Parent Adventure: Are We Having Fun Yet?

Are we having fun yet? From the expressions on your face throughout the day, do your children know that you are GLAD to be their parent? During the middle-of-the-night feedings, temper tantrums, flu, homework, dance recital, and baseball season, we forget that there is JOY in parenthood. We forget the miracle of how we waited so long (and thought it might never happen) for this little baby to come into…

Parent Adventure: Teens

Teen – it is a small number, but so complex! When our children hit their teenage years, it is natural for them to want to make their own decisions and think for himself while rejecting the opinions of mom and dad. They possess a natural curiosity and belief in invincibility which makes them passionate about ideas and courageous risk-takers. On the flip-side, it can make parents experience some emotional whiplash…

Parent Adventure: Leading the Adventurous Child

Oh, the adventurous child! Pushing the limits . . . coloring outside the lines . . . challenging the rules . . . extreme tears . . . extreme laughter. The parental gasp is filled with fear, anger, shock, and gratitude all at the same time. And as much as we love them, we need to lead them with purpose and authority. With our leadership, we can release the parental…

Parent Adventure: When Life Gets Hard

Parenting is a daily challenge. There are no sick days when mom/dad have a cold. You never really have a “day-off” from the job. And as our children grow and change, we have to learn to handle the challenges with openness and firmness. Some of us are facing very trying issues: miscarriage, depression, divorce, death, autism, dyslexia, rebellion, lawsuits, job loss, finances, cancer . . . It can be completely…