This week I had one of those shining parenting moments. I caught one of my kids deliberately subverting a punishment.
This kid didn’t lie about what he was doing, which in light of the past, felt like a win. He also seemed to sincerely apologize. I told him I would think about the consequence and get back to him, and we’d talk some more.
And two hours later, he did the same thing, people. #parentingforthewin
That is to say, “expert” is not a word I think about when I consider my parenting. (Am I the only one who wonders about the secret lives of parenting “experts”?)
So as I mash together a few recent parenting podcasts and articles for you–integrity demands that I tell you my kids fought about an hour and a half before this post.
And one of them got a snowball between the shoulder blades in the kitchen, but y’know, I’m not calling that a parenting fail. Yet.
But I will tell you I’m alongside you, sweeping up tortilla chip crumbs beside the washing machine and taking away my sophomore’s phone (both of these activities done in the last 24 hours).
Do with these as you will.
Latest Parenting Podcasts
With the release of Permanent Markers: Spiritual Life Skills to Write On Your Kids’ Hearts (grab the first chapter free in the sidebar!), I’ve had a blast recording a few parenting podcasts.
(Interested in contacting me about recording a podcast, including non-parenting topics? I’m happy to help even with small shows. Use the form here!)
Spiritual Life Skills For Kids: How Do I Build Habits That Last?
Looking for doable ways to disciple your children? My first episode with FamilyLife Today offers ideas to build spiritual life skills for kids and encourage their Christ-anchored identity.
Spiritual Life Skills For Kids: What Am I Aiming For?
We want our kids to love and follow Jesus. In my second episode with FamilyLife Today, I talk about evaluating our parenting goals toward lasting habits that prepare kids for a lifelong relationship with him.
Leaving a Spiritual Mark: How to Impact Your Children’s Hearts
In this podcast with Dr. Carol Tanksley, she and I discuss how to pursue and win the most important part of your kids: their hearts.
You want this book! Author Interview
I chat with podcaster Sarah Seefeldt on Rise and Shine Mama about parenting and about some of the important concepts in Permanent Markers. Grab practical ideas for helping your child develop spiritual maturity. Grab our second episode here.
Latest Parenting Articles
From FamilyLife.com:
Parenting and Control: How Not To Hold On Too Tight
When it comes to parenting and control—could holding on too long, protecting too much, actually damage my teens?
Teachable Moments from Your Epic Parenting Fails & Other Disasters
When it comes to parenting and control—could holding on too long, protecting too much, actually damage my teens?
3 Spiritual Life Skills for Kids (and Ideas To Teach Them)
How can we squirrel away spiritual life skills for kids that make them want to connect with God? It could be easier than you think.
From Barbara Rainey’s EverThineHome.com:
Spiritual Life Skills? (Do I Even Have Time for That?)
If we don’t play this parenting game strategically, we’ll hit someone’s goals. But they might not be the ones we intended.
And that’s the wrap-up. May your kitchen today be snowball-free.
Because the awkward stuff matters,
