Our families are one of the most important social institutions in our lives. Researchers have observed that in all the societies they have studied, family plays a crucial role in the success of individuals. A family’s influence on young children can last a lifetime in many ways.

Consider the following scenarios. You are trying to get out the door in the morning, already running ten minutes late, and your preschooler refuses to put on his shoes. Bedtime is fast-approaching and your second grader refuses to take a shower and brush her teeth. It’s time to leave for an appointment and your middle schooler won’t turn off the TV. 

I saw the lava on the floor, bubbling and hurling its molting hot liquid from the couch to the coffee table. I could not let it touch me. I pedaled as quickly as my legs let me before taking my hands off the handles to feel the wind rush past me. I needed to fly. I climbed as high as I could on the tree to see how far my enemy’s ship was. I grabbed the broken branch, pointed in no direction, and yelled, “Arrrrrgh!!” I defended my crew.

Raising a child with an ongoing illness can pose many challenges for couples, and the family as a whole. Learning to navigate these challenges in a productive manner is essential for maintaining stability within the family unit, not just with the affected child. Parenting under these circumstances can negatively impact couple relations, the relationships they […]

Whether or not you have children or work as a teacher, without a doubt you are privy to the current struggles and challenges related to the rapidly approaching school year. As the mother of four young children, my husband and I have spent a lot of time lately considering our options, attempting to arrive at […]

Understanding the 5 stages of change How do you respond to change?  Do you embrace it with all that you have or do you avoid it at all costs?  Can I be honest with you?  Change is inevitable.  And no matter how good you might think you are at avoiding it or ignoring it, we […]

When you think of being in “survival mode,” what comes to mind? Surviving on scraps, you find in the wilderness? Jumping at every sudden noise with a knife in hand?  While these dystopian images may seem not far fetched for some, being in survival mode may encompass far more than just these extremes. It refers […]

I love Jesus. And I also struggle. I am no stranger to fear and worry and anxiety. For years I was told things like “just trust God more” and “worry is a sin” and “you should pray more”.  And yet despite a love for the Lord that resonates to the core of who I am, […]