• Separation Anxiety: It’s Not Just for Kids

  Do you remember the first time your child spent the night away from home? An over-nighter with Grandma and Grandpa doesn’t count. I’m talking about the sleepover at a friend’s house, that milestone event that pushed your child’s independence level up another notch… right along with your separation anxiety. Do you remember the feelings? Packing […]

• The Most Worn-out Parenting Cliche’

  This summer is a season of milestones for our family. Randi turned 18 and graduated from high school. Our family vacation was minus one because Kelli had a fabulous internship in St. Louis. But she got a vacation–5,200 miles away on her first overseas mission trip. We celebrated her 21st birthday last week, and next […]

• When Mom and Dad Clash on Discipline

  If you look at our careers, it’s probably no surprise this mom and dad approach discipline differently. I’m a teacher. I instruct, encourage, nurture, and allow room for improvement. Hubby is a state trooper. He examines the evidence, labels actions as right or wrong and, when called for, administers justice. In the classroom, my approach […]

• When Our Kids Need a Push

  I’d like to think I know when my kids need a push…or maybe a shove. And I’d like to believe I give them that push, in the right direction, for the right reasons. But I think sometimes I may be disillusioned. I had this epiphany after meeting Ginny Owens a couple weeks ago at a women’s […]

• I Didn’t Know That Then

  This morning when Hubby woke up and said, “Happy anniversary,” I wondered how he got old enough to celebrate Year #30 when I managed to stay so young. Thirty years. Wow. In celebration of three decades of happily-ever-after, I thought it would be appropriate to post a rerun of “I Didn’t Know That Then.” This […]