The One Reason Kids Need Parental Restrictions on Phones
A recent study by Pew Research Group showed that only 16% of parents use parental controls to restrict their child’s cell or smart phone. To restate this in a more obvious and ominous way: 84% of parents DO NOT USE parental controls to restrict phone usage. As a parent in the 16% I assume this […]
Parents Need Second Chances
I recently gave my Canon point and shoot camera to one of my children to use for fun. I loved the idea of supporting her interest in photography. I anticipated seeing the world through her eyes as I uploaded the pictures to my computer. What would be the primary focus of the pictures? People, nature, […]
Maintaining Boundaries: A Simple Way to Avoid Resenting Your Children.
It was 7:54am. I just returned home from my second trip to the schools to hear my middle school daughter lamenting about having to walk out into the morning mist and humidity with her freshly straightened hair to catch the school bus at 8:02. This girl can go from smooth and sleek to afro in 3.6 […]
5 Reasons To Stop Wishing Yourself Rich
It’s so easy to conclude all our problems would be made easier with more money. It’s such a lie. The lies I tell myself are: more money would mean my family would be able to travel when the kids are out of school (the ‘peak times’ we currently have to avoid). More money means my […]
Your Brain on Books: 10 Incredible Benefits to Reading
A brain on books is proven to be better than a brain without books. Statistics show that a quarter of Americans have not read a single book in the past 12 months. Come on now, we need to be reading a lot more! Here are 10 game-changing and incredible reasons you should be reading more […]
The Key Difference Between SELF and SELFIE
We have a rule in our home of “No Selfies.” None taken, none texted, and none posted on social media. None. And we don’t just state this as a rule, we ensure it is complied with by restricting all pictures from being sent and received on our kid’s phones. If selfies are found, the camera […]
How 20 Minutes a Day Can Change Your Child
I want the best for my kids. You do too, I’m sure. What if I told you that one of the best things you can do for your child only took 20 minutes. That a solid 20 minutes has the potential to change your child’s life. Dare I say it, maybe even your relationship? Would you […]
The Brave Work of Protecting Free Play and Family Time In Our Over-Scheduled Culture
I struggle with wanting my kids to be the best. I want them to be outstanding students, accomplished in their strengths and be good citizens. This is not about them or even about competition – it is about me. With their achievements comes praise for me, for I must be smart… and accomplished… and a […]
6 Expectations Every Family Needs And Can Be Implemented Today
Have your kids ever thrown back statements like, “You expect me to be perfect all the time!” or “It’s impossible to do anything right with all your rules!” when you hold them accountable to expectations? This has become a hot topic for my family. So much that I personally found the need to take a […]
ADHD: To Medicate or Not? An Honest Opinion From a Pharmacist and Parent
Being a retail Pharmacist is sort of like my ‘other life’ outside of being a parent, blogger, and speaker. I enjoy my job because I love getting to know people, helping them overcome simple ailments like allergies or sore muscles, and simply being a kind soul in the brutal territory of sickness, disease, addiction, and […]
Should Girls Have More Restricted Social Media than Boys?
I have 3 girls and 4 boys. Not all of my children are old enough (by my standards) to have a phone or social media but in those who are I have already seen a vast difference in how each gender handles phones and social media. Personally, I understand girls. Sharing the same gender class […]
Parenting Bravely – Even When You Think You Suck At It.
As I sat curled up in a love seat across from four of the most beloved and trusted women in my life, they stunned me silent with one challenging question: What is your biggest fear? My first thought was, why are we talking about me? Isn’t it time to dive into someone else’s murky waters? […]
The Best and Only Reason You Need To Suffer Through Cafeteria Lunches With Your Child
There is very little desire in my flesh to spend an hour or two in my children’s elementary (public) school cafeteria watching my kids eat a Sonic grilled cheese. Of all the things I need to do on my day off work during the week – including the things I only think I need to […]
