July 29, 2022
top trending topics
š§” Here are some ways you can be there during a friend’s infertility journey.
šBack to school already?! Here areĀ 25 things parents say when the school year starts again.
š£ Here are a few ‘love bombing’ signs to look for in your teen’s relationships.
š¶ Guide for guys: supporting a friend through infertility.
ā Ease the transition with this checklist for sending your child to college.
tips & tricks for growth
establishing family quiet time
Some people saw How to Establish a Family Quiet Time and thought, āYeah right. Thereās just no way. You havenāt been to my house. You donāt know my kids.ā
Really though, here are a few steps to help give you a little peace & quiet and keep your sanity…
Step 1: Get Your Mind Right.
Youāve got to believe it can be done. They may resist and scream. They may dig deep into their bag of tricks to block the entry of a quiet time into your home. Donāt believe the lie. They donāt know whatās good for them.Ā Hear the voice of the man with 7 kids: āIt can be done. You can do it.ā It may not be perfect the first time, but whatever you do, donāt believe the lie. Which takes us to step #2.
Step 2: Prepare To Be Persistent.
If at first you donāt succeed, try, try again. You didnāt ride your bike perfectly the first time you took off the training wheels. They donāt believe that youāre serious unless you stick with it. Kids are wired to resist anything that their parents say is good for them at first, at least it seems that way. Itās not impossible just because it didnāt work out the first time. Youāre going to have to stick with it.
Step 3: Family Meeting.
Gather the troop together and tell them, āEach day, we are going to have some quiet time in this home. It helps our minds to relax and our bodies to rest. You may not think you need it, but I, as your parent need it and your body will thank you for it. There is no room for negotiation on the fact that there will be a quiet time. You may negotiate what can be done during quiet time.ā
parents! your emotions can affect your child
I woke up late because I forgot to set my alarm, so I hurried to the shower and got dressed. Then I rushed to my sonās room to get him up and ready for the day. On my way to the room, IāmĀ greeted by a BIG smile and my son saying, āMOMMY, look! I helped you. I got dressed and āmadeā my breakfast.ā He was dressed like a bag of skittles. He had on a purple shirt, lime green shorts, red socks and his blue shoes. Breakfast consisted of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk. Actually, only half of the peanut butter and jelly made it to the bread. The other was spread on the table, and none of the milk made the glass. It was in a puddle in the middle of the kitchen.
I was experiencing a variety of emotions including feeling stressed, bothered, frustrated and angry.
My son watched what was going on on my face and waited for my response.What could I say or do? I could yell out of frustration and anger. Or say, āYOU made such a MESS! I donāt have time to clean this up. We are GONNA be late! What are you WEARING?ā Or,Ā I could laugh, open my arms, and say, āOMG! Thank you for helping Mommy this morning. I was running behind. I appreciate you dressing yourself and eating your breakfast.ā
No matter the response I chose, one thing is for sure: my response will have an impact on my child.
what we’re lovin’
This week’s picks come from Chris Ownby, a husband, #GirlDad of 2, and our Research Strategist here at First Things First! He’s always researching & reading so he’s come across some great things. Take a peek at his recommendations for this week because they are just THAT GOOD. Check ’em out š:
š± Gamepigeon app for Apple-Ā Challenge your kid to a “friendly” game of checkers, darts, archery, or a number of other short, fun games. A great way to connect with your preteens and teens growing up in the digital world.
š @thedad on Instagram- Funny, silly humor for all things on being a dad. Sometimes you just need a good laugh.
š Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain– I’d recommend any books by Daniel Siegel, but this one is wonderfully insightful for those of us trying to understand why our teens do what they do and how we can be better parents for it.
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