How many of you would ever willingly invite an intruder into your home? In my previous blog, I wrote about speaking life to our children. This week I would like to help you learn how to teach your … Read More
In Deuteronomy 30:19-20 we read, I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you … Read More
At around 18 months to 2 years of age, a toddler is ready to transition to room time instead of playpen time. What is room time? A time each day that is set by Mom or Dad when … Read More
Some of the earlier posts on this blog have laid out great examples of independent play and how to get started in it. When we first learned about independent play in the Prep for the Toddler Years material, one of … Read More
Why is independent play so important? I think in today’s day and age we need to define what independent play is. Independent Play is… Being able to play alone. Being able to be self-motivated in that play time. A time … Read More
How old should your baby be to start using a playpen? 6 months? 9 months? A year? Never? Did you know that playpens can be introduced in baby’s first month of life? Babywise says, “Parents can begin using the … Read More
We all want to raise children who will make healthy choices about food as adults. As is true with so many aspects of parenting, there are many steps we need to take to reach our goal and a wise parent … Read More
Our family is in an interesting season. Our oldest is approaching the middle years, so we’re having a lot more conversations about things and asking her a lot of questions. It’s great to watch her begin to draw from the … Read More
I listened to a podcast a few years ago that talked about the importance of writing out your goals. Just by physically writing something down, you are 80% more likely to be successful. Just by writing it down! Today, I … Read More
In last week’s blog we discovered that, as parents, we need to show love as much as we need to teach about it. This week I am hoping to help you begin to give your children visible and tangible … Read More
During this month of February, so much emphasis is put on love. Most of the time this love is expressed in the form of flowers, candy, and cards. In terms of parenting our children, though, love is one of … Read More
If you’ve read Babywise or taken any of the GFI classes for younger children, you know the importance of routine. But what about routine for the stay-at-home mom whose kids are in school? Or the work-at-home mom? Or the almost … Read More
The age at which a child transitions from a crib to a big bed is up to the parents. Some start as early as 12 months, others wait until much later. I have found that 2 years old … Read More
Why routine? Why take the time to come up with a workable schedule that you and your kids follow each day? Why bring structure to the home by forming habits and sticking to a plan? Four main benefits for … Read More
Context can be defined as the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea. Context helps us fully understand and assess a situation. Why is context important? Because without considering context, it is really easy for a … Read More
Nap transitions with babies are one of those areas that requires observation and careful evaluation. Below are some of the things that were going on with our little ones that helped us determine when to move to one nap … Read More
In our fourth and final installment of this series, we’ll look at some potential environment related contributors to Baby waking early. Baby is not being exposed to adequate amounts of daylight – Natural light is important to help babies … Read More
In part three of our series, we’ll look at some potential waketime activities that can contribute to Baby waking early: Previous waketime was too short – There will always be days when a baby’s routine will have some variance … Read More
To Santa or not to Santa…that is the question that plagues many parents this time of year. As the youngest of four children, I never stood a chance of believing in Santa Claus. Let’s face it, the further you … Read More
In part two of our series, we’ll look at some potential mother related contributors to Baby waking early. Baby is hungry because: The previous feeding proved to be inadequate Mom’s milk supply has gradually decreased – When it comes … Read More
Everywhere you look this time of year, there are messages about gratitude and how to cultivate a deeper sense of happiness or contentment in life. And while all of those things are okay, I wonder if the real issue … Read More
Nap disturbances can be triggered from a variety of sources. The problem might be baby related but it might also be associated with Mom or her diet, waketime activities, or Baby’s sleep environment. Isolating the cause of your baby’s sleep … Read More
November is a month when we talk a lot about being thankful. So what are some practical ideas for teaching your child to have a grateful heart? Consider the following: Pray before you eat: Recognizing that the food we … Read More
The symptoms of infant fatigue are different from those of a tired baby. A tired baby can usually recoup needed sleep in one good nap or at least within a 24-hour cycle. The fatigued baby, however, has a disruption in … Read More
Mothers will commonly ask if there is a difference between the late-evening feed and the dream feed since they both fall around the same time at night. Yes, there is a difference! The late-evening feeding provides the necessary nutrition … Read More
Living in the age of technology and instant information has its perks. No one can pull one over on us in social gatherings anymore since we always have Google at our fingertips to check the facts. The downside, however, is … Read More
Just when we think we’ve got a good routine going with our little ones, the calendar shows the end of Daylight Saving Time is quickly approaching. This year we’ll “fall back” an hour on Sunday, November 5th. You may … Read More
Babies “drop feedings” because they are either sleeping longer or staying awake longer. As a reminder, the act of “dropping a feeding” is part of the larger merging process and requires that some adjustments be made in the baby’s daily … Read More
Have you ever had the thought, “Where did that behavior or attitude come from all of a sudden?” When our children seem to be out of control “all of a sudden,” it is wise counsel to go back to … Read More
To the point of becoming faddish, co-sleeping with an infant is on the rise. Maybe you are contemplating the practice for your own family. Some theorists will tell you bed-sharing with an infant is the ultimate bonding, attachment, and … Read More
My claim to fame, if I actually have one, is that I was an Army wife for twenty-five years. My title of Army wife could be easily substituted for other titles such as: single mom, home repairman, Uber driver, … Read More
Sleep props are objects used to help a baby fall asleep or fall back to sleep if he wakes prematurely. Since sleep is a natural function of the body, the primary sleep cue is sleepiness. Sleep props interfere with … Read More
Rich and I have been on this parenting journey for nine years. We’ve learned a lot from many people who have gone before us. We’ve stayed up nights tending to sick kids and prayed many prayers for our children’s hearts. … Read More
Your baby cries out in the middle of the night or in the middle of a nap and instantly your mind fills with questions: Why is she awake? Is something wrong? What should I do? In moments like these, … Read More
The first couple of weeks back to school for the year can be hard work for both parents and kids. We’ve had a great break during the summer, and that was just what we needed back in May! During those … Read More
Even with the best of intentions, in summer routine often gets away from us. So many fun activities, vacations, visits with family and friends, later bedtimes and later mornings…it’s all good, but it does make keeping the kids on a … Read More
How am I ever going to get it all done? Have you ever said these words as the new school year is approaching? So many decisions to make, school supplies to buy, and schedules to arrange. Yet in all of … Read More
Do you know what I saw in the store the other day? School supplies! School Supplies? Didn’t school just let out? How can it possibly be time for school to start again? If you are like me, you might feel … Read More
It’s July. Already I’m feeling exhausted trying to come up with ways to keep my son entertained. I’ll admit, I’ve played enough Monopoly and Legos for a lifetime and it can seem wearying in the moment. Maybe you are … Read More
With Father’s Day celebrations recently, I reflected on praying for my husband through the seasons of our life together. Many blogs, posts, memes, and media stories have shown up over the last week: thought-provoking ones, some that were inspiring, funny … Read More
After our children were grown and out of the house, Tim and I were called upon to help a brand new mom who was headed back to the hospital for emergency surgery. We savored the task at hand, helping these … Read More
About half way though my fifth pregnancy, my obstetrician began sharing some concerns about our unborn son. His arms and legs measured a little short, his movements were not as vigorous as desired, and there were concerns about the formation … Read More
Let’s face it, Mom and Dad. Superheroes are just plain fun. They fly, they run, they stop bullets. What kid does not like pretending they are invincible? As parents, we are sometimes left wondering, “Are superheroes good or bad?” … Read More
This Letter of Encouragement was originally published by our ministry friends, Dave & Lis Marr at One Family: https://onefamilyhwl.org/ We were half hugging, Dave’s arms around Lis’ shoulders, Lis’ arms around Dave’s waist. Looking at the room that, … Read More
What do people say to a new mom who has just quit a high paying, high profile job to stay at home with her newborn? Or to the mom that wants all the bonding time in the world with … Read More
In Parenting from the Tree of Life, Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo introduced us to the concept of using words of life in our parenting. We were encouraged to use words that edify, cause growth, and encourage life rather … Read More
How healthy is your family bank account? Would you say you are in the black or in the red? What if I removed the word “bank” and just asked, how healthy is your family account? Does that change your … Read More
Like the anticipation of vacation or a trip to an amusement park, incorporating a new baby into your home and the lives of your other children is something to look forward to with joy, excitement and eager promise. No matter … Read More
Worldview Our Launching Place and Destination I once got lost in Paris – true story. I was serving in Amsterdam with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and our team had traveled to Paris for a long weekend. On the … Read More
Herman and I locked our general store and dragged ourselves home. It was 11:00 p.m., Christmas Eve of 1949. We were dog tired. We had sold almost all of our toys; and all of the layaways, except one package, had … Read More
I’m a big advocate for letting our teens be on social media. I think it is here to stay, and if our kids don’t learn how to do it well while they are in our home, and under our … Read More
Stepping back forty years, Christian communities welcomed the holiday charm and “make-believe” role that Santa Claus played in the imagination of children. Children loved the mystical notion attached to the jolly-old-man in red the suit. Where does he come … Read More
One of our most enduring family traditions is closing Christmas Eve with candlelight worship. When it’s time for bed, we turn off all the lights in the house except for the Christmas tree. Then we light a single … Read More
Light Scriptures for Our Ekhoff Christmas Eve Candle Light Service But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness … Read More
To be honest, I’m not sure how Santa does it! As a busy Mom of seven, I barely have time to make a list, let alone check it twice, and I already know who has been naughty or nice. … Read More
by Sandra Strange My life has changed in the last few years. I have retired from nursing, broadened the ministry out of my home, and published a book The Lamp, Be Aglow and Burning with the Spirit (available through … Read More
One fact of life we all must live with is that first impressions tend to prejudice all future impressions. That is why first impressions often become “lasting impressions.” It is also a fact that people tend to form favorable “first … Read More
“God, bless Mommy, and Daddy, and Grandma, and Grandpa and . . .” This precious prayer marked the beginning of my children’s relationship with God and their concern for family and friends. But as they grew in their … Read More
Apart from the orphaned child, most people grow up in families in which, from birth onward, they learn a way of life that gives meaning to their very existence. For most of us, the word home carries more than just … Read More
Belinda Letchford is a Contact Mom in the Growing Families Australia parenting ministry and author of the blog Live Life with Your Kids. In today’s technological world, Belinda brings up a conversation every parent should have with their tweens … Read More
Here’s the scene: Dad takes 2-year-old twins to a public family bathroom for the girls to go potty while Mom is busy nursing the baby. While helping the second twin, he turns to check on the first one who was … Read More
Now it’s time to paint! Choose an appropriate size brush for the first area to be painted. Dip the brush into the paint, and then carefully fill the space designated for that color. Re-dip often. Blow-dry each section before … Read More
Kids love to paint, but most moms hate the thought of letting them. It’s too messy and too expensive and too hard to teach. If you are not a fan of letting your kids loose with an art project … Read More
In the hectic pace of family life, Couch Time can often be one of the first things dropped from a full day. The following article comes from a blog by Angela Pascoe, a Contact Mum from our Growing Families Australia … Read More
Given the fact that every child is endowed with unique gifts, talents and personality that set him or her apart from others, is it reasonable to expect similar achievements from each child? If the question was limited to intellectual capacities, … Read More
Closely tied to suppressing the waywardness in children is the Potato Principle—a concept shared by ministry associates, Don and Karen Kurtz. The Potato Principle was derived from a real mealtime experience. Here’s how the name came about. While dining … Read More
Parents attracted to the Growing Families curricula tend to be cognizant of the important role that character training plays in a child’s development. These are parents who believe in the priority of moral education for their children, and view character … Read More
Character training is not a simple process. To the contrary, the moral education of children in today’s social environment comes with many more diverse challenges than in the past generations, especially for those who embrace the virtues and values contained … Read More
Here in the United States, we are getting back in the swing of things now that school has started. New rhythms and routines bring the perfect opportunity for re-examining our priorities. We all have different family sizes and schedules, but as … Read More
I’ve been experimenting with the simplicity and power of a one–degree change. Here’s how it works in principle: When I see a major family issue that needs my attention, instead of defaulting to frozen inaction, I hold the whole … Read More
Where do your parenting ideas and beliefs come from? How do you forge your convictions? These days there is plenty of information available to help raise children. The Internet, books, classes and support groups — there’s something for everyone … Read More
The best playtimes are delightfully relational and often educational! Children are naturals at playing, but sometimes mom and dad are wise to prompt their play in constructive directions by pre-gathering ideas and supplies and creating a time and space. … Read More
We have longed for these relaxing summer days, but from a child’s perspective, they can seem to lag. When we hear “Mommy, I’m bored!” or better yet, before we hear it, it’s wise to prepare some activities that direct … Read More
Wives, have you ever thought about the role God has placed our husbands in? He has set our men up as leaders in our homes. He has given them the role of being our protectors and providers. He has … Read More
We live in a world where it seems everything and everyone is connected. A decision made in Moscow, Washington, or Beijing can have a ripple effect on the rest of the world for years to come. This is called the … Read More
There is a utopian theory suggesting mankind can engineer the perfect socialized child and that scary thought usually has a preschool component attached to it. The very nature of children wars against the notion that a formalized preschool experience can … Read More
In part 1 of the “The Family Comparison Game,” I shared about my taxing and toxic family comparisons. I’ve been guilty of comparing myself and my parenting, my children’s character and education – even our spiritual gifts – with others. … Read More
There was a time when I lived the Family Comparison Game. Here’s how I played: There was an imaginary line between families who were successful and those who needed some work. My goal was to keep our family bobbing … Read More
Summer has officially set in here at our house. The kids are counting on long summer days – swimming, camping, working in the garden, fires on the patio – all the things that make summer so special. I can feel … Read More
The best way to introduce the play-pen is to use it from the beginning. As soon as your baby comes out of the sleepy newborn stage and begins to have some actual waketime, chose one time per day to … Read More
Frequently when asked about various aspects of routine in older infants and toddlers the topic of play-pen time comes up. Often moms ask if using the play-pen is really necessary. Many do not realize the benefits of having and … Read More
The freedom to fail is such an important concept to grasp no matter the ages of your children. As parents, we need to reshape our definition of “failure.” This article, written by one of our Contact Moms and her husband, … Read More
The Family Meal Table – What’s Happening at Yours? Behavior at the table says a lot about behavior in general – what do our children learn at the family meal table? If families would go through the process of … Read More
Did you dream last week? And I mean DREEEEEAAAAAM? Big, huge, ginormous, God-sized dreams for your children? Did you dream about what their hearts will look like? What their character will look like? What experiences they will have in … Read More
I love being a mom! Sometimes, however, this calling can be really hard. When the children are young, being a mom is exhausting because we are needed for everything. Then when they are teens….the difficulties become the emotional and … Read More
Have you ever planned a road trip with your family? You know, where everyone piles into the van, backpacks loaded with games and books, lots of loud sing-a-long music playing, and suitcases precariously strapped to the rooftop? What was your … Read More
My daughter has a raggedy old bunny that she sleeps with. One night as her dad was tucking her into bed, she told him how much she loved Bunny and that she would like to give it to her daughter … Read More
“Start with the end in mind.” Stephen R. Covey My husband and I began to emphasize family identity many years ago with fledgling attempts toward a little understood goal; we just didn’t know what would have the most … Read More
It had been an aggravating day. My children’s attitudes were draining my patience. In my frustration I was only making matters worse. Then I remembered! I would be meeting with my accountability friends on Monday evening. Hope rising, I … Read More
Helping Children Manage and Overcome Fear Some fears need to be managed, while other fears can be overcome with time and education. Here are some facts and suggestions to consider while working with your child’s fears. Fear itself … Read More
How old were you when you first saw the ghoulish monkeys dispatched by the wicked witch of the west to pick up Dorothy and her dog, Toto? Do you remember the scene of winged monkeys spreading the gentle Scarecrow “here, … Read More
Read Me a Story By Susan Ekhoff When I look back on 23 years of “married with kids,” one thing that strikes me as priceless is the time we invested in reading out loud as a family. On most … Read More
Two four-year-old cousins were striking the dwarf plum tree with sturdy sticks. Laughing and chanting a nursery rhyme, the pair used their enchanted scepters to knock from the branches the newly formed plums. Too late, grandma discovered and stopped their … Read More
Why is the grass green? Why is the sky blue? Why do birds fly? Why do flowers smell pretty? Has your two year old ever bombarded you with questions that their little minds are just burning to find answers to? Julie Young shares her journey with “why” … Read More
There is an interesting analogy introduced in Matthew 12:43. There we are told of a demon who went out from a man, but over time decides to return, and when he does, he finds his old dwelling place swept clean. … Read More
It is very hard for me to hear my six-week-old baby cry. How do I know when it is time to intervene? How do you determine when it is time to intervene when your baby cries? Take heart, you … Read More
Written by Bethany Mounts, South Carolina Oh how I love receiving a gift… big or little… new or used…wrapped or unwrapped. Just to know someone thought of me means so much! So when I first read Gary D. Chapman’s … Read More
Life has a way of presenting unexpected challenges—challenges that detract from the ideal. In the home environment, the ideal is to parent from the strength of your marriage. However, we recognize that ideal is not present in every home. The … Read More
Using the Pure Word to Speak Life On Prayer, Declarations, and Blessings from the Word By Susan Ekhoff The Word of God is filled with enough truth to last us a lifetime and through eternity. As parents we can … Read More
Moral education is a primary teaching emphasis within the Growing Families community. That is because a moral life style that shows consideration for others, is a way of life, not simply window dressing added to a child’s personality. Parents help … Read More
Marital love is rooted in the security of belonging, feeling needed, and complete as a “soul mate” and partner for life. We humans, unlike members of the animal kingdom, possess a particular emotional strand of DNA that will not allow … Read More
I know some are wondering – almost shouting by this time, “What if my children don’t want to read aloud? What about bad attitudes? What if the whole thing becomes a power struggle?” In these cases it may be good … Read More
If you are sold on the idea, but feel that the negative aspects of starting and persevering are prohibitive, read on. Any important discipline takes time and patience to cultivate. Here’s what I have discovered about the practicalities of long-term … Read More
One of the most worthwhile activities of my parenting years has been and continues to be reading aloud to my children. Since our family homeschools, just after lunch on most school days, we gather, take up our book where we … Read More
As we settle into a New Year, like many of us, you probably have pondered the idea of setting some goals with all the best intentions of following through “this time”. Reflect on January a year ago. Maybe the plan … Read More
It seems once we enter the season of life called “parenting,” time passes so quickly! Possibly because there are so many milestones that occur in our children’s lives and we spend so much time and energy anticipating them. Each … Read More
Stepping back forty years, Christian communities welcomed the holiday charm and “make-believe” role that Santa Claus played in the imagination of children. Children loved the mystical notion attached to the jolly-old-man in red the suit. Where does he come … Read More
Have you ever noticed how the holiday season seems to come around just a little bit sooner than the year before? While it is a time for family and friends, a time to continue tradition plus make new memories, … Read More
It seems that once we see that date on our calendar stating “First Day of Fall,” our thoughts fly ahead to the holidays… which then seems to engender all kinds of emotions, ranging from nostalgic to absolute dread. To help … Read More
Want more family peace? Require sibling honor! Start at birth teaching your children to refer to each other as “best friends.” We practiced that along with implementing the following principles in our homes when our children were very … Read More
Brothers fight! Unfortunately this is reality – especially in the middle years. I am a mother of four boys ranging in age from 18 – 11. Yes, raising middle school age boys (10-13years) can be a challenge. The middle years … Read More
Let the Consequence Fit the Crime Dano, the typical firstborn, who is tasked with always being first to generate the need to create a consequence for unwanted behavior, was consistently late for car-pool. Well, technically, he was on time … Read More
When I was a mom with young children, I found a surprisingly simple way to memorize whole passages of scripture as a family – with no tears. I printed a long passage or chapter on colorful card stock, one … Read More
Since we’re in Sweden this week, we thought it’d be appropriate to talk about traveling with children. Parents love their kids, but those rose-tinted glasses get a good cleaning when kids suffer the gauntlet of cramped seating, long waits, … Read More
Trying to get excited here, how about you? -Back to School 2015- I’m counting down the days…there is one week until school starts for my high school age boys. This year we have a senior and a sophomore in High … Read More
THE LEAVING I’m almost ashamed to admit that this was the verse I claimed when our firstborn left for college 10 years ago this month. Psalm 94:19, 22 “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought … Read More
Oh the emotions that come when launching a child into the college world! Whether they are staying home or leaving there is a host of emotions that every mother faces. There is so much uncertainty as this new season … Read More
It’s time to start school and our family of teens and young adults is starting a new tradition. We’re calling it TransitionTalks: an intentional time and place to stop and take an account before school sweeps us up, up and … Read More
As we gather together at Seacoast Church in Charleston, SC for the GFI Family Conference, there is a unified outpouring of love among families from across the world. Families coming together to be strengthened in Christian values bringing Life … Read More
In the midst of the early morning shuffle to get out the door on time, I asked my 6-year old to complete her attire by putting on her silver church sandals. She immediately pointed out the fact that she … Read More
Are you: neat, loving, gentle, kind, polite, considerate, patient, responsible, hardworking? Are you your wife’s dreams come true? Okay, well, if not now, were you earlier in your marriage? What about a critical self-assessment … Read More
While blanket time is usually an extension of playpen time training, it is an activity you can begin early on before a baby is mobile. For the crawler/or emerging walker, once you find that he is content in the … Read More
It is pure bliss when family members are living in harmony with one another, when relationships are interwoven & interdependent and when siblings are best friends. Is this possible or a far-stretched dream? Is it really achievable for siblings … Read More
Abba — (Hebrew) papa, “dear father”, daddy I love my dad. Talking about my earthly dad. He is a wonderful man. Loyal, hard-working, contemplative, slow to anger, quiet, focused, faithful, tenderhearted, loving, sarcastic, humorous, the most important person in my life … Read More
If you experience frustration by having to prompt and remind your child to hurry when you’re in a rush to get out the door to school, an appointment or meeting, Three Candy Speed is a way to show a … Read More
It seems like the concern over Ebola is waning a bit. Many were very fearful of its coming to the States, and an outbreak would be terrible for sure. What would you think if I said there is something on … Read More
Keenan, Christian, and you other gentlemen that have newly arrived bundles or are now awaiting this impending profound change in life – Welcome. Since you’re going to be a new father for the first time only one time – write … Read More
Expectation: something we think will or should happen… When life unfolds according to our dreams and expectations, we feel satisfied, rewarded and exhilarated because things are lining up according to our plan. On the other hand, missed expectations (when things … Read More
“I Love You” These simple, profound words communicate a deep meaning expressing a connection, a commitment, a feeling, a decision. These three words are the most powerful words that can be given to someone. These three words are the most … Read More
02/03/2015 May 27 entryThe following is an journal entry I wrote when Bev, Brad, and I went on a little mountain retreat after one of Brad’s difficult times;“We had a wonderful day yesterday. Brad was much improved. I have found that … Read More
When he can’t say “good morning” in person, a father finds that a simple sketch is worth a thousand words. Five a.m. Still dark. A soft click from the clock radio, and my last dream of the night surreally segues … Read More
Nothing strikes fear in the heart of a new parent quite like a baby that won’t stop crying. While it is never easy to hear your baby cry, three simple steps can be taken to help assess the cry and … Read More