I don’t often call a book life-changing, but The Clockmaker’s Son by Jenny Phillips truly deserves that title. Lucy and I recently finished it together, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever read. It’s published through The Good and the Beautiful, the homeschool program we love—but you don’t… Continue reading 🌟 Be of Good Cheer: Why The Clockmaker’s Son Is One of the Best Books I’ve Ever Read with Lucy
Tag: kids
Stop Asking, Start Expecting: Setting Clear Standards for Behavior
The other day, while waiting for Lucy to finish one of her activities, I overheard a mom talking to her two little ones—probably around two and four years old. They were getting ready to go to the library (which I think is wonderful), but something about the exchange caught my attention. The mom kept asking… Continue reading Stop Asking, Start Expecting: Setting Clear Standards for Behavior
From Picture Books to Chapter Books: Watching Her Grow at the Library
The other day I took Lucy to the library, and I found myself standing in one of those quiet-but-loud parenting moments—the kind that makes your heart swell and ache all at the same time. Not so long ago, our library trips meant a cart (and sometimes even an armful) overflowing with picture books. We’d march… Continue reading From Picture Books to Chapter Books: Watching Her Grow at the Library
Choices, Self-Control, and the Power of Emotional Maturity
Lately, I’ve been working with Lucy on understanding not just the importance of our choices, but also their ripple effects—both good and bad. When life presents us with something that ruffles our feathers (and let’s be honest, it happens often in today’s world), it’s important to pause before we respond. That pause, that deep breath,… Continue reading Choices, Self-Control, and the Power of Emotional Maturity
Growing Initiative in a Screen-Free World
One of the most beautiful traits we can nurture in our children is initiative—the ability to notice a need, take action, and think for themselves without constant prompting. And I truly believe that a big piece of that puzzle comes from minimizing screens and encouraging imagination, reading, and meaningful engagement with the real world. Lately,… Continue reading Growing Initiative in a Screen-Free World
Teaching Our Children the Power of Self-Defense
When it comes to raising children, one of the most important lessons we can teach them is how to protect themselves. Lucy goes to karate, where she’s learning incredible skills that build not only strength but also confidence. But beyond class, the real learning often happens at home—through conversations and role-play. One of Lucy’s favorite… Continue reading Teaching Our Children the Power of Self-Defense
Harmony at Home: How Classical Music Shapes Our Homeschool Days
Homeschooling is one of the greatest joys of my life—and one of the hardest careers I’ve ever taken on. People sometimes assume it’s “easier” than working outside the home, but let me tell you, the amount of patience required could rival that of a monk. Some days, I joke that it should count as an… Continue reading Harmony at Home: How Classical Music Shapes Our Homeschool Days
Don’t Let Kids Raise Your Kids
One of the most common critiques I hear as a homeschooling mom is the dreaded question: “But what about socialization?” It always makes me smile. Because the truth is, I think over-socialization is a much greater concern than under-socialization. Think about it: a child who spends all day in school surrounded by peers, and then… Continue reading Don’t Let Kids Raise Your Kids
Don’t Let Kids Eat Off the “Kids Menu”
Let’s be honest—most “kids menus” at restaurants are a recipe for a lifetime of obesity and diabetes. Chicken nuggets, fried everything, mac and cheese with zero nutritional value, fries on repeat, and maybe (if you’re lucky) a side of applesauce drowning in sugar. Vegetables? Nowhere in sight. And don’t even get me started on the… Continue reading Don’t Let Kids Eat Off the “Kids Menu”
Scot Anderson & Soft Parenting: Why Gentle Isn’t Enough
Parenting is full of buzzwords these days—gentle parenting, soft parenting, free-range parenting. Each promises a better way, but not all deliver what they claim. One voice I’ve come to trust on this subject is Scot Anderson, lead pastor at Living Word Bible Church and creator of the Train Up A Parent program. I haven’t personally… Continue reading Scot Anderson & Soft Parenting: Why Gentle Isn’t Enough
Raising Light 