• Children must be born with the innate knowledge that whining works and makes us crazy. Teach your toddler to quit whining!
    Ask Away Thursday,  Godly Parenting

    How to Teach your Toddler to Quit Whining: Ask Away Thursday

    Reader Question: How do I teach my toddler to quit whining? Ugh, I get it! Whining just exasperates me! Children must be born with the ability to whine and the innate knowledge that it grates on mommy nerves. My mother-in-law jokingly suggested giving them everything they want. I know for a fact that was not her strategy with her children or mine. She is a bit more old school and tends to just tell them to knock it off, which can be fairly effective from Grandma, but not so much from mom. But this is an age old problem. And I’m sure my solution isn’t new, but it’s what works…

  • Can 1 Bible verse help me be a better, more consistent parent? Can being firm actually be more loving? God's love letter answers me in unexpected ways.
    Godly Parenting

    1 Bible verse to be a Better, More Consistent Parent

    Can 1 Bible lesson from James soften my heart and help me be a better, more consistent parent? Could standing firm actually make me more loving? One of my favorite experiences as a believer is how God’s word has become this amazing love letter and an active presence in my life as I spend time in it. Proverbs 7:1,3 ESV   My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments within you  . . .  3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. When I face struggles, God brings His peace and answers to my mind, helping me understand why we write His…

  • Godly Parenting

    It isn’t the rule that matters

    Today, my daughter needed to tell me something while I was in the bathroom. We’ve instituted a rule that if the door to the bathroom is closed, she is to knock before entering and/or wait, unless she has an emergency or something is really important. She’s four, so we give her some latitude with what she considers important (i.e. her brother holding a toad in the living room), but today she by-passed three closed doors to get to me. Opening all of them without knocking. So far she has only done this with me, but the rule is partially in place to avoid her walking in on her father or…