My oldest son starts school soon and I’ve been feeling a range of emotions. Having 6 fewer hours a day together is no doubt going to cause big changes in our routine and relationship, even though I know “it will be fine.” Putting my own nerves and concerns that I will miss him aside, however,… {read more}
Parenting
How To Have A Virtue of the Week + FREE Printable Poster
One routine we enjoy in our family is studying a specific virtue on a regular basis. Whether you choose to have a virtue of the week, fortnight, or month, this can be an effective way to make sure character building is happening in your home. Here are four basic steps for how to have a… {read more}
Building Character as a Family through Service to Others
One awesome way for families to build character together is to offer service to others. Not only does serving allow children and parents to practice numerous character traits, but it is also fun and meaningful to contribute to the community. There is nothing quite like making a difference to motivate one to become a more… {read more}
5 Character Traits Kids Learn From Serving Others
As I have experimented with more regularly serving with my children, I have realized that it really can be quite simple and, even more importantly, the kids are learning so much from the experience. We have a family goal to offer one intentional act of kindness every week and when we have this in mind,… {read more}
Making the Most of the Moment
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” – Annie Dillard This quote reminds me to slow down and stop “looking forward” to the next great thing but to enjoy what I have right in front of me: to make these moments count. Sometimes that might mean to make them… {read more}
A Purposeful Approach to Celebrating Birthdays
A few months ago I shared how our family likes to incorporate service into birthdays (including a list of 15 fun ways to do this). In the past we have done this mainly through holding parties and inviting our friends to participate in giving to a charity, but this year – with me traveling for… {read more}
10 Things Mom is Grateful For
It may not be your regular “grateful” list. I wrote it a few months ago, as an image to go along with an article I wrote called The Busy Mom’s Guide to Gratitude. Today I noticed it’s been shared over 10 thousand times. (To see the original picture on Facebook, go here.) After reading the comments… {read more}
How Serving Others Strengthens a Child’s Character
This is a guest post by Sheila of Pennies of Time. “Oh, NO! I didn’t get it!” Big Brother’s face is all frowns and disappointment. The boys are in the middle of a game of Superhero Memory. It is Little Brother’s turn next; he knows where the matching card is that his brother missed. We expect… {read more}
