What is gratitude? Does gratitude come naturally?How can more gratitude change my life? What is affirming? Does affirming come naturally?How can affirming naturally grow gratitude? The big idea is that gratitude toward others leads to affirming them which is followed by positive emotions for all. Increased social skills and an expansion in your community add […]

How can you fall into more cozy? Can you be too cozy?

Since it is fall by all indications here, it might be the right time to lean into what is spectacular about this season…coziness. As the late warm summer teases with cool, crisp temperatures, the glories of the promised transition to fall bring anticipation for many of our favorite things.

If we explore the best of all with our senses, it becomes palatable as it immerses us. Let’s think about how we can have more cozy with all of our senses. As we unpack each sense, consider where you can add more to what you are already doing with fall.

Thank you to YOU, our listener, for joining us in this journey of 150 podcasts with companion blogs! This pause invites us to explore Tim’s favorite 5 episodes and Leah’s favorite 5 episodes followed by YOUR favorites!! What is your personal favorite?

Recently, a friend shared this encouragement on communication that focused around the qualities of a person instead of their outer appearance. (Thank you, Kathleen Coss!) This is so important when practicing social skills, emotional intelligence and friendship development. Consider memorizing a few of the following compliments. Or use these as prompts to create authentic, winning compliments that demonstrate that the receiver is seen and known. Check out these 15 compliments that are not about physical appearance:

While preparing intentionally for your preschooler seems like an option in for the summer or school year, it should rank high in importance. Why? First, you don’t want to waste these ripe learning years. Secondly, if the little ones don’t have a plan to keep them busy, they will keep you from accomplishing your goals with the older children. Preschoolers are naturally curious. They love to play. Use this curiosity to play purposeful.

Speaking as a parent of a strong-willed child (SWC), I can communicate as one who has been in the trenches. The wonderful part of this is that I can fully confirm that this type of child is likely intelligent and full of potential. While parenting this personality can be altogether demanding, frustrating and intensely maddening…it also gives you the front row seat to a highly driven, strong individual. Consider your words and actions carefully. This blog offers hope and encouragement that this child’s potential is even greater that you might imagine. From identifying the triggers of strong willed children to some practical solutions and real examples of changing fighting words to thinking words. It is all about relationship.

My hope is that you have a wonderful relationship with your parents. You are visiting them as frequently as you wish your children will visit you when they are grown. When you do go to your parent’s home for a visit, remember these easy ideas and make your visit one of the best ones ever!

Since I was a young woman, I have worked with children. As I dearly love these young hearts, I am particularly attuned to the anger seen in so many of them. Sometimes the anger comes from a wounded place or a response to bullying. Other times it is the result of neglect or a head injury. This blog explores practical helps for the prevention and cure of anger in children. Yes, there is prevention. Yes there are cures. Yes, more than just identifying the problem, there is help.

Anger in a child is a real response. While God holds each of us, even a child, responsible for his or her sin, God does hold parents 100% responsible for the sins which provoked him to that anger. Check out 25 ways that parents provoke their children to anger. Loving my children well means that communication on this topic must remain open to self examination on this topic as well as others.