Sex and relationships are hot topics in youth work at the moment, and rightly so, when we see the mixed messages, confusing feelings and myriad questions that young people are dealing with every day. But for young people with additional needs, this topic is often one that is considered to be irrelevant for them, even…
Leah Jennings My toddler daughter, Arden, is very toddlery these days. And by toddlery, I mean I can’t help but look at the clock and wonder how in the world I’m supposed to make it to bedtime without us both collapsing in a puddle of tears. I’ve always been told the age of three is a…
Reggie Joiner This is going to sound strange, but I do wonder sometimes if God got it backwards when it comes to parenting. I’m not really questioning God’s wisdom, so don’t respond with a super-spiritual answer to correct my logic, just let me think out loud for a few minutes. Why did I start out…
I vividly recall the moment the doctor said my newborn had a genetic disorder. My husband literally rushed to my hospital bed, wrapped his strong arms around me, and told me everything would be fine. We didn’t know what we were getting into at that moment, but he was there holding me. He held my…
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 The last month or so I have looked at so many graduates with their cap and gowns, dangling all their medals and cords they were awarded. I see various pictures with all their relatives. I watch as…
Ted Lowe As most dads do, I adore my three kids. But as most dads do, I second-guess how well I’m doing. From tidbits to full-blown philosophies, advice for dads is everywhere. Don’t be your child’s friend, be their dad.Time is flying by, enjoy every moment with your kids.Nothing is more important than your child’s…
Stephen Jones There’s a reason I know quality time trumps quantity time. When I was a kid, my grandfather would come to our house for dinner all the time. He used to say coming to our house was better than going to the movies. I have three siblings, all sisters, so I was the only…
You are not just a mom! Don’t let others intimidate you into questioning what you know is working or not working for your child. Trust yourself and keep moving forward. I have to admit that sometimes I outwardly went along with the therapist’s plans for my child (shhh, don’t tell her; she really was a…
Jon Acuff Being a teenager is not easy. There’s peer pressure like they’ve never experienced before. Suddenly, sitting at the right table at lunch is a big deal. You have to deal with mean girls. Cliques are rampant. Applying for college is always at a low-grade boil of anxiety. You might get cut from a…
Mike Tiemann I come from a family of campers. Tent campers, to be exact. I suppose it’s always been in my DNA, with parents who loved National Parks and toured us all around the great American West. I can still vividly remember that cold, foggy campsite on the Sonoma coast, with our tent nestled on…