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Parenting

Parenting is such a challenging role! And there are so many people telling us how we should do it.

I am not one of those people. But I hope that by sharing my own - often highly flawed - experiences, I can offer reassurance and empathy to others going through similar challenges.

DAVID AND GOLIATH – A SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS

October 15, 2013 10 Comments

David and Goliath song for small children, preschoolers and toddlers, to the nursery rhyme tune of 'Miss Polly had a Dolly'.

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll be well aware of my slightly disturbing obsession with writing simple Bible songs for my kids. Many kids' worship songs are too long and wordy for small children (of preschool age) to sing and/or understand. And I often find that when my kids are … [Read more...] about DAVID AND GOLIATH – A SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Discipleship for kids· Faith· Family Life· Parenting

HOW TO PLAN A ROBOT PARTY FOR £30

October 9, 2013 17 Comments

How to plan a robot party 4th birthday party on a really small budget!

A few weeks ago, I challenged myself to spend no more than £30 on my daughter's 2nd birthday party - a dollies' tea-party. We recently held a robot-themed party for Mister's 4th birthday and, again, I wanted to see if I could do it for less than £30. (A small aside: what a cool theme for a … [Read more...] about HOW TO PLAN A ROBOT PARTY FOR £30

Birthdays· Home· Parenting

HOW TO PLAN A DOLL-THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR £30

September 8, 2013 15 Comments

How to plan a dollies' tea party 2nd birthday party on a really small budget!

It’s all Kate’s fault. My friend Kate, mum extraordinaire, just happened to drop into conversation one day that she sets each of her oldest three kids a £30 budget for their birthday parties. £30??!! She makes them a cake outside this budget, but everything else (food, entertainment, decorations) … [Read more...] about HOW TO PLAN A DOLL-THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR £30

Birthdays· Family Life· Home· Parenting

CREATION SONG FOR KIDS

September 1, 2013 8 Comments

Creation song for preschoolers to the tune of 'This Old Man'. This will help them (and us!) remember the creation order!

I struggle to find Christian songs which are easy for pre-school kids to sing and remember. Most Christian kids' songs have far too many words for tiny ones, and are clearly geared towards primary-age children. So my preference, where possible, is to re-word a nursery rhyme or popular tune with some … [Read more...] about CREATION SONG FOR KIDS

Discipleship for kids· Faith· Parenting

PARENTHOOD AND MINISTRY: SERVING WHEN YOU’RE EXHAUSTED

May 12, 2013 7 Comments

How do I engage in church ministry when I'm an exhausted parent?

Having written about the challenges of prayer, Bible reading, meeting together and hospitality as a parent, I'm now going to focus on share something a bit personal to me: how do we find opportunities to 'minister' as parents? The pear orchard A year ago, my friend was praying and had a very clear, … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND MINISTRY: SERVING WHEN YOU’RE EXHAUSTED

Discipleship for parents· Faith· Family Life· Parenting

STAY-AT-HOME PARENTING: WHERE’S THE INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION?

April 26, 2013 19 Comments

Am I going to be bored if I stay home to look after my kids?

This is not an advert for stay-at-home parenting. It is, however, an honest reflection on my 3.5 years of being a SAHM, designed for those who might be wondering about leaving their jobs to care for their kids full-time or most-time. Because while I don't think for one moment that this is the … [Read more...] about STAY-AT-HOME PARENTING: WHERE’S THE INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION?

Family Life· Parenting

PARENTHOOD AND CHURCH: IS IT WORTH IT WHEN IT’S SO HARD?

April 10, 2013 9 Comments

Why bother with church when it's so hard to go with a family?

This is part of a mini-series on various aspects of discipleship as a parent. I've written about the challenges of prayer, Bible reading, meeting together and offering hospitality once parenthood descends - and today I'm writing about church. Where do I start on this one? Perhaps by acknowledging … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND CHURCH: IS IT WORTH IT WHEN IT’S SO HARD?

Discipleship for kids· Discipleship for parents· Faith· Family Life· Parenting

EASTER BELLS – AN EASTER SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS

March 29, 2013 19 Comments

A Christian Easter song for preschoolers, Easter Bells.

If you have a tiny child in your life and you're looking for a way to sing them the Easter story, and don't mind high levels of cheese, then you're in the right place. I think there's a lack of really simple Easter songs for preschoolers and, while I know a few general worship songs which are simple … [Read more...] about EASTER BELLS – AN EASTER SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Discipleship for kids· Easter & Lent· Faith· Family Life· Parenting

PARENTHOOD AND HOSPITALITY: HOW DOES GOD BLESS OTHERS THROUGH OUR MESS?

February 18, 2013 15 Comments

Hospitality is hard, but when kids come along it becomes even harder. Less time and more mess - how can God use us in our newly-frazzled state? Here are some ideas to encourage you.

When I contemplate how different my discipleship looks now compared with before I had children, it's easy to feel a little frustrated that some areas are not as substantial as they were. My prayer life as a parent is hard work, and finding time to read the Bible with kids around is about as easy as … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND HOSPITALITY: HOW DOES GOD BLESS OTHERS THROUGH OUR MESS?

Discipleship for kids· Discipleship for parents· Faith· Family Life· Parenting

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The Hope-Filled Family - UK Christian parenting and adoption blog by Lucy Rycroft
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