There are endless parenting books on the market – many good ones, a few really bad (or just plain BORING), and a few GREAT ones! Here are four of my favorites:
This book contains practical ideas and inspiration for raising boys who are honorable, courageous and compassionate.
“We need to start training them now to be ready to take the reins of leadership – to live with integrity, to think outside of themselves, and to value the people around them. We need boys who will use their strength for the protection of others rather than to prey on others. With power and strength comes great responsibility.”
I consider this a must-read for every Christian parent. It’s filled with page after page of Biblical truth and practical encouragement.
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We have this one life, this short time on earth to make our mark and to make life count. We have these children in our care for a blink of an eye. NOW is the time to be engaged and fully present. Now is the time to rise up and be the parent who trains and prepares our children to become the individuals they were created to be.
Susie Larson, author of Growing Grateful kids
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God promises to give wisdom if we ask him. We need wisdom because every child is different. The Lord will show you how to parent each of your children in a way that will help him or her to grow to be the person they were created to be.
This book was written by a parent and psychologist. I found it practical, extremely helpful, and even inspiring. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it so much that I went online and purchased a hard-copy. Topics include respect, chores, homework, helping your child deal with a ‘bad day,’ and building ‘faith practices’ in your home (though you don’t have to be a person of faith to find IMMENSE value in this book)! I highly recommend it to all parents.
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Unsure how to find grace and security in the complex world we’ve inherited, we try to fill up the spaces in our children’s lives with stuff: birthdays, lessons, rooms full of toys and equipment, tutors and therapists. But material pleasures can’t buy peace of mind, and all the excess leads to more anxiety—parents fear that their children will not be able to sustain this rarefied lifestyle and will fall off the mountain the parents have built for them.
Dr. Wendy Mogul, author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee
To care for the physical needs of others while ignoring their spiritual needs is like giving a hamburger to a hungry man sitting on train tracks and not telling him a train is coming. The Bible calls Christians to care for both physical and spiritual needs, and ignoring either puts people in serious danger.
Natasha Crain, author of Talking to Your Kids about God
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Natasha Crain discusses the evidence for the existence of God, how science confirms the God of the Bible, how Christianity is different from other religions, and how all these things apply to us and the world around us. An excellent book for Christian parents who want to know how to answer their child’s questions. I recommend it to any Christian parent or parent who may be curious about God.
.Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of emotional intelligence and well-being, and teaching it to children can have long-lasting positive effects on their development and outlook on life.
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When you are grateful, an invisible blanket of peace covers you … it makes you happy, strong and warm.
Om Swami
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Cultivating a heart of gratitude in our children begins when we model what that looks like.
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Here are 10 ways to cultivate GRATITUDE in our children:
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Model It: Children often learn by observing the behavior of adults and caregivers in their lives. If you consistently express gratitude for the things you have and the actions of others, your children are more likely to emulate this behavior.
Talk about It: Verbalize your feelings of gratitude regularly. When you thank others for their kindness or acknowledge the positive aspects of your life, you demonstrate to your children the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the good things.
Teach the Value of Effort: Help children understand that many things they enjoy in life, whether it’s a meal, a clean home, or a loving family, require effort and work. Show them how to appreciate the effort that goes into providing these things.
Encourage Reflection: Encourage your children to reflect on what they’re thankful for. This can be done through simple conversations, a gratitude journal, or asking them about the best part of their day. This practice helps them become more aware of the positive aspects of their lives.
Give Back: Engage in activities that involve giving back to the community or helping those in need. Volunteering as a family can be a powerful way to show children the value of gratitude and compassion for others.
Limit Materialism: In a consumer-driven world, it’s important to teach children that happiness doesn’t come solely from acquiring material possessions. Emphasize experiences, relationships, and non-material aspects of life as sources of fulfillment and gratitude.
Be Patient: Developing a sense of gratitude is a process that takes time. Children may not always express gratitude naturally, so be patient and provide gentle guidance.
Avoid Comparisons: Discourage comparisons with others, as this can lead to envy and entitlement. Instead, focus on individual growth and the unique circumstances that make each person’s life special.
Celebrate Achievements: When your children show gratitude or acts of kindness, celebrate and reinforce these behaviors. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue being appreciative and kind.
Correct Missteps: If your child displays ingratitude or entitlement, use these moments as teaching opportunities rather than scolding. Explain why their behavior is not aligned with gratitude and help them understand the impact of their actions on others.
Incorporating these practices into your parenting can help instill a sense of gratitude in your children, which can contribute to their emotional well-being, resilience, and the development of positive relationships throughout their lives. Remember that modeling gratitude isn’t just about teaching a behavior; it’s about nurturing a mindset that can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.
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Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1
Here’s an excellent, faith-based parenting *book on gratitude, full of practical applications and real-life stories:
On May 24, 2023 my grandfather finished his race and peacefully passed from earth into heaven as he held my sister’s hand. I was honored to be asked to speak at his funeral, and here is some of what I shared:
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My favorite memories of my grandfather are our trips to Florida.
I remember feeling pure joy when we’d cross the Florida state line and spot the first PALM TREE. They would be standing tall, waving and welcoming us in. The palm tree reminded us to breathe deep, relax and enjoy time together.
I’ve always had a special place in my heart for palm trees, partially because we never see them in the midwest, they represent WARM WEATHER and family time, but also because they remind me of my grandfather.
As I thought about the palm tree, I realized it represents who my grandfather was and some of what he taught me.
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Palm trees are unique in that they have inner strength that is unlike any other tree. Instead of trying to stand firm and rigid like the other trees, the palm tree sways with the wind. The palm tree’s flexible, almost elastic structure allows it to bend with the force of the winds and sway right back into place once the winds and storm pass. The palm tree’s roots actually get stronger with every storm it endures.
Just like the palm tree, my grandfather wasn’t about outer adornment, he focused on strengthening his inner core. That inner strength came from his faith in Jesus.
In life, there are times where he stood firm on his convictions, but he also knew how to be flexible, how to show grace, forgiveness and love.
I am a better person because I was loved by Grandpa Ned.
My grandfather taught me that the combination of inner strength along with flexibility (or grace), are the keys for enduring the tests and trials of life’s storms. He taught me that no matter how big the storm may seem, storms don’t last forever. And we serve a God who is bigger than any storm.
Storms made my grandfather stronger because he sought God’s wisdom and planted his roots in the soil of faith in Jesus.
When you see a PALM TREE, I hope you remember him. May it remind us of his inner strength and his grace, and may you consider how you can show that grace, forgiveness and love to others.
“It was a summer of good-byes, see you laters, reunions and releases.”
– Kara Huey
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Grandma Alma’s beautiful casket
Family gathered to celebrate – aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, dad and sisters
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We said good-by to our beloved grandfather at the beginning of the summer, and goodbye to our Grandma Alma at the end of this summer. Alma Jean Riley Freeman lived from June 21, 1932 until August 30, 2023 (91 years). Ned Wayne Freeman lived from December 30, 1930 until May 24, 2023 (92 years). My grandparents were married for 70 years!
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Grandparents play a vital role in shaping a child’s life. They create lasting memories and engage in unique conversations that stand apart from interactions with any other individual. Grandparents contribute significantly to a child’s character development, reinforcing essential values and making priceless investments in their grandchildren’s well-being.
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I’m so thankful for the years I had with my grandparents. Here are some of my favorite memories with them:
Trips to Florida, especially the ones that included a visit to Disney World.
I was the only grandchild that joined them for one “art-buying” trip. With their many grandchildren, this was an honor! My grandparents bought me a piece of art, and had the artist sign it. My grandfather brought it home and framed it for me.
One morning my grandmother took me to breakfast and let me order a strawberry Sundae. My eight-year old heart and mind (and stomach), thought this was the best breakfast ever.
At age 17, I got in a car accident while driving to school in the snow. My parents were both out of town so my grandparents were the first ones to arrive after the accident, making sure I was okay and helping navigate what to do.
My high school graduation “Open House” was in my grandparent’s home. They allowed approximately one hundred people to trek in and around their property all day without any complaints – only support for their new high school graduate and all her friends.
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The art piece that my grandparents bought and grandpa framed.A wonderful trip to Disney
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A pictures i found at my grandparents house, taken at my high school open house, on their deck.
Today I’d love to share the beautiful eulogy written by my dad to honor his mom (my grandma).
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My dad used four words that describe my grandmother:
Determination
Decision
Décor
Devotion
The remaining post was written by my dad, regarding his mom, my grandma Alma.
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My Dad and sisters
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DETERMINATION
My mom was born in Jackson County, Kentucky in 1932 in the most humble and primitive conditions. A small cabin with no indoor plumbing. It took determination for her to become an owner of multiple businesses and own a beautiful home on Indiana’s largest natural lake.
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DECISION
In the mid 1960s we attended Eel River Baptist Church. One Sunday morning with my grandparents, dad and family present, mom got up from the pew and went forward to choose a life of faith in Jesus.
The impact for me was profound and I still relive those moments with the sun shining thru the large stained-glass window of the church.
While our lives are filled with many decisions, that is the single most important decision we can all make: to become a follower of Jesus.
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DECOR
Mom was a perfectionist and it showed in her work. The decorating details and standards are beyond what most of us know. The funeral room (where we celebrated her life) was one example of her handiwork; from wall decor to the large window treatments. Her decorating business became so large and popular, the business eventually evolved into mainly decorating, including fine art and antiques because of her amazing talent to improve people’s lives with her unique creative touch.
My grandma had a great sense of style. This was her snowmobile suit from approximately 1960!My grandma and aunt Michelle
DEVOTION
My mother’s devotion was unwavering. She was with dad over 71 years. She could not swim but owned over a dozen boats! Why? Because of her devotion to my dad who loved boats.
She was always in my corner .. correcting me when she thought I needed it, but caring and loving me both near and far. When I lived alone out east in a small, one bedroom apartment, she and dad appeared one day with a small Christmas tree to decorate and celebrate.
A year or two later on Long Island, I found myself in a hurricane. The phone rang and it was my mom, making sure I was safe. She was devoted for her family.
Determination, Decision, Décor and Devotion are just four small words that summarize one big, adventure-filled life that my mom lived. Thank you for celebrating her with us today.
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My last visit with both of my grandparents during the summer of 2022:
My last visit with grandma, July 2023 (pictured with Paul, who took the afternoon away from swimming and spending time with cousins to spend time with grandma. Paul felt like it might be our last visit with her):
On Sunday we introduced “The Great Lake Rescue” to our community by hosting an Ice Cream Book Launch party. The event took place at our local park. Our invitations were sent to array of friends, classmates, and the esteemed illustrator.
Here’s what happened:
3:00
Ice Cream Sundaes, Root Beer Floats and Popsicles
Meet the Author and Illustrator
Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book
Children’s Drawing Contest with Exciting Giveaways
Coloring Station, featuring custom sheets crafted by the illustrator
4:00
Meet the Four Main Characters – the Egly boys
Live Book Reading
Q and A with the Author and Main Characters
4:40
Giveaways Announced and Prizes Given
4:45
Final Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book
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Even with the rain, over 100 people came! The boys, the book, and I felt incredibly loved. One thing that really stands out to me about Minnesotans is how they don’t let the weather bother them. Rain, heat, or freezing cold, they still go out and enjoy life without hesitation.
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I forgot to ask someone to take photos of the event so I didn’t get pictures of everything and everyone, including the illustrator, Alyssa Whetstone. However, here are a few that others snapped and sent to me:
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The Fox FamilyThe Jean FamilyLive readingGeorge and Evie – the best ice cream scoopers!Paul and Jordan- with one of the Giveaways!
I’ve fallen in love with laundry sheets. They’re less waste, use less space, and work just as well as the big bottles of detergent. You simply take a sheet out of this pack, set it on top of your clothes in the machine, and wash as normal. The small paper package can be recycled.
I’ve had this pump for 5 years and it comes in handy every summer. It’s small but works great for inflating beach balls and pool toys. It can also work for an air mattress.
These were a great investment and the most comfortable running shoe I’ve ever worn. I wear them almost every single day. Great for walking, running, or working! I found mine at Scheels, but you can find them on Amazon too.
Susie Larson inspires and encourages me with her books, podcasts, and daily prayers. Here’s a peek at one of them. I recommend you follow her on Instagram for this daily dose of goodness.
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Giveaway over – winner was contacted! Congratulations!!
If you’d like to win a pack of Laundry Washing Sheets, here’s what to do:
Subscribe (if you haven’t already)
Leave a comment and share one of YOUR FAVORITE THINGS! (You can leave a comment by clicking on the COMMENT/TEXT BOX next to the TITLE of this post)
FIVE extra entries if you share this post on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or forward to a friend (just comment and let me know, or tag me!)
I’m excited to give you a sneak peek into my next children’s book, “The Great Lake Rescue!”
This entertaining tale, inspired by a true story, will be hitting the shelves this summer, bringing the adventures of the fantastic four to life, and reinforcing the message of kindness and helping others.
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When I began my search for an illustrator for this book, I found Alyssa Whetstone. I knew she was a talented Minnesota water color artist, but didn’t know where in this large state she lived. When she agreed to meet with me, I discovered that we teach in the SAME SCHOOL DISTRICT! I’ve loved working with her, and if you are interested, you can find her art here: alyssawhetstoneart.com.
Review: This book shocked me with it’s turn from crochety old man to old man who wants to commit suicide! However, as the story unfolds, you get to know this man and come to love him. What I took from this story is that:
If you have a pulse, you have a purpose!
Ove, the main character, did not think his life had meaning, but because he made himself available, he made a positive impact on those around him.
Review: This one will be in my TOP TEN of 2023! Ted read it and gave it to me. I was hooked from the beginning. Now our sons are reading it, and I’m recommending to all my friends with teenagers. It’s a short and easy-to-read book. Each chapter is a story with an extremely valuable life lesson. LOVE THIS ONE!! A MUST READ!!
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3. Good girls guide to murder by Holly Jackson
Rating 8/10
Review: My niece read and loved this book and recommended it to me. It’s a murder mystery that has the reader intrigued from the beginning, and was hard to put down.
Review: A great book from CS Lewis about WHY he believes WHAT he believes.
God made the human machine to run on Him. We can’t be happy without him. There is no true peace without him. Many of us are trying to ‘run’ on the wrong juice.
Review: There are some gold nuggets in this book, but it was buried in a lot of extra reading and research data. I did appreciate the authors warnings about being overly connected to our phones, as well as the value of “device free” time for ourselves and our children.
Having quiet space to think device free, allows us to come up with new and innovative ideas.
Review: A phenomenal book on communication in marriage. Reading this book was like going to a marriage therapy session and just SO good. I HIGHLY recommend it to ALL married couples!!!
Review: I discovered Beth Moore in the 90s and she revolutionized my understanding of scripture. I love the way Beth teaches – she makes the Bible come alive. I was excited to read her memoir, but didn’t love it as much as I love her writing about Scripture.
Review: A fun book I read with my 5th grader. It’s the story of a middle school girl and her Grandpa, a scientist, who discovers a way to reverse aging and becomes thirteen again. I loved the relationship between the “Scientist Grandpa” and “Middle School Granddaughter.” It’s a sweet story about what they learn from each other and how they help each other. The book helps answer the question about whether “reversed aging” is as good as it sounds.
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11. We need to talk by Celeste Headlee
Rating: 9/10
Review: A great book on how to be a better listener and conversationalist.
When talking to someone with different beliefs – stay curious (don’t try to teach or convince them they are wrong). Listening doesn’t mean agreeing, it’s trying to understand.
Review: George and I loved Ground Zero by Alan Gratz, so he picked this one up from his school library for us to read together. It shares the story of three different refugee families leaving their countries to build a better life in a new country. It helped us see some of the challenges and struggles these families dealt with and made us grateful to be born in such a great country.
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13. The boys are back in town by Phyllis Reynolds
Rating: 8/10
Review: Fun and engaging stories for kids ages 8-13.
Review: The author shares lots of interesting stories about the power of prayer. This book inspired me to PRAY! The author also talked about the value in setting goals:
The brain is a goal seeking organization. Setting a goal creates structural tension in your brain which will seek to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be, who you are and who you want to become.
Review: This book was a wonderful story about a young man looking for the dad he’s never met, and an older woman who’s still grieving her lost son. The two meet and their stories intertwine in a beautiful way.
Review: McManus challenges readers to go from self-focused to servant-leaders, and shares lots of great stories along the way. Good book, but I liked The Last Arrow (by McManus) even better.
Review: I read this book with my 15 year-old and we both really enjoyed it. It’s a fiction book that tells the story of a troubled kid whose nickname is “Ghost” who joins the track team. There he finds his place, his ‘family,’ and the discipline he needs to succeed.
Review: This is a must-read for every Christian parent. It’s filled with page after page of Biblical truth and practical encouragement.
Here are 5 of my favorite quotes from this book:
We have this one life, this short time on earth to make our mark and to make life count. We have these children in our care for a blink of an eye. NOW is the time to be engaged and fully present. Now is the time to rise up and be the parent who trains and prepares our children to become the individuals they were created to be.
Prayer is oxygen. We breathe in the fresh life that God offers and breathe out worries and concerns.
Refuse to give your children everything they want, but assure them that God will provide everything they need.
When we take time to play and laugh with our children amidst the stresses of life, we send a strong message that says we believe God is in control and that he is faithful.
God promises to give wisdom if we ask him. We need wisdom because every child is different. The Lord will show you how to parent each of your children in a way that will help him or her to grow to be the person they were created to be.
Review: The only way to read this book is to LISTEN! Bono reads and sings his way through the story of his life. If you are a U2 fan, you will enjoy this book!
Here are two quotes and a story I loved:
“It takes great faith to have no faith.”
Bono
“The world is not so scary, if around the corner someone is waiting to walk with you on the next part of your journey.”
Bono
“When Bobby Kennedy was appointed by his brother (JFK) to be Attorney General, the black community was upset. All of MLK Junior’s associates were complaining. Martin Luther King said, “Can anyone tell me one good thing about Bobby Kennedy?” They said, “That’s what we’re telling you, there’s nothing good.“ MLK told them that the meeting was adjourned, and that their assignment was to go find one good thing about Bobby Kennedy, because that would be the door that would move the civil rights movement forward. When Bobby Kennedy died, he was a champion for civil rights. You don’t have to agree on everything. Sometimes it’s just about finding one good thing. It’s the door.”
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Those are the first set of books I’ve read this year. What about you? What are you reading and what would you recommend? Leave a comment!
