For many of us, 2020 is probably not on your Top Ten List of things you are grateful for right now. But what if it was? What if there was gold waiting to be discovered just below the surface of pandemic hardships, the contentious election year, the social unrest and the losses we have faced this year? We are 24 days away from Thanksgiving Day and we want to suggest that practicing gratitude can finish [...]
There is a significant link between the moral education of children and engaging whole brain learning that leads to greater emotional Intelligence and self-regulation. Raising morally responsive children can be a complex and challenging job, but it will not happen without intentionality on the part of mom and dad. To be intentional means you make the moral education of your children a priority by setting goals, establishing standards and a proactive plan. Most of us [...]
We love this letter from our friends the Carter family. It speaks to the everyday challenges and obstacles we face as parents; that it is an ongoing journey which also takes ongoing equipping and encouragement to sustain us in those transitional seasons of life! Dear Journal, Kash and I reached a low point in our relationship yesterday. I screamed “shut up!” at him, which shocked him, and the littles. And hours later, he repeated it [...]
Kids need their parents to lead them well. We do so by teaching them practically “how” to do things and morally “why” to do them in order to shape their character and prepare them for adulthood. Yet our leadership role can feel challenged as today’s kids have more information than ever before at their fingertips. Current studies tell us that many Generation Z kids (kids born since 1997 to now) don’t ask Mom and Dad [...]
For every parent, there comes a day when you wake up to realize that your relationship with your maturing teen is about to change. They are most likely a high school senior, making guided decisions for their future and taking the necessary steps to prepare for their life apart from you. It’s a challenging time for most kids as they may seem to be hesitant or seem like they can hardly wait to get out [...]
When you close your eyes and imagine what a thriving family looks like, what do you see? A quality home environment filled with encouragement and harmony? Husband and Wife on the same page and enjoying their relationship? Children laughing and enjoying one another and excelling in their development? Wonderful and meaningful holidays and vacations? Whatever vision you hold of what a thriving family looks like, do you see that in your family? Building a healthy [...]
With school quickly approaching and the uncertainty surrounding what may or may not happen, we wanted to share some insights from the Widmier Family. Not only are they wonderful friends and periodic contributors to this weekly letter, but Jon also serves as Social-Emotional Behavior Services Coordinator for Littleton Public Schools in Colorado. _______________ As we sit down and write this, it is hard to believe that 150 days have passed since remote learning started [...]
As we have both grown and matured since getting married right out of college, there is one skill we have learned to develop that has been significant in all of our relationships. Whether it is with our marriage, our children, our family and friends, or everyday relationships at work or in our community, learning the skill of discernment has become a game changer in our lives. Discernment is the ability to gain understanding in order [...]
As our boys have gotten older, one parenting tool that we have utilized the most is planting seeds. While the generic concept of planting seeds is not new, our friends Dave and Lis provided us with a perspective that took the concept to a new level in our parenting with a 2 step approach – Planting seeds (initiate an idea or topic with a question) and Cultivation (ongoing conversation follow up). This tool has been [...]
Perfection is an impossible standard. Yet, in our results driven society, its amazing how the pursuit of perfection continues to be coveted in almost every aspect of life even though it derails us in our pursuits. The pursuit of perfection often leads to disappointment, shame, frustration, and feelings of failure. However, the pursuit of excellence leads to accomplishment, confidence, contentment, and feelings of fulfillment. This distinction was not only something we passed along in parenting [...]