The countdown to Colorado Gives Day begins today! You can now schedule your donation for OneFamily and it will count toward earning us a part of the $1.6 million Colorado Gives Day Incentive Fund! All participating Colorado Gives Day nonprofits earn a percentage of the fund, so the more we raise, the more we get! As we get ready for the biggest giving day of the year, we reflect on the difficult times we’ve weathered [...]
Each November, as Americans, we have the unique privilege to exercise our American Liberty by “V”oting and honoring our “V”eterans. Last Tuesday was Election Day and this Thursday is Veteran’s Day. How often do we take both for granted, let alone explain the importance to our children? Yet both are fundamental to the founding and longevity of our republic. Without either “V” our country would not exist. Learn, Instruct and Vote Voting is at the heart [...]
The Fruits of the Spirit are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control. Think about what those look like in a person you admire. Can you recall people you appreciate because of their wisdom, sense of self, their calm spirit, and that their goodness radiates their character? As a result, isn’t their life the kind of life you see yourself living in some ways? In other words, the quality of their character [...]
Today’s OneFamily Letter is but a short video clip of a baby under 1 year old and a poem that captures the reality of a child’s growing heart and mind. Enjoy both. Our little babies are doing to us what we aspire to do to God – mimic His ways. We humans are designed to be copying creatures trying to sync up with our givers of life. Think on this: As far as your child is concerned, [...]
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 [...]
“When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not join the chaos.” L.K. Knost When your little children go off to elementary school and create friendships that introduce them and you into a new world of community, it is truly a joy to see them play and bond with others. Little birthday parties, after school play-dates, sports – all contribute to a terrific time in the development [...]
When our boys were about 6 and 4 years old we began a new family tradition that helped us engage in meaningful conversations with them. Little did we know when we started how this tool would create many wonderful memories, help us communicate more effectively with our kids and take our parenting efforts and relationships with each of them to a higher level! One of Rich’s favorite memories growing up was visiting his grandparents and [...]
We at OneFamily never want to be political. If you listen to the shrieking sounds coming from the media, the world is falling apart. We totally get the heightened anxiety that might exist for parents - masks, CRT, COVID, immigration, war. We don’t want to be just one more shrill voice expressing our opinion on what’s wrong. Instead, our aim is more urgent than ever to do what we already do – support, encourage, and [...]
Parenting is a process that has many seasons and phases. There were times in our own parenting when we could easily get stuck in a particular season or phase. Typically we would become comfortable in the strategies that were working and forget to look ahead to the upcoming season in our boys’ growth and development. Before we knew it, Trevor and Alex had outgrown our parenting! Three Key Areas To Watch Evaluating kids’ freedoms and [...]
Let’s say your 12-year-old son is twenty minutes late. He wanted to ride his bike to a friend’s house and promised to be home by 4:00 and now it’s 4:20. The bike ride required crossing a major intersection and called into question his capability and responsibility. Was he aware enough of traffic dangers and responsible enough to be safe and come home at the appointed hour? That was the plea and debate. In the end, [...]