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Christmas & Advent

I LOVE Christmas! I even wrote an Advent devotional about how much I love Christmas, and how we can use the 'secular' trimmings to draw closer to Christ!

Here are my thoughts, ideas and resources to help guide you through what can be a stressful season, to make it joyous and hope-filled.

HOW TO CELEBRATE ADVENT AT HOME

December 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

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

JESSE TREE IDEAS FOR FAMILIES: THE WHAT, WHY AND HOW!

December 1, 2020 Leave a Comment

Jesse Tree ideas for families - the what, why and how!

Last year, having heard about this 'Jesse Tree' thing a few times, I decided to go for it with my family. We'd tried in the past, but our children were too young to really understand what was going on - and, if I'm being honest, I was pretty half-hearted about the whole thing. After all, who … [Read more...] about JESSE TREE IDEAS FOR FAMILIES: THE WHAT, WHY AND HOW!

Christmas & Advent· Discipleship for kids· Faith

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

THE BEST 2020 CHRISTMAS PICTURE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

October 27, 2020 3 Comments

The best 2020 Christmas picture books for children of all ages: preschoolers, EYFS, school-aged kids. Looking for Christmas books for 8 year olds? Best Christmas books for EYFS? I’ve got you covered!

I LOVE Christmas. And I LOVE Advent. (I even wrote a book about Advent). I love all the fun and creative ways we can anticipate the excitement of Christmas during December with our families. One of our favourite traditions is our Advent basket. It's so simple - I just throw all our Christmas … [Read more...] about THE BEST 2020 CHRISTMAS PICTURE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Books and resources· Christmas & Advent· Discipleship for kids· Faith

WHAT WE TEACH OUR ADOPTED CHILDREN ABOUT SANTA

December 16, 2019 5 Comments

What we teach our adopted children about Santa. For children who have experienced trauma, Christmas can throw up all sorts of triggers. This is what we do with our children.

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

Adoption· Christmas & Advent· Parenting an Adopted Child

WHAT TO GET YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS: A FOOLPROOF CHRISTMAS GIFT!

December 5, 2019 8 Comments

What should I get my husband or wife for Christmas? This thoughtful Christmas gift will solve your dilemma of what to get your husband or wife. And it will strengthen your marriage too!

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!

Christmas & Advent· Marriage

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS: HOW TO DO (ALMOST) ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN ONE DAY!

November 28, 2019 7 Comments

How to shop for Christmas - these Christmas shopping tips will show you how to get organized for Christmas, whether you're after a stress free Christmas or some last minute Christmas shopping tips.

There are thousands of Christmas shopping tips on the Internet about saving money. Posts about buying second-hand, spreading the cost through the year, utilising sales, and so on. But how about saving time? Don't get me wrong, I'm not rolling in cash either. But this year, with four kids, … [Read more...] about CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS: HOW TO DO (ALMOST) ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN ONE DAY!

Christmas & Advent· Seasons

A FAMILY ADVENT: TWO CHRISTIAN WRITERS SHARE THEIR FAMILY ADVENT TRADITIONS

November 6, 2019 5 Comments

Family Advent ideas and Advent activities from two Christian writer mamas. What can we do during Advent? What do others do in the lead up to Christmas? Lots of Advent activities for kids right here!

My friend Amy Scott Robinson is one of the deepest, most poetic Christian storytellers and writers that I know. She's the author of the marvellous Gladstone Tales, the first of which I reviewed right here. And guess what? She and I have both released Advent books this year! … [Read more...] about A FAMILY ADVENT: TWO CHRISTIAN WRITERS SHARE THEIR FAMILY ADVENT TRADITIONS

Christmas & Advent· Discipleship for kids· Discipleship for parents· Faith· Family Life· Parenting

10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 8-11s

October 24, 2019 5 Comments

Faith-building stocking stuffers for your 8s-11s this Christmas! Fill their stocking with items to encourage and challenge them as they grow as Christians.

Around this time of year, I start to think about Christmas presents and, in particular, stockings. I do love the fun of picking out small treats that my children will enjoy - but I also feel the pressure of needing enough to deem their stockings well and truly 'stuffed', whilst also not wanting … [Read more...] about 10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 8-11s

Books and resources· Christmas & Advent· Discipleship for kids· Family Life

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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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