More than 20 years ago, my husband and I were blessed to work in our church's teen ministry. We wanted to help spiritually guide their thoughts as they attempted to navigate this thing called life. Back then, the challenges they faced were unlike anything even I had dealt with. School pressure, peer pressure, even internal pressure brought a realm of circumstances somewhat … [Read more...]
Black Panther: Parent Leadership and Wisdom From Wakanda
By: Alexandria Barabin Harris Breaking box office records of $404 million worldwide in a single holiday weekend, Marvel’s Black Panther has already made a profound impact on film, culture, and the community of thousands who have bought tickets in advance, stood in long lines, coordinated outfits, and even returned to the theatre for a second helping of the visually stunning … [Read more...]
Parents: Seek Advice or Parent on the Fly? These 5 Tips Could Help You Decide
By: Dr. George James Is there a perfect way to be a parent? Maybe you've read all the books, heard all the stories and watched all the videos. At the same time, there’s a part of you that has tried to figure it out on your own. It is normal to oscillate between wanting support and advice to desiring to do it on your own and in your own way. It is almost impossible to be … [Read more...]
5 Bad Habits Parents Need to Kick to the Curb in the New Year
I have two kids and one on the way. I am not a perfect mom; far from it. I make mistakes daily. Sometimes, they are tiny, so I just dust them off and keep it moving. But sometimes, those damn mistakes make it hard for me to fall asleep at night. I stay up wondering if I did the right thing… if I made the right call. But I try my best to not let it get to me too much. No one … [Read more...]
Discipline or Fear – What Method Rules in Your House?
I grew up in a pretty strict home. Respect was required, kids were expected to do as they were told (no questions asked), and stepping out of line came with consequences. There is no question that I was loved deeply, but I also knew what my family expected from me and I tried my best to meet those expectations. My mother wasn’t much of a spanker. I actually only remember … [Read more...]
5 Things You Should Never Do in Front of Your Kids, Especially If You Don’t Want Them Doing It
Show me a parent and I will show you a person with A LOT on their minds. Parenting is incredibly rewarding, but there is no denying how difficult it can be. Even with the best intentions, we mess up at times. It’s inevitable. And, of course, every good parent wants to raise happy, well-adjusted kids. Our hope is that any of the damage done to us during our childhoods isn’t … [Read more...]
Take the Motherhood Pledge TODAY: Stop Judging, Start Supporting
A few years ago, I posted about how I felt completely unable to be “me” and a mother. I was unraveling, trying to reach my personal goals while being everything to everyone, and I was struggling. I wrote that post in fear of the backlash that I would receive, but at the time, what I needed more than anything was to be honest. I was surprised in that moment how many women spoke … [Read more...]
Are We Raising Resilient Kids or Scaredy Cats?
Like most families, our schedules are hectic. My husband has a demanding job that can easily lead to 12-14 hour days. I also work outside of the home, while managing my entrepreneurial efforts, the needs of my children, and the needs of an aging parent. Some days are HECTIC. But, by the grace of God, we make it work. The most hectic part of the day can be the mornings. My … [Read more...]
9 Things Your Kids Need to Consistently Hear from You
I think one of the toughest things about being a parent is making peace with the mistakes you make. We all want to give our children the best in life, but we are human and often come up short. Coming up short can mean so many things, but one of the most common ways that parents actually come up short is by failing to tell their kids what they need to hear most. We buy nice … [Read more...]
Are Your Children A Factor When You Disagree With Your Spouse?
Have you ever been so upset with your spouse you completely snapped without regard to who else was around? We’ve all been there. No one can get under our skin more than the ones we love most. It’s easy to get caught up in a heated moment. Unfortunately during a disagreement with tempers flaring, yelling and being hurtful sometimes come quite naturally. It never feels good … [Read more...]