This easy switch lands itself in my Top 3 Tools Every Parent Needs list. Check it out: “I know you want to keep playing, and it’s time for bed.” Did you catch that? The and instead of but? This simple change is not some magic parenting hack to get your children to listen to you—notContinue reading “The Easiest Parenting Tool You’re Not Using”
Author Archives: Shannon
“Mom, Do I Have to go to Church!?”
“For it is throughist regular church attendance that ye shall be saved.” Oh shoot- that’s not in Bible? How about, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so noneContinue reading ““Mom, Do I Have to go to Church!?””
Parenting – Getting It Right by Andy & Sandra Stanley
Pass ❌ Except for a handful of gems here and there, this book mainly consists of anecdotes from Andy and Sandra’s childhoods and their experiences as parents. I’ll spare you story-time with the Stanleys and share with you some key takeaways from the book. A couple issues I had with the book: One issue wasContinue reading “Parenting – Getting It Right by Andy & Sandra Stanley”
“I Was Spanked and I Turned Out Fine.”
I hear this from many people and for those who it’s true, I’m glad to hear that. Really, I am. Young people can experience hardship, trauma, or even abuse, and overcome it. They persevere, heal wounds, and go on to be amazing adults. I know a few. But, that does not mean this is theContinue reading ““I Was Spanked and I Turned Out Fine.””
“I Have to Spank my Toddler to Teach Her Not to Run Into the Street.”
No you don’t. A young child cannot be held accountable for their own safety. It is an unreasonable assumption to expect a child to choose to avoid danger or to reliably comply with verbal instructions when safety is on the line. For instance, if a young child were to be struck by a car, theContinue reading ““I Have to Spank my Toddler to Teach Her Not to Run Into the Street.””
Grace Colored Glasses
Undeserved grace invites lasting heart change. When your child exhibits undesirable behavior, instead of spewing out blame and shame, try viewing the situation through a lens of grace. Pause and choose to look for the most positive, perhaps even generous, explanation of your child’s behavior to avoid making parenting choices based in the worst-case scenario.Continue reading “Grace Colored Glasses”
Rehoboam: The Foolish Son of Solomon.
According to popular Christian parenting, one would think Solomon “wrote the book” on Biblical discipline. Some Christian parents act like Proverbs (written mostly by Solomon) provides a God-ordained parenting method that will lead our young children to heart change. Surely when Solomon used the rod of discipline to drive out foolishness (Prov 22:15) from theContinue reading “Rehoboam: The Foolish Son of Solomon.”
8 Great Smarts by Dr. Kathy Koch
Borrow 👍 When you were younger, did you ever use the word “smart” to describe yourself? In a public school system that only valued two of the eight intelligences, it was challenging for many of us to believe we were smart. Dr. Kathy highlights that you were good at theater because you are smart, youContinue reading “8 Great Smarts by Dr. Kathy Koch”
Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart by Jim & Lynne Jackson
Buy ✅ When we truly bring God’s grace to the forefront of our discipline, we implement discipline that is effective in discipleship. Correction becomes a wonderful opportunity to reinforce our efforts to help children to know, love, and follow Jesus. The overall message of Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart is certain to helpContinue reading “Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart by Jim & Lynne Jackson”
“Happy to Help!”
When respectful communication doesn’t get cooperation, say this: “Would you like to do it by yourself, or would you like my help?” … “Sure! I’m happy to help.” Let’s pretend you have at least 2 children. Your youngest is struggling to unscrew the new cap on the toothpaste tube, and he asks Big Brother, “WillContinue reading ““Happy to Help!””
A Matter of the Heart
“Jesus brought grace & mercy as His methods and message for a reason” L.R. Knost. We long for our children to accept the saving faith of Jesus Christ. In our attempts to stack the odds we put a lot of effort into sowing seeds of God’s Word, like those Jesus talked about in the ParableContinue reading “A Matter of the Heart”
The 4 Hour School Day by Durenda Wilson
Borrow 👍 Or buy ✅ if you need help creating a sustainable homeschooling plan that is unhurried and developmentally appropriate. I mean, haven’t we all wondered just how long our child should sit at the desk practicing math and language arts skills?? This “mercifully short book” is for the busy homeschool mom, and it addressesContinue reading “The 4 Hour School Day by Durenda Wilson”
Resources for Christian Discipline 