When my kids leave their music books out, walk with shoes one the carpet, or do their chores sloppily (or not do them at all), I give them an extra chore. I realized that if a child is trying to get out of work, the answer to fix the problem is MORE WORK.  If they are trying to get out of work, they are telling me their motivation!  Assigning extra chores has worked better than anything else for this problem. In

(This is Hannah writing) My Mom’s spiritual gift is Exhorter. I think she does a great job with rewarding us, and encouraging us to do what we are supposed to be doing (I didn’t say we do a good job of doing it, though) . Every time my Mom introduces a new idea for chores all of us think we are going to die and it is the worst day of our life. (I am not exaggerating) After a few weeks … okay mont

We have never stayed on schedule all day, haha! But the schedule does help, and I am so thankful for the scheduling kit I got from titus2.org.  It is called Managers of Their Homes.  I have the others about chores and school, and they’re great, too.  Some moms look at it and feel like it is not good for them since they are a small family.  But I disagree!  I was a mess when I only had one kid, and the sc

Do you feel like ever since your son turned 11 or 12, you have just have lost his heart? Do you hope that maybe after the teenage years you can be on friendly terms again? You don’t have to settle for this!! Having teenagers can be one of the most gratifying experiences as a parent. I know you have what it takes!  Remember that this may be one of the most important tasks of your whole life.  If the Lord

Chapter 23 “Encouragement” “Give me the love that leads the way, The faith that nothing can dismay, The hope no disappointments tire, The passion that will burn like fire. Let me not sink to be a clod– Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God. (Toward Jerusalem, p. 94)” Chapter 25  “Work and Play” “‘I commend the enjoyment of life,” says the teacher in Ecclesiaste

Question: I am a mother with only boys and over the years I’ve grown more and more harsh in my speaking to them.  I don’t know how to get things done without a sharp tone.  So here I am seeking your wisdom and counsel.How have you been able to direct your children with love and have them respond?I do not believe our children feel loved the way they should.  So please let me know how you prove