We have goals.  We have the bar set.  We have expectations and limits.

And sometimes there need to be temporary exceptions.

As parents, of course we want what is best for our children in every area of their lives.  Chad and I have been on a journey to teach our kids about healthier eating and a major part of that is just not having the less healthy options in the house very much.  Their breakfast options are eggs or oatmeal, and their snacks have been replaced with fruit and yogurt.  I haven’t bought cereal, freezer waffles, granola bars, or crackers … Read the rest

Parenting stages are so incredible and vastly different.  I’ve been told all along the way that parenting doesn’t get easier, just different.  True, true words.

So right now, my little darlings are 8, 9, and 10.  I’d say we’re about knee-deep into the journey of learning to expand their boundaries, grow their independence, and let them into the decision-making process rather than inform them of the final decision.

Here is where I’m floundering…in the same conversation I can be encouraging them and teaching them more responsibility, then calming tears and giving hugs.  It’s just an odd place to be.  Not … Read the rest