For years, women who work outside the home have protested against the label ‘full-time mum’ being used for a woman who stays home to look after her children. And rightly so. If a child has an accident at school, that mum will likely have to leave work to attend to the emergency – because she is, … [Read more...] about DEAR WORLD: PLEASE STOP USING THE LABEL ‘WORKING MUM’
MINISTRY-PROOFING YOUR MARRIAGE: PREVENTING PASTORS’ MARRIAGE PROBLEMS
As a vicar's wife, I'm all too aware of the demands that full-time ministry can put on a marriage. I'm saddened, but not surprised, when I read about pastors' marriage problems - the challenges of maintaining a healthy family life when you're also pastorally involved in lots of other people's lives … [Read more...] about MINISTRY-PROOFING YOUR MARRIAGE: PREVENTING PASTORS’ MARRIAGE PROBLEMS
HOW ADOPTION AFFECTS CHILD DEVELOPMENT (EVEN IF THEY’VE BEEN IN CARE FROM BIRTH)
When we ask ourselves what are the negative effects of adoption, I'm guessing most of us think of abuse and neglect. We know that there are homes where children's needs are not met, where parents are not able to make the changes they need to in order to provide for their children, and/or where … [Read more...] about HOW ADOPTION AFFECTS CHILD DEVELOPMENT (EVEN IF THEY’VE BEEN IN CARE FROM BIRTH)
SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRITUALITY: 6 WAYS TO ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT BIBLE MESSAGE FOR YOUTH
I'm delighted to have none other than my own brother and sister-in-law on the blog for today's teen-themed post! Colin and Carol have two boys (aged 17 and nearly 16), and are my go-to for … [Read more...] about SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRITUALITY: 6 WAYS TO ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT BIBLE MESSAGE FOR YOUTH
CHRISTIAN PUBERTY EDUCATION: TALKING TO OUR TEENAGERS ABOUT SEX, RELATIONSHIPS AND THE BIBLE
This week, we're focusing on raising teenagers, with a new post each day. We've looked at communication, and what happens if our teens go off track, and today we're looking at - well, we couldn't really ignore it, could we? - Christian puberty education: how we teach our teens about sex, … [Read more...] about CHRISTIAN PUBERTY EDUCATION: TALKING TO OUR TEENAGERS ABOUT SEX, RELATIONSHIPS AND THE BIBLE
WHEN FLEDGLINGS FLOP: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR TEENAGER IS OUT OF CONTROL
Every day this week I'm focusing on raising teenagers, and today I'm delighted to have fellow author Gail Gritts join us. Gail is a mum of 5 - now all grown-up - and has a powerful testimony of how two of her children hit rock-bottom. Read on... When the mother bird pushes her fledglings out of the … [Read more...] about WHEN FLEDGLINGS FLOP: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR TEENAGER IS OUT OF CONTROL
HOW TO TALK TO TEENAGERS (AND HOW TO GET YOUR TEENAGER TO TALK TO YOU)
This week on the blog we're focusing on raising teenagers, so I'm thrilled that writer and editor Nicki Copeland has joined us today to talk about that biggie: communication. How do we talk to our teenagers effectively? And how can we get them to talk to us? Over to … [Read more...] about HOW TO TALK TO TEENAGERS (AND HOW TO GET YOUR TEENAGER TO TALK TO YOU)
PARENTING TEENAGERS: WHERE DO I START?
This week on the blog we're talking teens - how to communicate with them, how to discuss the tricky issues, how to nurture their faith, and what to do if they go completely off the rails. Today I'm delighted to welcome freelance writer Ruth Leigh to share with us some encouragement as we embark upon … [Read more...] about PARENTING TEENAGERS: WHERE DO I START?
WHEN NATURAL CONSEQUENCES DON’T WORK (THREE EXAMPLES)
As an adoptive parent - and, you know, reasonably sensible, logical human being - I'm a big fan of natural consequences when it comes to behaviour management. This is simply allowing your child to reap the consequences of the action they've taken, with no/little additional input from you. You … [Read more...] about WHEN NATURAL CONSEQUENCES DON’T WORK (THREE EXAMPLES)