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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.

THE LONELY PARENT: COMBATING ISOLATION

June 9, 2020 1 Comment

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.

Eleven weeks into lockdown (or is it eleven months? Hard to tell) it is no surprise that I'm writing now about isolation as a parent. I guess we've all experienced this, in our own ways, during lockdown season. We may have felt isolated from our friends and families, from our church and small … [Read more...] about THE LONELY PARENT: COMBATING ISOLATION

Family Life· Parenting

25 FAMILY GAMES (THAT EVEN GROWN-UPS WILL ENJOY)

April 10, 2020 10 Comments

My family loves a good game - which is just as well, really, as our entertainment options are fairly limited right now! It's a hobby my husband and I enjoy (many a date night is spent playing a game!), so I guess it's been natural to pass this down to our kids. We've been playing board games and … [Read more...] about 25 FAMILY GAMES (THAT EVEN GROWN-UPS WILL ENJOY)

Education· Family Life· Parenting

YOUR TODDLER IS GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS JUST FINE. AND SO ARE YOU.

April 5, 2020 1 Comment

Preschool parents, don't stress about the impact of isolation on your child. You can be everything they need in a parent right now.

You're probably reading this in a snatched moment of peace, perhaps during naptime, after bedtime, or even on the loo - the only place you can ever get a few seconds to yourself these days. I'm going to hazard a guess that you're also feeling guilty right now, knowing that there's something more … [Read more...] about YOUR TODDLER IS GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS JUST FINE. AND SO ARE YOU.

Family Life· Parenting

HOW TO MAKE EASTER SPECIAL (PLUS FREE EASTER EGG HUNT PRINTABLE!)

April 2, 2020 2 Comments

Loads of ways to make Easter special, from Easter-themed books to crafts, foodie treats and family traditions. Celebrate the risen Jesus in creative ways!

Easter is a tricky festival to celebrate with children. On the one hand, there is so much joy - we are celebrating the ultimate pivot point of all of history! But on the other hand, there is a whole load of sadness and gory stuff which happens beforehand. For our adopted children, especially, … [Read more...] about HOW TO MAKE EASTER SPECIAL (PLUS FREE EASTER EGG HUNT PRINTABLE!)

Books and resources· Discipleship for kids· Easter & Lent· Faith· Family Life· Parenting· Seasons

PARENTS: DON’T ADD GUILT TO THE BURDENS YOU’RE ALREADY CARRYING

March 25, 2020 7 Comments

Parents - don't feel guilty. You're already carrying enough burdens!

Which New Year's Resolutions did you make this year? I'm going to hazard a guess that home schooling wasn't one of them. (Unless you're a home educator. In which case I imagine the 10,000% increase in online educational resources over the last week has felt rather like all your Christmases … [Read more...] about PARENTS: DON’T ADD GUILT TO THE BURDENS YOU’RE ALREADY CARRYING

Family Life· Parenting

FAMILY DEVOTION IDEAS (WHEN YOUR KIDS ARE RUNNING RIOT)

March 20, 2020 6 Comments

What is the best way to lead a family devotion? These family devotion ideas will help guide you through the chaos of family life towards Jesus together.

I don't know if you've ever tried sitting down with your family for a planned time of Bible reading, prayer, worship or all three. If you haven't, imagine unicycling into a lion's cage, balancing a ball on your head, and holding raw steaks out in front of you whilst listening to some vintage … [Read more...] about FAMILY DEVOTION IDEAS (WHEN YOUR KIDS ARE RUNNING RIOT)

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

10 BEST FAMILY DEVOTIONS (TO BRING KIDS AND GROWN-UPS TOGETHER)

March 20, 2020 18 Comments

10 best family devotion resources suitable for all ages, interests and family set-ups.

A common question amongst time-poor Christian parents who want to nurture their children's faith is: What are the best family devotions? What are the best ways to come together as a family around God's word? What will really ignite our faith as individuals and as a family? And will we make it out … [Read more...] about 10 BEST FAMILY DEVOTIONS (TO BRING KIDS AND GROWN-UPS TOGETHER)

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

HOW TO SURVIVE SCHOOL CLOSURE AS A FAMILY

March 16, 2020 2 Comments

How to survive school closure - what to do if coronavirus closes schools and you're stuck at home with your kids. Here are ideas for keeping your sanity!

With schools having closed in many countries, and increasing numbers of people here in the UK needing to self-isolate with children, I wanted to share with you a few ideas about how to survive at home with your kids. Now, I have four children between 5 and 10 and, much as I love them dearly, I am … [Read more...] about HOW TO SURVIVE SCHOOL CLOSURE AS A FAMILY

Family Life· Parenting

I WANT TO SAVE THE PLANET…BUT I’M LATE FOR THE SCHOOL RUN

March 12, 2020 4 Comments

How do we make ethical decisions when we're already consumed by the challenges of parenting and family life?

Recently, a Hope Tribe member got in touch to share her concerns about the environment, and her guilt that, in the busyness and intensity of having young kids, she didn't feel like she was doing very much. I find it hard to be an environmentally friendly mum and meet the expectations that are … [Read more...] about I WANT TO SAVE THE PLANET…BUT I’M LATE FOR THE SCHOOL RUN

Faith· Family Life· Home· 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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