As4Me

I was talking yesterday about how we interact with our children when they come with a request.
In the past, I’ve said “just a minute,”  usually so I can finish what I’m doing before I respond. I’m very distractible, and not just with things I want to avoid. Just this week, twice I’ve left coffee half-way [...]

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Let it never be said that my own children are not sinners, that they never have bad attitudes, and that they never embarrass me at the grocery store.
Now, I regularly take all three children grocery shopping with me. Because we do it all the time, we have a routine. I’ve learned that keeping them busy [...]

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I’ve noticed that my three ear old has developed a rather impressive poochie lip when she’s unhappy. She curls her upper lip until she nearly blocks off her nostrils, all to show mom that she is not pleased with whatever situation God has given her.
I sense the need to intervene. I could ignore the behavior, [...]

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Lee’s mom and dad hit a deer on their way to New Mexico for Thanksgiving. They were unhurt, but their car was totaled, and it was cost and time prohibitive to come here after that. You might think, based on the reactions from our children, that it wasn’t that big of a deal.
However, last night, [...]

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Last night I awoke in a foggy blur to a little voice calling my name. At my side was Bethel, saying, “I was afraid you were not back yet.” I assured her that we had gotten back from our date soon after they were asleep, gave her a hug and kiss, and then asked her [...]

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Lee and I were discussing how the concept of marriage is sometimes difficult for young children.
Laurel, and sometimes Bethel (2 and 4) will ask a lady, “Where is your dad?” when they are looking for her husband. Occasionally we’ll ask questions about relationships. (eg., How is Uncle Bryan and Uncle Mark related to Daddy?) When [...]

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What if your children never saw you cry? Would that be a good thing? More importantly, what if they never saw what to do when mom is sick or sad or afraid?
Children don’t tend to like tears. They don’t like being reminded that they are vulnerable. And when their rock– mom and dad– appears unstable, [...]

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Several weeks back, I posted about a tantrum experience, and I’m still thinking about it.

I started out wondering, Can I stay, “Stop being angry”? Is that the same as saying “Stop being happy”? Historically, I’ve focused on the outward manifestation, basically allowing anger, but not allowing kicking, throwing, screaming, and so on. I have said “Do [...]

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The other day, Laurel was as angry as I have ever seen her. It’s always good to examine big situations after the fact; perhaps I’ll improve in responding biblically.
She was happily playing and asked for a particular song to be put on, and when I put it on, she changed her mind and demanded that [...]

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Today my dear friend Kelly came over. She has three daughters who are delightful. Her oldest is passionate and intense, and the most spiritually sensitive child I have ever seen. She also has a temper. Kelly and I have talked about discipline and parenting as long as we’ve known each other. I know Kelly’s heart [...]

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