There's a standard life cycle most of us learn to follow. Go to school - graduate - get a job - get married - have children - struggle - triumph - die. But just because it's taught to us doesn't mean it's for us. Some people are simply not meant to have kids. And there's nothing wrong with that. Parenthood is not a road easily traveled. Ask any single parent you know. … [Read more...]
8 Signs You’re Missing Your Kid’s Childhood and 10 Ways to Fix It
By: Lia Miller So we live in the digital age and more relationships than ever are started in the virtual medium. Nothing necessarily wrong there; that's life today. However, there is one area in life where a virtual relationship won't work and where, in fact, living virtually is actually the biggest impediment to a real relationship - the one with your … [Read more...]
Moms: Stop Pulling Out Your Hair and Crying in the Bathroom with These 3 Peaceful Parenting Tips
Have you ever had a week that is so crazy, finding the energy to manage all the things you have to do as a parent seems challenging? I know. I have been there. Raising children is such a blessing, but it certainly is a responsibility that forces us to rise to the occasion time and time again. What our children need doesn’t vary based on how we feel or what we are going … [Read more...]
Heaven Sent or Hell Bound: Husbands What Kind of Leader are You?
To lead means to guide, go in front of, and show the way. Ephesians 5:23 says: for the husband is the head of the wife; as also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. So husbands, it is your duty to lead your wife and family. Where you lead not only impacts your marriage but will have an effect on your children. They have no choice but to be led … [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 BIG Ways Men Make A Difference As Fathers & 5 SIMPLE Ways Women Can Help Him Be Even Better!
Between the swollen feet, extra 60 pounds of mostly stomach, morning sickness, hormones, and the baby sitting on her bladder I started to feel really sorry for my wife as she was going through her pregnancy. Now between the sore breasts from breast feeding, having to pump every 2.5 seconds, still being sore from delivery, the baby crying, and changing 100 diapers a day, I'm … [Read more...]
9 Important Questions to Ask Yourself That Will Help Transform Your Life as a Parent
Children are such a joy. Despite the craziness each day can bring, I can’t imagine life without my two kids. They fill my heart up in a major way. But, like most parents, I have moments when I struggle. I wonder if I am making the best decisions or if something I am doing today will cause my kids damage in years to come. These doubts and questions don’t mean I am a bad mom. … [Read more...]
Back To School Tips to Prepare Your Mind and Your Wallet!
Well, it’s that time of year again. The summer’s over. School is here. If your family is anything like mine, the kids are not looking forward to it. I mean, the summer has been one fun, friend-filled week after another. But now it’s time to go back to school. To help you make a successful transition from summer’s lazy days to school’s crazy classes, here are a few … [Read more...]
Daughters Want A Man Like Their Father, but Is Daddy The Perfect Model For A Husband?
It’s admirable for any daughter to want a man “Just like her daddy.” If she had a great relationship with her father, why wouldn’t she want a man like him? Who would argue with her desire? Father-figure The role of a father in the life of a daughter (or son) cannot be overstated. That’s not to discount the role of a mother by any means. Momma always has a special place in … [Read more...]
Parents: Are You Raising Helpless Kids When You Help Them Too Much?
Growing up I always felt like my mom had my back. She was loving, supportive, and very encouraging. I knew she valued education, and it was very clear she wanted much more for us than she had for herself as a child. I have always appreciated and admired her because of that. And although I recall my mom helping me with homework and projects, the help was minimal. If I asked a … [Read more...]
What Heart Failure After Pregnancy Taught Me About My Post-Baby Body
Even though I ignored it, the first sign that something was wrong appeared on Mother’s Day, 2014. The day before, I had come home from the hospital with my third child, an 8lb, 3 oz baby boy, after a problem-free pregnancy and delivery. I felt good after delivery and was excited to get home with my baby and start the process of dropping the baby weight I had gained. I had been … [Read more...]
Here’s How to Determine if You are Giving the Best Version of Yourself to Your Family
As moms and wives we often say that we give our family everything we’ve got. Giving of ourselves until we are depleted is often talked about like some badge of honor women should wear. But is living like this really what’s best for our families—or ourselves? Are we truly there for them in the way they deserve? The Problem With Giving Your All Like many women out there, I have … [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...]
5 Ways Parenthood Made Me a Better Husband
When my wife and I learned she was pregnant with our first child, the timing wasn't the best. Her and I were separated at the time, and each of us had much soul searching ahead of us to decide if our futures were going to be spent together or not. A baby wasn't in the plans. We were terrified. Did this mean we were introducing a child into a broken home? Should we stay … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Children are Worth the Headache
As a mother of three, every now and then I will get the question from child-free friends or couples: Is having children worth it? I’ve realized that my answer isn’t necessarily what whomever I’m talking to expects or what most would say. I’m not one of those mothers who says “oh it’s so hard but it’s all worth it in the end.” In reality, it’s worth it to me, but I can’t say … [Read more...]