Halloween and Your Child- Part 1
Halloween can be a special family time for the Christian family. Here are some suggestions for making this time more meaningful. Perhaps these suggestions will be helpful in building your own family traditions. Just try one or two this year. Party Ideas: Try these party ideas to provide kids a safe place on Halloween night. Circus, Circus – Have a “let’s pretend” circus complete with three rings, circus animals, and acts. Pumpkin Patch Party – Meet in a pumpkin patch or create a patch in your back yard....
read moreGrowing in favor with God and man!
September is the time to get back into the routine of school and schedules. Summer is over and fall is on the way. Your child will be developing new friendships, learning and having fun. This can be a stressful time of adjustment—you can choose the attitude for your family! Remind your child how Jesus grew when he was a boy. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). Read about Jesus in the temple in Luke 2:41-52. Talk about what it means to be in favor with God and man. When we are obedient and make...
read moreSisters and Brothers
Mark Feinburg, a professor at the Prevention Research Center for the Promotion of Human Development says, “Negative sibling relationships are strongly linked to aggressive, anti-social and delinquent behaviors, including substance use. On the other hand, positive adjustment, including improved peer and romantic relationship quality, academic adjustment and success, and positive well-being and mental health.” Families who are committed and spend time together can prevent these negative effects. Parents who demonstrate love, forgiveness and...
read moreTeach Me
I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go (Isaiah 48:17). Have you ever heard of being teachable? What would happen if you went to school but you decided you would not learn anything? You do not pay attention in class, you do not complete your work, and you just sit at your desk all day and do nothing. Besides getting in a lot of trouble, you would not learn anything! Being teachable means we don’t act like we already know it all but that we are ready and willing to learn everything...
read moreCommunication Styles
Communication changes constantly and our children quickly adapt to the technological world around us. Even young children can pick up an iPhone and find a game to play or send a simple text. Boys and girls would be shocked to hear about the days when phones had cords and could not be moved from room to room, much less taken outside! Have a fun family night looking up pictures of old phones or other ways of communication. End the night by texting Bible verses to each other. See who can come up with the best “text language.” (See examples...
read moreYour Child and Camp
Summer is the time for sleep-overs and camps. Is your child ready to be away from home for the night, or a few nights? Homesickness is just the big-kid version of separation anxiety. It is a normal reaction especially for kids who haven’t spent much time away from their parents. Here are some ways to help your child be a successful, happy camper: Rehearse. If your child has not already spent the night away from home, arrange for a sleepover with a friend or relative before heading off to camp. Scope it out. Involve your child in deciding the...
read moreCharacteristics of Successful Families
Researchers have developed lists of the most common behavioral traits among healthy families. They are: Strong communication Encouragement Expressing Appreciation Commitment to Family Religious Orientation Social Connectedness Ability to Adapt Clear Roles of Responsibility Priority on Time Spent Together How does your family rate in each of these areas? Where are your weaknesses? Where are your strengths?
read moreCelebrate Independence Day
Independence Day is observed in the United States on the Fourth of July. On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence which states that all people are created equal and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is important to help your children understand the reason we celebrate our country’s special day and find out what freedom means to a Christian. The Fourth of July is a great summer event for the family. Picnics, bar-b-ques, watermelon eating contests, roasting hot dogs and...
read moreCelebrate Fathers
Fathers are an important part of life. They can bring encouragement and strength just by their presence if they are connected to God and His Word. The following Bible verses speak to the heart of a Father: Psalm 103:13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. (NIV) Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (NIV) Proverbs 10:9 The man of integrity walks...
read moreI Want Fries!
“Research has shown that children are more likely to choose those foods with familiar logos. That is concerning because the majority of foods marketed to children are unhealthy.” –Dr. Amanda Bruce, University of Missouri-Kansas City What have we done to our children? Marketing begins at such an early age, two year olds know to ask for nuggets and fries. Fast food is not all bad, just make good choices and balance it out with nutritious snacks at home. Incorporate all four food groups in your menu at least a few times a week. Remember, family...
read morePurchasing
