More than ever I can see the difference when my children are doing something that they understand and agree with, and when they’re doing something only because I say so.
I’m not talking about cleaning their rooms, either. (I won’t complain if they suddenly develop a love for a clean [...] Continue Reading…
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Because of my husband’s busy and relatively unpredictable work schedule, we’ve worked hard to make the most of the hours he’s home.
One step we’ve taken is to have a general rule that weekends are family days, not friend days. So on Saturdays and Sundays, we want the children with [...] Continue Reading…
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We have very friendly neighbors, including a number of pleasant children the same age as my own children (and a few years older). My children have enjoyed getting to know them, and spending time with them. I want to have a ministry to these neighbors. (Let your light so [...] Continue Reading…
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Wherever did I get the idea that children learn not to whine and scream for things within a few days or a week of dealing with it properly? I am intrigued how often I expect instant learning and 100% compliance from my children, when I still don’t always respond [...] Continue Reading…
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After I posted “Questions for Mentors,” I received an unexpected phone call. After chatting for several minutes and catching up on the news, my friend (who happens to be an “older woman”) asked me whether I’d be open to some advice about keeping my house clean. In light of [...] Continue Reading…
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I’ve been pondering this verse in relationship to my role as mother.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
It’s one I tell my children often, particularly [...] Continue Reading…
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Well, our children haven’t had another wisdom party (i.e., unlimited candy every time they practice saying their honey verse). But I do let them say their verse and get a piece of candy one or two times each day. They have learned Proverbs 24:13-14 well that way! Usually, we [...] Continue Reading…
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In every classroom, there’s a kid who raises his hand for every question a teacher asks. Often, other children stop asking and answering questions, because of this dynamic between the teacher and student. Hopefully, the teacher learns how to draw in every student gracefully, and the kid who likes [...] Continue Reading…
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I noticed a week or so ago a new pattern of behavior in the car.
David and Bethel sit together in the back. By and large, they get along well, and they tend to resolve their conflict when they are irritated with each other.
Lately, though, they’ve developed this entertainment that [...] Continue Reading…
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Sometimes we communicate a great deal by the questions we ask. Here are some that I’ve been asking lately, and thinking about:
After eating, “Are you satisfied?” [as opposed to, "Are you full?" I want our children to know that being satisfied is better than being full. I am wondering [...] Continue Reading…
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