When I reflect on all the challenges I have faced in life, I can honestly say that nothing has been more challenging than being a parent. Don’t get me wrong; I love being a parent. I love it so much that I am pregnant with my third child. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s not. On my best days, I smile and pat myself on the back because I made it, but on my worst days, I end … [Read more...]
Is Wanting the Best for Your Kids Setting Them Up for Pain?
Years ago, I went to a parenting conference. During one of the sessions, I remember a speaker sharing a personal story that ended with a major lesson she learned. She admitted that she was so focused on who her daughter wasn’t that she was missing out on embracing who her daughter was. That remark has stayed with me for years. It made me realize that despite our best … [Read more...]
5 Things to Every Parent Must Say to Their Graduate
I have spent more than a decade of my career working in higher education. I’ve helped students transition into college, giving them access to the tools and resources they need to be successful. I’ve spoken on the phone to parents who are concerned about their child’s journey and who are frustrated because they aren’t sure how to help. I admit my children are only 3 and 6, so … [Read more...]
Raising a Child Alone is Tough! 7 Simple Things That Make Parenting Easier Together!
Okay, so I’m only seven months into this whole fatherhood thing and everyday brings new growth and challenges. The older my daughter gets, the more I reflect on the number of single parents out there raising kids on their own. My heart goes out to them. I couldn’t imagine doing this on my own, and it makes me so thankful for my wife and the support system we have around … [Read more...]
6 Things You Blame On Your Kids That Are Really Your Fault
We all love our kids. They add joy to our lives in ways that no one else can. But as much as we love them, doesn’t it seem like kids get blamed for a lot? Listen, I am guilty of it myself. My youngest is 3 and I am still blaming these kids for the extra weight on my body. I need to stop. I’ve had 3 whole years to pull it together. So why do we play the blame game with our … [Read more...]
5 Bad Habits You Are Unknowingly Passing on to Your Kids
I’m a good mom. Yep, I can say that with confidence. I am a good mom—who has some really bad days. We all do. Any mother who leads you to believe that she doesn’t is hiding something. I’m not suggesting she has some deep, dark secret (although she might), but I am suggesting that she isn’t letting you into her REAL world to truly see what’s going on. One of my biggest … [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...]
“Dear Daughter…” 7 BIG Promises Every Man Should Make To His Children
First and foremost, it's been exactly 10 days since you were born; and as I look at you laying next to me on your Boppy Pillow, you're still alive so I would say I passed my first test as a parent! You're already special because you're our first child and we've chosen to name you Kinsley Tarryn Spry. I guess if I could sum up all of the emotions I’ve felt over the past week … [Read more...]
5 Marriage Lessons I Learned from My Kids
Kids have a way of challenging us and pushing us to look at our lives from a different perspective. As cliché as it may sound, I can honestly say that my children have changed me in so many ways. And some of the change is difficult to process because our kids force us to see not just our best, but also our worst qualities. As difficult as that may be, though, seeing the worst … [Read more...]
11 Things I Wish I Knew About Motherhood Before Having Kids
Since becoming a mother, almost five years ago, I have learned more than I ever anticipated. Going into this, I knew I would learn a ton about parenting. After all, there is no manual and you figure things out as you go along. What I didn’t expect is how much I would learn about myself. Motherhood has brought all my flaws to light—in a very beneficial way—and it has forced me … [Read more...]
Can You Really Afford to Have Children?
Can you really afford to have children? How many of you thought about this before having little ones? Does your financial status determine the number of children you will have? According to the USDA report the cost of raising a child in today’s time is a whopping $245,340. This is to see the baby to adulthood (18 years old). What the what! Who has that much money per child … [Read more...]
5 Things All Married Couples Should Let Their Kids See
Time and time again I am amazed by how observant children are. My son is 4 and I am often stunned by how much he pays attention to all the little details. His attention to detail is remarkable and I know it really helps him figure out his place in the world and understand how relationships work. His attention to detail also makes me far more aware of how I interact with my … [Read more...]