Talking with Kids About Tough Topics: Gentle Guidance for Hard Conversations As parents and caregivers, we want to shield our children from the pain and uncertainty of life. But the truth is—kids face loss and change too. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the declining health of a pet, or another tough topic, children need honesty, comfort, and reassurance from us. These conversations aren’t easy, but they’re opportunities to nurture resilience, deepen trust, and remind our children that they are not alone. Why Honest Conversations Matter Children are incredibly perceptive. They notice changes in routines, moods, and...
Talking with Kids About Tough Topics
September 10, 2025 in Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Family Life, Printables, Raising Kids
Talking with Kids About Tough Topics: Gentle Guidance for Hard Conversations As parents and caregivers, we want to shield our children from the pain and uncertainty of life. But the truth is—kids face loss and change too. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the declining health of a pet, or another tough topic, children need honesty, comfort, and reassurance from us. These conversations aren’t easy, but they’re opportunities to nurture resilience, deepen trust, and remind our children that they are not alone. Why Honest Conversations Matter Children are incredibly perceptive. They notice changes in routines, moods, and...
Meal Planning for a Family of Three Generations
August 11, 2025 in Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Family Life, Homestead Planners, How-to Guides, Raising Kids, Raising Parents, UncategorizedMeal planning is a lot like herding cats—except the cats are hungry, have dietary restrictions, and argue about green beans. If you’re juggling meals for a multigenerational household, you already know it’s part chef, part nutritionist, and part magician. Whether you’re cooking for kids...
When the Parent Becomes the Child: Loving Through Defiance and Entitlement
July 29, 2025 in Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Family Life, Raising Parents, UncategorizedThere are some things I never imagined I’d say to my mother. “Because I said so.” “Stop yelling, or we’re leaving.” “No, you may not have dessert for dinner.” And yet, here I am—saying the kinds of things she once said to me, only...
Self Identity
January 5, 2023 in Faith & Heart, Family Life“Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is an illusion.” Brennan Manning There seems to be an epidemic of identity crisis running rampant these days. By definition, an identity crisis is “a period of...
Life’s Canvas
November 20, 2022 in Faith & Heart, Family LifeSome painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun. ~ Pablo Picasso My daughter has a way of sparring a conversation, often leaving you asking more questions than those that were answered. The other day...
Finding Peace
October 30, 2022 in Encouragement & Prayer, Faith & Heart, Family Life“Meditation means letting go of our baggage, letting go of all the pre-rehearsed stories and inner-dialogue that we’ve grown so attached to.” – Andy Puddicombe It’s been hard for me to focus – and remain focused – since late spring. Since my hospital...
Battling Anger
October 22, 2022 in Faith & Heart, Family Life“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27, NKJV This year has not exactly been an easy one. I had the accident in late April, the surgery...
Remembering My Dad
October 21, 2022 in Faith & Heart, Family LifeThe Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. – Psalm 34:18 (KJV) It’s never easy to say goodbye to a parent. Last year my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. We...
Safe in His Hands
September 6, 2022 in Faith & HeartCharles H. Spurgeon wrote about a conversation he had once with a friend of his. His friend was an old plowman, or farmer, who lived in the country. He would sometimes visit with the old man who was very simple, yet often said some...