. Otherwise, we may actually keep them from being able to stand on their own. The thing is, it … Continue reading →

You May Have to Tolerate a Bad Attitude

How many times have you wished you could control or manipulate your child’s mood or attitude? I know that as my children reached the pre-teen years, I really wasn’t ready for the snarkiness and bad attitudes that came along. It wasn’t enough for me that they actually did what I asked them to, I wanted them to do it with a smile and glee. The reality was, if I waited for them do both mind and obey, AND be happy about it–I would probably be waiting forever! I learned that it is perfectly normal to expect and tolerate some grumbling … Continue reading →

Helping From Behind the Scenes

As my children get older, the role I play is much more “support” than it is center stage. More and more, I find that my parenting is happening behind the scenes and sometimes, they are not even really aware that I am involved… This support role is not always easy for those parents who prefer to be stage front and center. If you have let your own self worth and self esteem get wrapped up in your child’s activities over the years, then when your role starts to change and/or diminish, it can be a bit traumatic. You might be … Continue reading →

Discovering What They Truly Love

One of the joys of being a parent for a long time and watching your child grow and change is that you get to watch as interests and passions develop. Some show up in early childhood and are consuming for a couple years, only to disappear. Others show up later and evolve into core pieces of the child’s personality. I think it is fascinating to watch as those sparks turn into lasting interests and, potentially turn into careers and jobs or life-long passions… Some kids seem to discover their interests and passions easily and early, while others stumble along. It … Continue reading →

Sewing Lessons

I am a passable sewer—not one of those talented crafty people I’m afraid, but I have always thought of sewing as a very good skill to develop—both by hand and machine and I can stitch up some curtains, re-upholster a foot-stool and embroider a pillow case if the circumstance presents itself. I have hoped that before my three kids leave home they will pick up some basic life skills as well but they are at an age now where I really cannot force and push them to do the things I think they should. So, I was surprised this weekend … Continue reading →