Being intentional in parenting doesn’t come easy. Growing up I heard the ‘do as I say not as I do’ routine from my mother a lot! As a kid, that never cut it for me, and I know my own kids don’t respond to it either. But leading by example takes discipline – and many reminders that my kids may not always be listening, but they are always watching!
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As parents, we are tasked to train our children and prepare them for the world . . . but sometimes those roles are reversed. Our children become the teachers, exposing us to our own weaknesses, allowing us to grow alongside them as we navigate the unknown together. What Parenting Taught Me About Life

We lead, not through authority or power, but by example, by getting personal!
Check out the latest post from Parent Cue – The Simplest Way to Teach Your Child Self- Control
Ps. There’s nothing simple about it!

For all the parents that attended PHASE, and even if you didn’t, this article is for you! Remember when I mentioned the ‘Because I said so’ type of influence? Read this if you find yourself exerting that type of authority a lot: Because I Said So…

Often the New Year is a time of reflection. If you find yourself in a not so great place this year, check out this article:
New Year, New Heart
I hope you are all in a good place and your heart is beating with passion for life!

It’s that time of the year…time to make your resolutions. Check out this post from Parent Cue:
3 Resolutions Every Parent Can Keep

Here’s a sneak peek –
1. This year not every meal will be chicken nuggets. (Done.)
2. This year I will do a better job hiding sharpies (It’s like they drove by and saw my curtains where Cai left his Sharpie artwork!)
3. I will convince my kids to wear coats when it is below freezing. (Honestly, it’s like they don’t know Cai at all!)

Share some of your resolultions!

What do you do with New Year’s? After the last two months of hurry, the idea of “nothing” may seem appealing. But New Year’s is a great time to create some family memories you’ll remember for the rest of the year. But other than staring at your TV screen waiting for a large ball to drop, what can you do?

Here are a few fun ideas to spark your creativity:
2018 HIGHLIGHT REEL. Have each family member think of one favorite memory from the last year. Without using words, have each family member act out their memory and see who can guess what it is.

MAKE NEW YEAR’S POP. Write 5 family fun ideas (play a board game, have
a dance party, make cookies, etc.) on strips of paper. Put the strips inside 5 balloons and pop one balloon every hour from 7pm to midnight.

MAKE A FAMILY FUN LIST. Instead of resolutions, gather your family together and make a list of all the fun things you want to do in the upcoming year. Save the list and refer back to it throughout the New Year.

NEW YEAR’S MOCK UP. Families with little kids have a hard time making it
to the midnight ball drop. Throw a family dance party, complete with a countdown between 7 and 8pm. Happy New Year and good-night!

CRAZY DINNER. Start (or end) the year off with a little FUN by giving each family member $3-$5 to buy one item at the grocery store. Come home, cook
it all, and enjoy your crazy dinner by candlelight!

So talk with your kids. As you listen to their wish lists, also help them think about ways to show compassion—to make others your mission. You could give your time, serving somewhere in your local community. You could donate food or winter jackets to those in need. You could choose an item from the Compassion Gift Catalog to make an impact for children in poverty.

Read the Parent Cue Post – What’s on your Christmas List

Does the stress of making Christmas perfect overhwelm you and drain your Christmas spirit?
Here’s are some holiday tips that can make your holiday more peaceful all around.