Little Hands

Used by permission from Proverbs 31 Ministries 

Little hands to hold so tight. Hair to comb, and tears to wipe. Little feet that grow so fast. Teeth to brush and bedtime baths. Little cups that must be filled. Teething rings that must be chilled. Little dresses, spin and twirl. Little hair bows, little curls. Time is fleeting, oh so fast. What was just here, is now the past. Little hands that needed me. Now need me less, I start to see. She ties her shoes and combs her hair. Picks out her clothes, knows what to wear. She grabs her doll, heads to the door. I smile, she's still a little girl. We're at the park, we play pretend. She tells me I'm her favorite friend. Who, what, when, where, why and how? She needs to know these things right now. So full of life, so full of love. This gift sent from the Lord above. She's older now, my little girl. She's learning more about the world. Each night I ask the Lord above, to help me teach her how to love. There's so much that she needs to know, and I'm still learning as I go. Please, Lord... PLEASE help me get this right. I beg, as I lose sleep at night. Precious soul, undefiled. Lord, guide me as I raise this child. What just happened? Can it be? My little girl is now a teen. No more dolls, and no more bows. That happened fast, where did time go? Help me to listen patiently, as I instruct her, Lord guide me. May my words be gentle and kind. Loving, sincere, pure and wise. Her time at home, will soon be gone. It sure did fly, but it was fun. Her bags are packed and by the door. She's off to face a whole new world. It seems like only yesterday, as I would rock her… she would say. Just one more story, pretty please? Please would you read one more to me? Then I would tuck her in her bed, and kiss her on her precious head. No more ballet, no more tee ball. No more measurements on the wall. Today she'll leave this cozy nest, and spread her wings, and give her best. Five years later, long white dress. My heart is full, I am so blessed. My little girl, a woman now. So full of grace, I am so proud. A handsome man, I'll call my son. I've prayed for him, since she was one. Thank you Lord, for hearing me. For strengthening our family tree. Two young lives will now be one. A new love story has begone. Two years later, by her bed. The doctor says, he sees a head. A baby girl, wrapped up in pink. My daughter reaches her to me. I close my eyes, and smell her hair. The tears they fall, without a care. I lay her on my daughter's chest, The years ahead will be her best. It's true, she may not know it yet. But she will soon, that I can bet. Little hands to hold so tight. Hair to comb and tears to wipe. 

 {From our friend Vicki at Sit Down and Take a Brake: http://victoriabrake.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-poem-little-hands.html?spref=fb

Sending My Babies Back into the World

Used by permission by Alicia Miller

August is always a hard month for me. It’s the month I have to send to my babies back into the world after being home with me all summer. There is something about sending them out into world after they have been safe under the covering of our home that gets to me. Things happen in their day once school starts back up that I have no first hand knowledge of and they come home a little different than they left. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ God brought this to my attention this morning ... For weeks this plant in the picture below has only had 2 flowers on it, today it has 14 flowers. I’ve kept it on my covered screened in porch, safe on a table, while it gets the what I thought was the perfect amount of sun and controlled water by using my watering can. A few days ago, it was obvious by the dark clouds in the sky and the sound of thunder that it was going to storm so I set it out on my uncovered patio to receive the rain. We get some fierce afternoon thunderstorms so I worried while I was gone that the wind and hard rain could have been too much for this seemingly delicate plant. When I came home, the sun had come back out and it appeared to be watered, nourished and vibrant. I moved it back to safety of the covered screened in porch. Each day since it was in the storm a new flower has bloomed and it is finally starting to fill out. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Maybe, just maybe, the rain and storms, the trials and heartaches, of this life in my children’s path are also necessary to produce fruit (or flowers). Safety in my home is good for rest and for Him to lay foundational roots. However, when I let them enter the rain, and even the fierce storms on the outside, perhaps that is when He can flourish through them and the fruit produced will bloom and be most evident. They (we all do) need the time in safety under covering but they also need to enter the storms and allow Him to hold them up in the rain and wind - after all that is where endurance is built and tried. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ So, next Monday, when two of mine return to the overcrowded school hallways and the building to learn things that I am not equipped to teach them at home, I will remember these truths that He imparted in me. They may face storms but they will also receive nourishment, there may be the gusty wind of trials but He is strong enough to keep them upright, there will also be joy when the sun shines on them and He will produce vibrant beauty through them for all to see. Then, they will return to our house, He will continue to give them rest and restoration under the covering of our home. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ (Please know I’m not a debating or even implying that brick and mortar style school is always best. I have two that are returning to the building and one college age child that will be home with all online classes. Just as plants’ care instructions are all different according to each individual plant type, so are His Holy Spirit’s instructions for each individual child based on their specific needs. This was just a message He gave me today about my children that I thought might relatable to others’ situation as well.)

22 Ideas to Help Your Children Study And Love the Bible

http://www.as4me.net/22-ideas-to-help-your-children-study-and-love-the-bible/
by Michelle Brock
Used by permission

(Note from Lois: This is an excellent article and grandparents, we can do our part by making a Bible verse booklet for each of our grandchildren, consisting for scriptures to memorize.  For me, this is a work in progress.)

Download the 22 Ideas as a PDF

The first time I became aware of my mom’s love for God’s Word, my brother and I were racing around the living room playing hockey. At some point, I noticed my mom calmly reading her Bible on our bright orange couch, and I ran to get my little Gideon New Testament to “read” next to her. I probably sat 20 seconds before getting up and running somewhere else.

Today I laugh with understanding, thinking of my mama reading the Bible with noisy children running around, and I have a strong desire to pass on the love of God’s Word that she shared with me that day.

As an educator and mother, I have noticed that children learn to love God’s Word differently than adults. They’re still learning to read, and lack many higher-level thinking skills adults use as they study the Bible.

Children learn to love God’s Word
differently than adults. 

Children can also respond in surprising ways when parents teach them about spiritual things. They may get bored quickly. If you ask them if they want to hear what God taught you that morning, they might say no. They don’t pick up the Bible with the combination of discipline and joy that we parents have developed. Instead, we may see periods of interest and delight, followed by apparent disinterest.

If we confuse their developmental limitations with a lack of interest, we may miss the very real ways that children are responding to the work of the Holy Spirit within them.

For the last few years, I’ve been gathering the ideas we’ve found helpful for nurturing our children’s interest and skill in reading the Bible. My children don’t yet read the Bible voraciously, and I’m still asking God for wisdom, but perhaps some of our approaches may encourage you to try some new ideas with your own family.

Here are 22 ideas to help children study and love the Bible:

(1) Help children write out favorite verses in a handmade book, or on index cards to tape on their wall next to their beds. They may enjoy making and printing “business cards” with verses and clip art. These also make good gifts!

(2) Consider allowing children to stay up later than normal if they are reading or listening to their Bible in their rooms. This reward is highly motivating to my night owl, although not as motivating for my child who goes to sleep within two minutes of laying his head on the pillow.
(3) Download an audio Bible (here’s one free resource) and give children the means of listening to it in their rooms. I used to think that my son was not interested in the Bible, but when he could listen to it, I got a better sense of his actual interest level. Listening also enables children to understand more of the Bible than reading alone, because of pronunciation and dramatic/auditory cues.
(4) Teach them that a child doesn’t have to be a good reader to love and obey the Bible! Ask them how the foolish man who built his house on the sand was different than the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). Hint: It isn’t “build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ”!
(5) Show children how to search for verses on a topic online (such as BibleGateway.com), or with a concordance. Teach them the Bible study tools and apps that you use. Some of my best Bible memories as a child were of my dad helping me use the Bible reference works in his library.
(6) If children use an electronic Bible, help them use it more effectively. Show them how to use the search function, or pronunciation/dictionary features, and so on. I grew up loving the center margin cross references in my Bible, and I look for a Bible with cross references for my children. I’ve shown them how cross references help them find an original prophecy, similar verses, or the  harmony of the gospels.
(7) Help children make a chain of verses in their Bibles by writing another reference on the same topic in the margin. Making connections is one way children (and parents) learn to be active and happy students of God’s Word.
(8) Encourage your children to memorize the books of the Bible. Sword drills are a simple and enjoyable way for children to practice locating verses in a print Bible and grow in confidence as they increase skill.
(9) Teach them to use the maps in their Bibles. I spent one day helping them find places in the maps at the back of their Bibles when we were reading through Acts. Helping children locate the exact location communicates that the Bible is reliable and true, and is especially helpful for spatial learners.
(10) Help children identify Bible synonyms for everyday concepts. For example, if they want to know what the Bible has to say about “fighting,” show them how the Bible includes other words like strife, wars, contention, and so on.
(11) Help children identify Bible opposites as they study. Ask, “What is the opposite of love? What is the opposite of pride?” Show them the Bible opposites in Ephesians 4:25-32.
(12) Talk about the process of actively reading: “After I read a passage, I wonder how…” and pause to see if they can finish the sentence. If not, you can supply your own ideas. For example, if I’m reading where Jesus tells me to take up my cross and follow him, I am going to ask myself (and my children), “When I read this verse, I wonder how to obey it. What does that mean, to take up my cross? Is there something else in the passage that gives me a clue?” Then we can turn these questions into prayers or further discussions.
(13) When I want to guide children into applying Scripture, I’m more successful when I share three or four possible responses and ask them to pick one to pray about, or apply in some specific way. Children also do well if we supply a scenario and ask them how to apply a particular verse. If I ask how they might apply God’s Word when someone yells at them on the soccer field, or when a sibling is mean to them, they can usually take the next step. Children need to know good doctrine, but they also need to see how they can actively read and respond to the text on their own.
(14) Help young children find and highlight verses they have memorized, even if they haven’t yet become fluent readers. Show them how highlighting these verses makes it easy to scan the Bible and find them again quickly. Verses that are already memorized are the easiest verses for new and struggling readers to find in the Bible and actually read. Yes, they may highlight strange verses, or highlight too many, but I have always enjoyed having a glimpse into my children’s independent spiritual life when they proudly show me what they’ve marked. My youngest daughter, Laurel, was especially delighted when I helped her find her favorite verses and showed her how to use a card to highlight in a straight line. Then she could read her Bible just like her older siblings.

(15) Teach them verses that correspond to their interests. My son loves bird verses. On the other hand, my daughter Bethel likes horse verses, and I don’t yet have a good sense of the verses that my youngest daughter likes. Every once in awhile, I tell one of them, “I have a verse for you.” and then I read it to them, or give them a paper with the reference on it.
(16) Teach them verses that can help them in their specific circumstance. When Bethel told me she was having a hard time being afraid at night, I showed her some Psalms about going to sleep. I discovered later that she highlighted those verses and learned them well. Another time, I helped David label some Psalms—“when I am discouraged,” “when others are being mean,” “when I can’t sleep,” and so on. Like my children, I am excited when I see the relevance of God’s Word to my life, when I see that God has given me everything I need for life and godliness. However, I’m learning children don’t always get the connection without someone specifically teaching it.
(17) One of the motivations I had growing up for reading God’s Word was watching my mom and dad love and study God’s Word. It challenges me to remember that I am teaching my children to love, by what I love.
(18) I have been especially challenged to remember that  I can nurture a love for God’s Word, but I cannot create it. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. Remembering the work of the Holy Spirit drives me to pray more fervently for my children, and also to rest in his provision for the results of my labor.

Remembering the Holy Spirit’s work
drives me to pray more. 

(19) If you like to read, check out I Read It, But I Don’t Get It by Chris Tovani, and How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler (I’m partial to the old, out-of-print edition). Neither of these books is about reading the Bible specifically, but they both address the process of becoming an active reader. You may find them inspiring as I did. One important idea from these books is that good readers aren’t terribly concerned about gaps in their understanding as they read. In fact, those gaps actually cause them to be more alert and more active as they read. Help your children not to fear how much they don’t understand. Teach them that good readers have lots of questions as they read, and encourage them to keep going and to keep asking questions when they don’t understand.

(20) When it comes to choosing a translation, remember it’s not just about the reading level. Children who grow up in Christian homes learn at some point not to worry about what is too difficult. Some verses will be difficult regardless of the translation; likewise, even a more difficult to read translation will have passages that most young readers can read. For any translation, parents can help the child by finding places that he can read and understand.
(21) Consider purchasing for your children the translation your church uses. New readers have great difficulty following along with public reading of God’s Word when their Bible is different than the one being read. In fact, our ability as adults to read and listen to two different texts is quite complex.
(22) One of the projects our family worked on together was compiling Scripture verses on topics we were interested in. When the children discussed certain problems, we would add a new topic. Talking about Bible topics and collecting verses was a rewarding and happy time for our family. Gradually, the topics grew into a book that we decided to share with others.

Learn more about the Topical Bible for Kids below. And if you’d like a PDF version of this article to take with you or share with others, download it now: 

Download the 22 Ideas (PDF)

Michelle Brock is the author of the Topical Bible for Kids. She comes from a family of Bible lovers, and is passionate about sharing that love with her husband and three children. She also loves the coffee her husband roasts weekly, the poetry of TS Eliot, rocks, and seashells. Send Michelle a note at brockme@gmail.com or on Twitter @michelleebrock.

Empathy and Sensitivity in Problem-Solving

For more ideas about emotionally connecting with children and helping to soften their hearts, consider the book Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
www.biblicalparenting.org 
Used by permission

Sometimes a parent is ready to offer a solution to a child before that child is ready to receive it. In fact, many times children share problems with parents because they want sympathy, not solutions.  If you move into a problem-solving mode too quickly, you may get resistance from your child.

Try to discern whether your child is ready to hear some possible solutions. Asking permission is an excellent way to do that. "Would you like an idea?" "Would you like to hear how other people might solve that problem?" If you launch into solutions before your child is ready, you’ll find yourself getting frustrated at the child's lack of responsiveness to your suggestions. A simple question can open the door for permission to offer solutions.

By the way dads, you might try this with your wife, as well. Those who are problem-solvers need to recognize that sometimes people present a problem just because they want to be cared for, not because they don't have answers. Your wife or child may be fully capable of solving the problem. But first she just wants a listening ear, someone to stand beside her in the problem.

It's not enough to have answers to people's problems. We also must be sensitive enough to know what is needed in the situation. Resist the temptation to offer solutions until you sense your child is ready to hear them. Empathy goes a long way in building emotional bonds with those we love.

For more ideas about emotionally connecting with children and helping to soften their hearts, consider the book Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. 

Teaching Children How to Face Life's Challenges

This idea comes from Chapter 37 in the book The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Used by permission
 
Problems make great opportunities to teach children how to face life’s challenges. There are two kinds of people in the world: solvers and whiners. Whiners complain about life, feel like victims, and believe that others cause their problems. If others would just change, then they’d be happy.

Solvers, on the other hand, look for solutions, recognize that they can impact others, and feel empowered to change life. If they can’t solve the problem themselves, they know where to go to get solutions.

Helping children move from being whiners to being solvers starts in the way they talk about problems or bring them to their parents. The very words they use are important. When Johnny comes into the kitchen and says, “I’m hungry,” try saying, “Johnny, that’s focusing on the problem. Tell me the solution.”

Johnny’s response can be, “Mom, could I please have a snack?” That’s using words to focus on the solution. Don’t wait for the whiny voice to indicate a complaining heart. Look for word cues and you’ll be able to bring about change more quickly and effectively.

When Lori yells, “I can’t find my boots!” that’s focusing on the problem. It would be better for her to say, “Dad, would you please help me find my boots?”

Maybe you think this is only semantics. But the words children use to bring problems to their parents can mean all the difference in the way they view themselves and the world. Whining is often the sign of a victim mentality. Children who believe they’re victims are often angry and resentful because everyone else is the cause of their problems. They don’t believe they can change anything, so they may as well just complain about it.

Remember that frustration can be a great teacher and provides internal motivation to find a solution. When parents solve too many problems, children come to rely on parental solutions because it’s the easy way out.

Philippians 2:14 talks about having a good attitude with tasks when it says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” That’s great advice for the family.

 

Sibling Rivalry

This idea comes from Chapter 39 in the book The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. Click here to see the Table of Contents.

Used by permission

Competition between siblings is often demonstrated by the statement, "That's not fair" or "What about him?" Competition stems from comparison and often creates conflict in relationships between brothers and sisters.

Here's an idea that will go a long way to reduce the comparison and competition between your children. Treat each child uniquely and don't even try to treat all your kids the same. Intentionally give them different privileges, assignments, and responsibilities. Avoid grouping the children by saying things like, "Kids, it's time to eat" or "Boys, let's get in the car." Instead, use each child’s name and give separate instructions. "Bill, please wash your hands and come to dinner." "Karen, come join us now for dinner?"

When children compare themselves to each other they say they want equality, but that's not really true. What each child wants is to feel special. When you treat them uniquely and focus on each child individually, you'll be surprised how much comparison and competition are reduced in your family.

After all, God doesn't treat us all the same. He treats us each uniquely. John 21:15-23 contains a fascinating story that often happens in families today. Jesus is telling Peter how he is going to die. Peter turns and looks at another disciple and says, "What about him?" Jesus answers, "What is that to you? You follow me." In essence, Jesus was saying, "I treat each person uniquely. You worry about yourself." What a great lesson to apply to our families. Treat people uniquely and special instead of trying to treat them all equally or the same.

Motivating Kids to Be Active

https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/health-library/en/parents/active-kids/
Permission granted by Paige Johnson at LearnFit

Keeping Kids Active

Anyone who’s seen kids on a playground knows that most are naturally physically active and love to move around. But what might not be apparent is that climbing to the top of a slide or swinging from the monkey bars can help lead kids to a lifetime of being active.

As they get older, it can be a challenge for kids to get enough daily activity. Reasons include increasing demands of school, a feeling among some kids that they aren’t good at sports, a lack of active role models, and busy working families.
And even if kids have the time and the desire to be active, parents may not feel comfortable letting them freely roam the neighborhood as kids did generations ago. So their opportunities might be limited.
In spite of these barriers, parents can instill a love of activity and help kids fit it into their everyday lives. Doing so can set healthy patterns that will last into adulthood.

Benefits of Being Active

When kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want and need them to do. Why? Because regular exercise provides these benefits:

• strong muscles and bones
• weight control
• decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• better sleep
• a better outlook on life

Healthy, physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. And physical competence builds self-esteem at every age.

What Motivates Kids?

So there’s a lot to gain from regular physical activity, but how do you encourage kids to do it? The three keys are:

1. Choosing the right activities for a child’s age: If you don’t, the child may be bored or frustrated.
2. Giving kids plenty of opportunity to be active: Kids need parents to make activity easy by providing equipment and taking them to playgrounds and other active spots.
3. Keeping the focus on fun: Kids won’t do something they don’t enjoy.

When kids enjoy an activity, they want to do more of it. Practicing a skill — whether it’s swimming or riding a tricycle — improves their abilities and helps them feel accomplished, especially when the effort is noticed and praised. These good feelings often make kids want to continue the activity and even try others.

Age-Appropriate Activities

The best way for kids to get physical activity is by incorporating physical activity into their daily routine. Toddlers and preschoolers should play actively several times a day. Children 6 to 17 years should do 60 minutes or more physical activity daily. This can include free play at home, active time at school, and participation in classes or organized sports.

Here’s Some Age-Based Advice:

Preschoolers: Preschoolers need play and exercise that helps them continue to develop important motor skills — kicking or throwing a ball, playing tag or follow the leader, hopping on one foot, riding a trike or bike with training wheels, freeze dancing, or running obstacle courses.
Although some sports leagues may be open to kids as young as 4, organized and team sports are not recommended until they’re a little older. Preschoolers can’t understand complex rules and often lack the attention span, skills, and coordination needed to play sports. Instead of learning to play a sport, they should work on fundamental skills.
School-age: With school-age kids spending more time on sedentary pursuits like watching TV and playing computer games, the challenge for parents is to help them find physical activities they enjoy and feel successful doing. These can range from traditional sports like baseball and basketball to martial arts, biking, hiking, and playing outside.
As kids learn basic skills and simple rules in the early school-age years, there might only be a few athletic standouts. As kids get older, differences in ability and personality become more apparent. Commitment and interest level often go along with ability, which is why it’s important to find an activity that’s right for your child. Schedules start getting busy during these years, but don’t forget to set aside some time for free play.
Teenagers: Teens have many choices when it comes to being active — from school sports to after-school interests, such as yoga or skateboarding. It’s important to remember that physical activity must be planned and often has to be sandwiched between various responsibilities and commitments.
Do what you can to make it easy for your teen to exercise by providing transportation and the necessary gear or equipment (including workout clothes). In some cases, the right clothes and shoes might help a shy teen feel comfortable biking or going to the gym.

Kids’ Fitness Personalities

In addition to a child’s age, it’s important to consider his or her fitness personality. Personality traits, genetics, and athletic ability combine to influence kids’ attitudes toward participation in sports and other physical activities, particularly as they get older.
Which of these three types best describes your child?
1. The nonathlete: This child may lack athletic ability, interest in physical activity, or both.
2. The casual athlete: This child is interested in being active but isn’t a star player and is at risk of getting discouraged in a competitive athletic environment.
3. The athlete: This child has athletic ability, is committed to a sport or activity, and likely to ramp up practice time and intensity of competition.
If you understand the concepts of temperament and fitness types, you’ll be better able to help your kids find the right activities and get enough exercise — and find enjoyment in physical activity. Some kids want to pursue excellence in a sport, while others may be perfectly happy and fit as casual participants.
The athlete, for instance, will want to be on the basketball team, while the casual athlete may just enjoy shooting hoops in the playground or on the driveway. The nonathlete is likely to need a parent’s help and encouragement to get and stay physically active. That’s why it’s important to encourage kids to remain active even through they aren’t top performers.
Whatever their fitness personality, all kids can be physically fit. A parent’s positive attitude will help a child who’s reluctant to exercise.
Be active yourself and support your kids’ interests. If you start this early enough, they’ll come to regard activity as a normal — and fun — part of your family’s everyday routine.

Medical Review

• Last Reviewed: October 14th, 2014
• Reviewed By: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Resources

• The Y

  The Y also offers camps, computer classes, and community service opportunities in addition to fitness classes.
  

• Let’s Move!

  Let’s Move! is dedicated to solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation.
  

• American Council on Exercise (ACE)

  ACE promotes active, healthy lifestyles by setting certification and education standards for fitness instructors and through ongoing public education about the importance of exercise.
  

• BAM! Body and Mind

  This CDC website is designed for 9- to 13-year-olds and addresses health, nutrition, fitness, and stress. It also offers games for kids.
  

Related Article

• Home and Away: How to Keep Toddlers Active

  Toddlers naturally enjoy doing what is healthiest for them – being as active as possible. Here are tips to help keep them moving.
  

• How Can I Get My Kids to Be Active Outdoors?

  Kids parked on the couch watching TV or glued to a computer/smartphone/gaming system are missing out on the great outdoors. It’s important for all kids to get outside – here are some ideas.
  

• Nutrition & Fitness Center

  You know the importance of exercising and eating nutritious foods, but do you know how to raise a healthy and active child? Get practical advice and tips.
  

• Nutrition & Fitness Center

  Visit our nutrition and fitness center for teens to get information and advice on food, exercise, and sports.
  

• What If I Don’t Like Sports?

  Sports can be challenging when you’re new to them, but they also can be really fun. Take a second look at sports – and learn other ways to be active – in this article for kids.
  

• How Can I Get Motivated to Exercise?

  Find out what the experts have to say.
  

• What Girls Say About: Sports

  Girls who like sports really like them – even more than texting or the mall. And most girls who say they don’t like sports want to get better at them.
  

• Active Vacations

  If an active family vacation sounds appealing, find out how to plan a trip that will be fun without being exhausting, especially for young travelers.
  

• Motivating Preschoolers to Be Active

  A preschooler’s desire to move, move, move makes this a great time to encourage fitness habits that can last a lifetime.
  

• Motivating School-Age Kids to Be Active

  Being active is a key component of good health for all school-age kids. So how do you get kids motivated to be active, especially those who aren’t gifted athletes?
  

• Should Your Preschooler Play Sports?

  Team sports can be too complicated for the average preschooler. Here are some fun and easy ways to keep them active.
  

• Raising a Fit Preschooler

  Preschoolers have a lot of energy, and the physical skills and coordination to ride a tricycle or chase a butterfly.
  

• Kids and Exercise

  Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges.
  

• Be a Fit Kid

  A lot of people talk about fit kids, but how do you become one? Here are five rules to live by, if you want to eat right, be active, and maintain a healthy weight.
  

• Easy Exercises for Teens

  Finding it hard to fit in fitness? Try these easy exercises for teens.
  

• Choosing the Right Sport for You

  If you’re having trouble choosing a sport, this article can help!
  

• Fitness for Kids Who Don’t Like Sports

  Some kids aren’t natural athletes and they may say they just don’t like sports. What then?
  

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com

Competition Between Siblings

 by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN
www.biblicalparenting.org
Used by permission


Competition between siblings is often demonstrated by the statement, "That's not fair" or "What about him?" Competition stems from comparison and often creates conflict in relationships between brothers and sisters.

Here's an idea that will go a long way to reduce the comparison and competition between your children. Treat each child uniquely and don't even try to treat all your kids the same. Intentionally give them different privileges, assignments, and responsibilities. Avoid grouping the children by saying things like, "Kids, it's time to eat" or "Boys, let's get in the car." Instead, use each child’s name and give separate instructions. "Bill, please wash your hands and come to dinner." "Karen, come join us now for dinner?"

When children compare themselves to each other they say they want equality, but that's not really true. What each child wants is to feel special. When you treat them uniquely and focus on each child individually, you'll be surprised how much comparison and competition are reduced in your family.

After all, God doesn't treat us all the same. He treats us each uniquely. John 21:15-23 contains a fascinating story that often happens in families today. Jesus is telling Peter how he is going to die. Peter turns and looks at another disciple and says, "What about him?" Jesus answers, "What is that to you? You follow me." In essence, Jesus was saying, "I treat each person uniquely. You worry about yourself." What a great lesson to apply to our families. Treat people uniquely and special instead of trying to treat them all equally or the same.

This idea comes from Chapter 39 in the book The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. Click here to see the Table of Contents.

Anger Is a Problem in Many Families

by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN

www.biblicalparenting.org
Used by permission

Anger is a problem in many families. One of the ways you can address it is by having some honest and even fun conversations about anger in family life. Here's an activity that can launch your family into an interesting discussion. Who knows where the interaction will lead you. You might have this discussion around the dinner table or part of an evening devotion time.

Begin with this statement:  Let's all share some pet peeves that we each have. A pet peeve is something that others do that makes you mad or easily irritated. Other people may not be bothered at all but you have a hard time whenever this thing happens.

One mom said, "Here are some of mine. I don't like to see towels on the floor in the bathroom or bedrooms. I get angry when I lose my keys, or when the car gas tank is on E after Dad drives it."

Dad said, "That's interesting. I didn't know that was one of your pet peeves. You know, one of mine is when my tools aren't returned to the toolbox or when you drive my car and don't put the seat back in place."

The kids smiled as they saw their parents expressing pet peeves and were able to think of some themselves, borrowed toys, irritating noises or touching, and being interrupted while on the computer.

Then you might talk about being tolerant and thoughtful of each other. This discussion can be very practical and lead to many helpful thoughts and ideas about anger in daily family life.

For more heart-based strategies for your family, consider the book The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. A great reference book for every home.

When Did We Stop Letting Kids Be Kids?

by Brie Gowan
http://briegowen.com/2018/03/20/when-did-we-stop-letting-kids-be-kids/

Used by permission

March 20, 2018 by brieann.rn@gmail.com

I know I’m not the first person to have taken notice of how much the education system has changed over the past 10-20 years. Most people within my age bracket, who grew up in the 1970’s and 1980’s, can see a huge shift from how things were when they were little compared to how they are now. I can recall being in kindergarten in California very well. I got out at noon, and I learned how to tie my shoes. We took naps and played with clay. We got to have fun, be creative, and learn how to treat others. We were allowed to be normal five year olds. My question is, is that changing?
I’ll be the first to admit I’m no expert on the public school system at this current time. I do not have my children enrolled in the public school system so I can not rely on personal experiences. What I can rely on is observation of friends whose children are. So this isn’t written from any expert platform, but rather simply an opinion based on interactions with my parenting peers. It’s also not a dig at the public school system in particular. This is actually my concerns over public mindset nowadays. When did we stop allowing kids to be kids? And when did we start expecting more from children than they are developmentally capable of achieving?
Over the past five years or so, and since becoming a parent myself over seven years ago, I’ve noticed the concerns voiced of other mothers around me. I see their questions, their searching for camaraderie and advice, their fears over if they’re doing it right, doing right by their children, and making certain their child can measure up to the standards set by the tribe at large.
I see and hear conversations like:
“Does anyone know what my preschooler needs to know before they start school?”
“My daughter never went to pre-K! Is she going to be terribly far behind?!”
“Looking for a good learning app for my two year old. What do you recommend?”
“Is ABC Mouse worth the money per month?”
“What kind of books can I buy for my four year old to get him ready for school?”
“My five year old can’t read! What are we gonna do? Are they gonna hold her back?!”
“What’s the best pre-k program out there? Who do you recommend?”
“I can’t seem to get my daughter to do her homework!”
And you know the kid is five.
“My son can’t be still in class! I think he has ADHD!”
And you know the kid is five. Or six, for that matter.
I see so many concerns over reading fair projects (that the parent totally completes), mediocre grades, worries over too many sick days taken, and so much more. I see moms cry when their five year old gets on the school bus far too early, without enough sleep, for a nine hour day, that most of the time no longer allows a nap midday.
I see friends worried over their second grader’s math scores, and I wonder if we’re perhaps a bit too concerned? Now, I’m all about education. I hold a higher degree, and because of that I have chances in my career I would not have had otherwise. I love to read, and I think an extensive vocabulary and proper grammar is a positive attribute to hold. But I wonder if we’re taking it too far, too soon?
For example, in some westernized countries children do not begin formal education until age seven, and I can totally see why. Four, five, and six years olds are still deeply discovering the world around them. They’re learning to deal with their emotions and interact with others. They’re creating relational characteristics that will help lay the foundation for the kind of adult they will be. They don’t need adult stress; they have enough to deal with in the way of child stress. There are so many unknowns, lessons, and daily discoveries they are making. We really don’t need to impede on that too much.
For young children learning should be mostly about play. They should be seeing that learning is fun, that discovery is adventure, and that it’s not a race to achieve, a box to check, or a test to complete. Reading should be for pleasure, not a painstaking chore, and this is something I had to understand early on in the education of my own children at home.
All kids are different, and they learn differently. Young children like to move around, their attention spans are short, and the older child box we try to squeeze young learners into isn’t the best for their development in my humble opinion. We as a society shouldn’t be so stringently expecting three years olds to know all their ABCs and 1,2,3s, or requiring prerequisite goals to be met prior to kindergarten. I could be wrong, but to me it seems that five year olds must know much more in school than they did when I was five. My question is how much better is a child for having this knowledge sooner? Are their career opportunities really that much more available if they can read by five or six instead of seven or eight? And who made these new gold standards? Who decided little kids that barely reach their teacher’s waist should be doing homework pages after an already too lengthy day?!
Maybe I’m too relaxed. Maybe you think I’m off my rocker, or that my kids will end up making nothing of their lives. I guess I’m just wondering who decides what outcome is worthwhile? Perhaps every child won’t go to college, and that’s okay. Some children may become neurosurgeons, while others will prefer an apprenticeship in a technical field. Isn’t that ok too? Will sitting five years olds in a desk for eight hours to complete worksheet after worksheet really produce the best outcome for future academic excellence? I say, hogwash. I say, let them be kids.
I say, let them run. Let them stand, sit, jump, and play. Let them discover the world around them. Let them ask questions, and be available for the answers. Let them observe their surroundings and create conclusions. Gently guide those experiences. Let them nap! Let them sleep in! Let them do structured, sit-down work for short bursts of time, and throw away the homework! Let their brains absorb all they can, but then also allow them time to decompress and unwind. Allow them the time to process all the new things they’re taking in.
But most importantly, we need to check ourselves. We need to stop worrying if our preschooler is at the right reading level, or if they’re measuring up. They’re three and four years old, for goodness sake. They have the rest of their lives to worry about deadlines and schedules. We need to stop creating this invisible yardstick that our young children must measure up to, or we’re the absolute worst parent in the world! Who cares if Michelle’s precious daughter can read already?! She also eats her boogers and pushes other kids in line!
Here’s what your children under seven absolutely need to know to be successful in this life:
They need to know how to love others.
They need to understand compassion.
They need to see the hurting, and help those kids.
They need to treat others like they would want to be treated.
They need to understand there’s more to life than their own backyard, that they’re not the most important kid in the world, and that they will mess up. For that they’ll just need to fess-up, say they’re sorry, and learn from their mistakes.
They need to know that their parents love them, are proud of them, and that they are unique. That they’re not held to a state standard, a society standard, or an unrealistic standard.
Again, they’ll need some reinforcement to treat others well.
Perhaps if we focused more on these things at an early age and less on perfect phonics and addition then there would be a lot less bullying in schools. Maybe we’re focusing on all the wrong stuff. Have you ever watched little kids when you let them loose on a playground? Like when they’re around four or five? Sure, there may be some problems sharing, but more than that is this amazing ability to coexist. When my kids go somewhere in public they’ll quickly make friends with children they’ve never met, regardless of color or socioeconomic background. There’s no judgement. There’s no preconceived notions. There’s just pure, human interaction in its best form. All children are born that way. But we as parents and society beat that out of them. We show them that things that aren’t really that important are important. Then we teach them that the important things don’t really matter. It’s like we pick calculus over compassion, and we drain the passion and natural tendency to explore the world around them right out of our children. Most average seven years old will know how to read, but they’ll miss the words on the sign of the homeless man on the street corner.
What really happens when we take away the childhood of our children? We take away their childlike faith and compassion. Then we replace it with all A’s on their report card and a first place ribbon in the science fair.

Is Satan Stealing Our Families?

by Brie Gowan
http://briegowen.com/2017/07/30/is-satan-stealing-our-families/
Used by permission
July 30, 2017 by brieann.rn@gmail.com

This past year I read a book with my daughter called Little House in the Big Woods. You may be familiar with it. It’s the first book written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and it began the popular Little House on the Prairie series. I don’t recall reading it before, and as I read it to my five year old, I think I enjoyed it even more than she did. Something about the way the family lived, it intrigued me. I love my internet tremendously, but the simplicity and closeness this family shared sounded really wonderful to me. The idea of working together for each other drew me into their little world. Many times as I read the pages aloud I yearned for such a time as the ones described.
I look around today and I wonder if we wouldn’t be better taking a step back in time where we could focus more on important matters, and less on trivial ones. I see the things around me that cause so much unneeded stress, and I truly believe that the principalities and powers of darkness wish to destroy what God has created. God favors families. He favors love, time together, and focus on cultivating those relationships. What I see today is in direct opposition of that, yet those things have developed slowly over time, so much so that we don’t even notice them deteriorating the fabric of family.
Our pre-teens and teenagers are so absorbed in their Snapchat and Instagram that they can’t even come up for air. Not that we notice. We’re buried in our Facebook newsfeed or hottest new game app.
The normalcy of public school education with its ever increasing curriculum demands are swallowed like good medicine. The school year gets longer, testing increases, and hours of homework creep into the family time. So children that already spend 8-9 hours away from home are spending their evening hours doing more projects, reports, and extra credit assignments.
Mom and dad are too exhausted to help much. They’re tired because they’re putting in more hours. Dual working parents are the majority. And while the cost of living has definitely increased over time, I wonder how much of our “necessities” are truly that? We work more to be able to buy more, yet we hardly have time to enjoy all our purchases. We save all year long for a week long vacation that leaves us exhausted and in need of a day off from our off days.
A lot of our hard-earned money is spent on activities. So. Many. Activities. We spend more time driving to activities, purchasing gear, costumes, and accessories for our activities, or working on our off days to raise funds for our activities. Activities where we watch other people teach, coach, and mentor our children. Is this the time together we’re craving? Makes you think.

Time together doesn’t cost a dime

If you had to sit down and add up how much quality time you spend alone with your spouse, what would it be? What about your children? And not time doing and going. Just time. Is it less time than you spend on your weekly commute to work?
It makes you wonder if divorce is more prominent today because it’s become socially more acceptable, or could it be because we’re spending less time enjoying the company of our spouse? Would children get in less trouble if they had a present parent/parents available to guide them? They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I’m wondering if we’ve taken that too far. Now we just want the village to take care of them. And then when our children fall down and fail we can have teachers, coaches, and the church to blame for their demise.
This is hard stuff to think about. It’s taking everything we’ve called normal over the past few decades or more and realizing that it’s actually destroying the family unit. Our kids are playing ball 3-5 times a week until 10pm, and the parents are working 60 hours a week to keep designer duds on the kiddos lest they get bullied for wearing WalMart brand clothing. Everyone has a TV in their room, a cell phone in their pocket, and a brand new car in the drive-way yet none of that will go to Heaven with us. We’re working very hard providing material possessions for our children, when in all reality we should be on our knees with them leading them to a closer walk with Jesus. Eternal life is what we should want for our kids, not the best education money can buy. And while I’m all for giving them a bright future, I don’t want to give them the world if it forfeits their soul. When my grown children look back on life I want them to have memories of time well spent rather than spending all the time. I gotta work on this! I don’t have it all figured out either, but I’d like to think my eyes are open enough to see that Satan wishes to destroy us.
Satan wants us tired, worn thin, and stressed. He wants us in debt up to our eyeballs, and our health failing because we can’t sleep enough, eat right, or handle our stress effectively. He wants husbands and wives fighting over finances, disrespectful teens who learned how to treat their parents based off Nickelodeon sitcoms, and thousands of young children sexually abused by the adults we’re so quick to place our trust in. He wants us busy, but not productive. He wants our plates full, but our tank empty. He wants us looking to society for what’s best for our families, not God’s word as a lamp to our feet. He wants the family unit ripped apart, and many times I look around and see us letting him. We’re not even trying to take a stand.
I’d like to believe that it’s not too late. We can still fight to save our families. Perhaps it all comes down to stepping out in wisdom, courage, and truth for our family. In a world that’s so busy Keeping Up With the Kardashians, maybe it’s time to be a Little House on the Prairie. What do you think?

*Of note, this isn’t meant to offend anyone. It’s just meant to trigger thinking about it. I’m certainly a work in progress.

Meet Brie

Brie is a thirty-something (sliding ever closer to forty-something) wife and mother. When she's not loving on her hubby, bouncing a happy toddler on her hip, chasing her preschooler, or teaching her six year old at the kitchen table, she enjoys cooking, reading, and writing down her thoughts to share with others. But honestly she loves nothing more than watching a great movie, or a hot bath, alone if the children allow. Which never happens.
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