‘Gentle Parenting’ Regret: Mum’s Painful Realisation Goes Viral
An American mother went viral after admitting 10 years of “gentle parenting” backfired, leaving her kids anxious and withdrawn—prompting her shift to structured, high-warmth authoritative parenting.
Please Tell Her She’s Beautiful
If we don't let our children know they are beautiful, handsome and attractive, they will look for affirmation elsewhere. Build up your child's positive body image and self-confidence. “Don’t tell your daughter she is beautiful,” says Jo Swinson, a female Minister in the UK. She would prefer children be praised ...
Why Being a Tough Mother is like Doing Tough Mudder
As parents, friendship and community support are essential for getting through the ups and downs of parenting. My personal Facebook newsfeed has been filled with pictures of mums giving Tough Mudder a go. I look at the pictures of mud and shudder because I know that it’s not something I ...
My Dream Holiday
With the tumult of boisterous offspring, sometimes the quiet moments of recuperation are found nearer to home. Who needs a holiday? In my life BC (Before Children), my idea of complete relaxation was luxuriating beside a pool on a tropical island, reading a book, or ordering room service and getting ...
8 Ways Your Birthday Changes as Soon as You’re a Parent
Celebrating your birthday as a parent is not quite the same as in pre-parent life, but it sure is a barrel of fun with your munchkins! I had a great birthday. I didn’t have any expectations, but I did make hints about possible things I’d like to do on the ...
True Beauty
How do you react when your child spews all over your outfit for the day? What is beauty, really? Does it go beyond appearances? I know you’ve been there: all dressed up, ready to walk out the door, when bub throws up all down your front. Do I: A. Drop ...
Tips on Working From Home With Kids
Basic pointers on how to juggle working from home while parenting your children. Flexibility is key. Most people started working from home with kids during the pandemic and set up a home office of some sort. I’ve worked from home for many years, and most of the time it’s been ...
Identity Crisis
I finally got it all together. Then I forgot where I put it. In my life BC (before children), I had a career based around my impeccable attention to detail. Writing, proofing, editing. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than spotting a typo at 50 paces. I don’t know whether it’s ...
Cry for Help
Parenting is a wonderful but also very difficult enterprise. Make sure to take time out for yourself to rest and recuperate from the constant demands. Also, don't be afraid to seek professional support. Ask for help when you need it -- this will help you and your family flourish. Being ...
Expanding Your Capacity
When you are juggling family and work responsibilities at full capacity, is there still room for giving back to your community? Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, we head out to our ‘connect group’ as part of our church. Connect Group is a group of families that meet together ...
Finding Option 3
Even when you are overwhelmed by unforeseen messes, it is possible to choose to laugh at the situation and carry on. It always happens when you’re at your most tired and looking after the kids by yourself. One or multiple children engage in a maddening act that would be enough ...
12 Reasons Why Being a Bad Mum Makes Me a Good Mum
On the weekend I headed to see the movie Bad Moms with a group of school mums whom I just love hanging out with and getting to know. Let’s be honest, there was bad language and themes that were definitely for adult eyes only. But the movie pointed out something ...
How Your Child Views the News
If you’re struggling to cope with the graphic details and images you’re exposed to in the media (cyclones, acts of terrorism and violence), imagine what must be going through the minds of your children. Children contend with these images according to their age and development. Little ones will often mix ...
40 Ways Your House Will Change Once You Have Kids
Be prepared for the absolute mess which your children can make while growing up. At the same time, they will fill your home with joy. Kids. They are amazing creatures whom you love to the moon and back, but they can frustrate the heck out of you. And none of ...
Six Things You Don’t Want to Hear From Your Kids When in The Pool
Taking the kids anywhere is always an adventure -- a swim in the pool can give rise to a whole other level of memorable moments! Heading to the pool with three kids in tow is no relaxing feat. Gone are the days of taking a book to the pool and ...
Keep Your Kids SunSmart All Year Round
To prevent sunburn now and skin cancer later in life, make sure your children abide by the easy steps to be SunSmart. Sandwich? Check. Water bottle? Check. A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses -- to help your kids stay SunSmart? They should definitely be instant ‘checks’ when packing the schoolbag daily! Here ...
When Life has Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Moments
There are moments when one can feel totally overwhelmed by the stresses of parenting, but take a deep breath -- these moments pass. When I feel overwhelmed by my family and life in general, I like to watch a movie that reminds me I much prefer my crazy than someone ...
Digital Detox
With the young becoming quickly addicted to digital technology and social media, parents need to be aware and prepared for disciplining and guiding their children in the use of the internet. Whether we like it or not, you and I are pioneers in this brave new world of parenting in ...
Why Having a Margin is Essential in Life
It can be a habit to push oneself to the limit, but consciously carving time out of paid work, housework and childcare to rest, tend to yourself and others, and listen to God's soft prompting will keep you happier and at peace amidst the busyness of life. Life has been ...
Declaring War on Allergies
My son's many allergies have been a trial. In learning to alleviate his pain, and watching him bear patiently with discomfort, I have found a depth of strength and love which I never knew I had. ‘We’ll have to shut down the whole clinic for the afternoon,’ she said, annoyed. ...
Understanding the YOLO Generation
To guide your children through the throes of their teen years, help them form genuine relationships and find their purpose. Having a goal directs their energies in a productive and life-giving direction, instead of frittering their youth away with a YOLO attitude. This generation of teenagers is worrying parents like ...
Choosing to Focus on What Matters Most
It can become overwhelming to juggle one's duties and deal with interpersonal conflict. However, taking a step back and considering what matters most in your life can help you regain perspective on why the daily grind is all worth it -- for your family. Life is never without problems, is ...
The Desires of Your Heart as a Parent
One's career ambitions or personal desires can take longer to achieve when busy parenting your children. Still, have patience and savour each moment with your family. At my old church, there were initiatives and events in place to get more women to connect with each other, mainly to get the ...
What to Say if You Think Your Teen Daughter is Having Sex
Parenting expert Michelle Mitchell shares pointers on how to address the thorny topic of premarital sex with your teenaged daughter. Sexual intimacy is a wonderful gift but it can also be a source of great harm when misused. It is essential to provide guidance on this aspect of human relationships, ...
If You’re Grieving this Christmas, Look at the Stars
Christmastime is difficult for many people suffering loss and separation from their loved ones. If you are in pain, turn to the Christ Child Who was born in a stable, far from home; the Father Who loves us so deeply no matter how far we may wander; and the Holy ...
Backyard Water Fun with an Inflatable Water Slide
For hours of summer fun in the sun making splendid memories, invest in an inflatable water slide for your children. Here are some tips on how to pick a suitable slide, and how to maintain it well, along with your yard. One of the best Christmas presents we’ve bought the ...
