Parenting with Purpose to Help Kids Shine
Sometimes the best way for our children to understand the gift of an accommodation is to have them do the hard work first. When Lucy was younger, I did a lot of the handwriting for her—especially in math. Her mind could easily keep up with the concepts, but her fine motor skills just hadn’t caught… Continue reading When Doing It All for Them Does Less for Them
Yesterday, during our homeschool “recess break,” I told Lucy we needed to do some deadheading in the garden. Her response? A very honest: “I don’t feel like doing that today.” To which I replied, “Me either. But taking care of our home is a way we can show our gratitude to God for blessing us… Continue reading From “Have To” to “Get To”
In blended families, even the most well-intentioned routines can feel like emotional whiplash for our kids. Different rules, different rhythms, different expectations—it’s a lot. And while it’s okay that every household runs differently, it’s also okay to admit that the inconsistency can be tough on our kids. Recently, we noticed that Anderson seemed a bit… Continue reading One Chart, Two Homes: A Blended Family Strategy That’s Working Wonders
Sometimes all a kid needs is a clear path and a little ownership. Recently, Anderson had been walking through a tough season—struggling with making good choices and responding truthfully in certain situations. After some heartfelt conversations with his mom, Emily, we decided to put a plan in place. Not a punishment, but a purpose. Together,… Continue reading The Power of a Plan: How One Simple System Sparked Big Growth
In our home, chores aren’t about control or checking boxes—they’re about cultivating responsibility, teamwork, and a sense of purpose. We believe every member of the family, no matter how small, has an important role to play in making our home a place of peace and order. Our daughter Lucy is still young, but her contributions… Continue reading The Gift of Responsibility: Why Chores Matter for Kids
Raising Light 