Stress invades our lives. Parenting magnifies it. Single parenting makes it enormous. I had the opportunity to be a guest with Robert Beeson and Kimberly Mitchell on the Solo Parent Society podcast. We talk about the stress of raising children & teenagers on your own, along with practical steps to take for survival. These stress-busting strategies…
From infancy to adulthood, there are things that scare us all—real or imagined. For children, fear can be an overwhelming emotion! They look to us, their parents, to help provide a safe place at home where they can find security, understanding, and guidance. Teaching tips for tough times: Pray With your kids nearby, speak to God aloud regarding concerns and fears your…
During this temporary time of severe health crisis in our world—and families are home for more hours together—there’s a delicate balance parents are now walking between the stress of what is happening day-to-day mixed with fear of the unknown. In this video clip titled “Coronavirus For Parents,” Jason Gibson, Director of the Babb Center for…
I had a moment recently with one of my teenagers, but not one of those heart-warming moments that you see on a Hallmark channel movie. We had to have this “convo” (aka “conversation” for those of us over 30) because there were some patterns I was seeing her demonstrate that I wanted to address. Nothing too…
As a newlywed (almost two years), I’m the first to admit that I am NOT an expert on marriage. There are certainly more individuals who are wiser and have MANY more years under their belt. But when I was newly engaged—so eager and excited to start the next chapter of life with my fiancé—I was…
Has your relationship become more lifeless than lively? It might be a sign that your marriage is overdue for some fun! Consider these ideas to help spark things up a bit: Recreational Intimacy One of the ways we identify with our mates is to be “team focused.” It’s a great time of year to join a new…
Raising teenagers is one of those life experiences that can be both challenging and exciting at the same time. It has been my privilege to raise two biological children and two stepsons (twin brothers God brought into my life when they were young teenagers) to adulthood. Looking back, I can honestly say I enjoyed interacting and…
Dads, do you ever think of the legacy you’ll one day leave with your children? The word “inheritance” is usually associated with material possessions such as money, but there is another kind of legacy that’s even more valuable. Although it can’t be seen, counted, or measured, a spiritual inheritance is the most priceless gift you…
Everyone has a theory about what makes up a real family. But this post isn’t about a theory. Rather, it’s about family—a “forever family,” as Mike McClanahan calls it. This is a peek through an open window of Mike’s household and expressly his heart, made up of five children—four of which he adopted in 2016. Mike’s story During…