Perspectives in Parenting

When is the last time that you spent uninterrupted, quality time with your kiddo? Let me clarify before you answer. Not you doing something and your kiddo is there with you, not both of you on screens but in the same proximity, not riding in the car listening to music or the radio… I mean quality time. Time where you bond on a deeper level, where distractions are not allowed, conversation is purposeful, and your kiddo is your number one focus. Why is this so important? Isn’t observing your child’s behavior, spending time together (even though you’re multitasking in that time), and reassuring your kids that you will always be there for them when they need, good enough? After all, our...

Mama Drama :: Feeling Responsible For Everyone's Feelings In The House Motherhood is a beautiful and rewarding journey filled with love, joy, and laughter. I say this in so many posts, but I think it is an important reminder. However, it can also be a path riddled with challenges and responsibilities that can sometimes feel overwhelming. One common struggle many I find myself facing that I don’t see discussed enough is the burden of feeling responsible for everyone's feelings in the house. Maybe it is my nature as an empath that makes this so difficult for me to manage. How do I navigate this dilemma while maintaining my own well-being? As mothers, we often find ourselves taking on the role of...

My husband was on his way home with both our girls. I had just arrived home from work, and I began my daily routine of feeding pets and changing into my workout clothes. I sat on the sofa and put on my socks and shoes. I wonder if my bonus-daughter’s phone is in her room, randomly popped into my head. I have never snooped at her phone before, so this thought was new and definitely random for me. But my brain could not let go. Starting to stretch for my evening run, I kept marinating on the idea. So, I said a little prayer, asking God for His wisdom, and I felt an even stronger urge to put my secret...

4 Reasons To Give A Kid A Camera Last Christmas I was talking with some friends about Christmas gifts for our kids when one recommended a toddler camera. I loved the idea! I remember getting my first "real camera." It was a purple Minnie Mouse camera that used 110 film and needed flash cubes. I'm sure it could get costly to buy film, flash cubes and pay for processing. Then there was the wait the time to get those photos developed. While all of that is probably a foreign concept to some, the prevalence of digital cameras makes getting one for a toddler, preschooler or young child much more reasonable and accessible. My kiddo was 3 that Christmas and it seemed like...

Dear Teen Mom, I See You I’ll never forget seeing those two pink lines. I was 16. I’d had a few different boyfriends since I turned 14, but this was my first serious relationship. He was thrilled. I was, understandably, terrified. After a very difficult pregnancy, we welcomed our first son two weeks before my 17th birthday. Of course, it was love at first sight. We had an awesome support system, and I know for a fact the days would have been a lot harder without the help and love we received from grandparents. I don’t take that for granted one bit; they were a saving grace on many nights when I wanted to give up from lack of sleep. In...