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)
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!
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)
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD GROW SPIRITUALLY THIS YEAR
There's something about a new year which motivates us to adopt new habits, change an aspect of our lives, or turn over a new leaf in some way. But so often we fail, don't we? Habits die out after January, changes are short-lived, and we find ourselves falling back into our old cycles, old … [Read more...] about HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD GROW SPIRITUALLY THIS YEAR
10 FAITH-BASED NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR EXHAUSTED PARENTS
To start talking about personal growth and improvement when you're either stuffed so full of Celebrations and mince pies that you can hardly move, or you're entirely burnt-out from yet another busy year of parenting, work and other commitments, will either come across as annoyingly trite or … [Read more...] about 10 FAITH-BASED NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR EXHAUSTED PARENTS
WHAT WE TEACH OUR ADOPTED CHILDREN ABOUT SANTA
I never formulated my ideas about Santa because of our adopted children, in case any of you think I'm more thoughtful about these kinds of things than I actually am. As a child, I enjoyed writing to Santa, sending my letter up the chimney of our open fire by making a draught with the door (a … [Read more...] about WHAT WE TEACH OUR ADOPTED CHILDREN ABOUT SANTA
TWO FABULOUS CHRISTIAN ANIMAL BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
I'm delighted to feature a couple of books today which would make excellent Christmas presents for your child if they love animals! And - even better - allow me to help you with your Christmas shopping - read till the end and you'll discover how you can win both of these wonderful animal books … [Read more...] about TWO FABULOUS CHRISTIAN ANIMAL BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
WHAT TO GET YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS: A FOOLPROOF CHRISTMAS GIFT!
Do you struggle when it comes to buying gifts for your other half? I'd love to hear from you if you don't! I always find it difficult, and I suspect I'm not alone. We can find it hard for all sorts of reasons, not least because our money and possessions are shared, so it sometimes feels like … [Read more...] about WHAT TO GET YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS: A FOOLPROOF CHRISTMAS GIFT!
WHEN YOU CAN’T BE THE PARENT YOU DREAMT OF BEING: THERE IS HOPE
From the emails I've received from lots of you - as well as my own parenting experience - I know that many of our parenting struggles have, at their core, a root problem: We haven't met our own sky-high expectations. We went into parenthood with images and ideas … [Read more...] about WHEN YOU CAN’T BE THE PARENT YOU DREAMT OF BEING: THERE IS HOPE