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Family Life

Whether you're looking for support in parenting or marriage, education or homemaking, this is the page for you. Feel free to browse, and if there's something you'd like to see, don't hesitate to give me a shout!

HOW CAN WE EDUCATE OUR BOYS ABOUT GENDER EQUALITY?

March 15, 2021 2 Comments

How can we educate our boys about gender equality? Five points from a Christian perspective. Image of mum and dad either side of a primary-aged boy.

I'm hesitating as I start this post. Not for the reason you're thinking (which, I'm guessing, is the sensitivity of the subject matter). Sadly, recent news events have compelled me to write on this issue, and I know these words need to be written. No. I'm hesitating because if you're a … [Read more...] about HOW CAN WE EDUCATE OUR BOYS ABOUT GENDER EQUALITY?

Discipleship for kids· Family Life· Parenting

6 WAYS THAT CHRISTIAN FAMILIES CAN CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

February 22, 2021 3 Comments

International Women's Day, Christian perspective, Christian families, for kids, discrimination, prayer, books and resources.

March 8th has become a stalwart in the calendar of festivals and holidays as International Women's Day (IWD). Growing in prominence, and with a different theme each year, it's a chance to celebrate how far we've come in gender equality, and raise awareness of situations in which women still have … [Read more...] about 6 WAYS THAT CHRISTIAN FAMILIES CAN CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Education· Family Life· Parenting

MAKING FRIENDS AS A MUM

February 12, 2021 5 Comments

How do I make friends as a mum? Ruth Leigh, The Diary of Isabella M Smugge, Instant Apostle

Today I'm delighted to welcome author and mum Ruth Leigh onto THFF. I read Ruth's brilliant book The Diary of Isabella M Smugge recently, and it was un-put-downable! Any parent will recognise the hubbub of family life that Ruth so aptly observes: busyness, constant meal provision, playdates, sick … [Read more...] about MAKING FRIENDS AS A MUM

Books and resources· Parenting

WHY AND HOW SHOULD EXHAUSTED PARENTS MAKE TIME FOR SEX?

February 2, 2021 Leave a Comment

Parenthood and sex - why and how should we make an effort, despite being exhausted?

OK, hear me out on this one. I'm not planning a career change into sex therapy, I promise you. And I'm not about to divulge awkward personal details which would make you run a thousand miles from this blog and never return. BUT. I am, for want of a better title, a 'Christian parenting … [Read more...] about WHY AND HOW SHOULD EXHAUSTED PARENTS MAKE TIME FOR SEX?

Discipleship for parents· Family Life· Marriage

HOW TO CELEBRATE ADVENT AT HOME

December 3, 2020 2 Comments

How to celebrate Advent at home - 10 Advent ideas for families

I'm writing this in 2020. Although lockdown has just ended where we are, there are still huge restrictions on what we're able to do during Advent, and I know people are concerned they won't be able to take part in their usual Advent traditions this year. Live church services, Christingles, … [Read more...] about HOW TO CELEBRATE ADVENT AT HOME

Christmas & Advent· Discipleship for kids· Discipleship for parents· Home

HELPING OUR CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS AROUND CHRISTMAS

November 19, 2020 2 Comments

Helping our children manage their emotions around Christmas

I know my children aren't alone in experiencing high levels of anxiety, worry and stress around Christmas. They were adopted at 14 months - but even now, at 6, there are a lot of nerves surrounding any kind of transition or change in routine. Lots of children find this time of year difficult. … [Read more...] about HELPING OUR CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS AROUND CHRISTMAS

Adoption· Christmas & Advent· Parenting· Parenting an Adopted Child

A CHRISTIAN PARENTING BOOK FOR SINGLE PARENTS

November 17, 2020 1 Comment

A Christian parenting book for single parents - Surviving and Thriving on the Single Parent Journey by Kat Seney-Williams, Lion Hudson, Care for the Family.

I've long had a particular admiration for those of my friends who are single parents. I even wrote about single parenting here. Let me be clear: I have a husband, and parenting STILL stretches me to the end of my resources and then some. (In fact, sometimes I say I have five children, because - … [Read more...] about A CHRISTIAN PARENTING BOOK FOR SINGLE PARENTS

Books and resources· Parenting

HOW SHOULD I TEACH RACIAL EQUALITY TO MY KIDS? (4 BAME FAMILIES SPEAK UP)

October 22, 2020 Leave a Comment

Talking to children about racism, BAME issues, racial injustice, equality and diversity is never easy. In this blog post, four BAME families share what they'd like white families to know about these important issues.

It’s been a thought-provoking few months in terms of racial injustice and equality campaigning. Motivated by the tragic death of George Floyd, people the world over have been asking themselves how such overt examples of racism can still be happening – and discovering that systemic racism is, very … [Read more...] about HOW SHOULD I TEACH RACIAL EQUALITY TO MY KIDS? (4 BAME FAMILIES SPEAK UP)

Family Life· Parenting

12 CHRISTIAN HALLOWEEN PARTY IDEAS (WHICH DON’T CELEBRATE THE SCARY STUFF!)

October 8, 2020 2 Comments

What can I do instead of celebrating Halloween? Here are 10 creative Christian Halloween party and treat ideas to help you mark All Hallows Eve with integrity and fun.

Every year, Halloween rolls around sooner than I'm expecting. And every year, I feel like I've once again failed to come to any workable conclusion about whether we should or shouldn't participate as Christians, and where our boundaries lie. Last year, I expressed some of this in my post … [Read more...] about 12 CHRISTIAN HALLOWEEN PARTY IDEAS (WHICH DON’T CELEBRATE THE SCARY STUFF!)

Faith· Halloween· Parenting

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The Hope-Filled Family - UK Christian parenting and adoption blog by Lucy Rycroft
Should you send your child to a school in special measures? What if the local school is failing? What do you do? Read our story here.
This article explains why adopted children are more susceptible to pre-birth factors which might affect their development, such as domestic violence, drinking alcohol and substance abuse. It counters the argument that just because a child is taken into care at birth they will be 'fine'.
For those days (or weeks, or months, or years) when you feel like you're failing at parenting, here is your hope, your encouragement and some practical ideas.
How to have great family bible time for kids when it’s noisy and chaotic. The best family devotionals often happen in the chaos, and this post tells you why.
Looking round prospective schools with your adopted or fostered child? Here are the questions you need to ask.
The four attachment styles are explained in this clear, no-fuss blog. What they are, how to spot them, and how to parent your child with this knowledge.
How adoption/fostering might affect toddlers' behaviour.
Is church just an extra curricular activity? Is it important for my family to attend church? What happens if we skip church?
Are you a lonely parent? You're not alone - literally. Many of us struggle with social isolation when we become parents. Here are some ways to combat it.
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