Giving—it isn’t normal.
Sharing. One of the most important lessons in life. Who doesn’t want a kid who thinks of others? Let’s face it. We’re selfish. We know what we like, and we like what we like. Sometimes we want to keep what [...]
My little kids are afraid of disabled kids.
Sometimes kids are afraid of other kids who are maybe a bit different than they are. That doesn’t mean we should allow them to continue to ignore them. It means that we need to help our kids not just get [...]
“Up North” is my favorite place. Yours?
“Up North.” It really is a place. In Michigan, it’s anywhere NORTH of where you live—usually somewhere in a wooded area or a lake. For me, “Up North” was the family cottage that my grandparents built in 1955 along the [...]
Black History Month is underway.
As a white male, I want to make sure I celebrate with my brothers and sisters and help the kids in my life celebrate too. Why is it February? Honoring the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, who freed the slaves, and [...]
Virtual school is driving me crazy!
Virtual school IS tough for some. Junior has decided if the teacher isn’t there, he doesn’t have to do the work. Sweet little Katie CAN’T and WON’T sit still. One kid’s hard, but how about four? And how do you [...]
I’ve never been so down—it’s scary.
In November 2020, I had COVID-19. I struggled with symptoms for like five weeks. That, coupled with political, family, and other uncertainties, I was an emotional mess. Are you there? Well, if you struggle with depression, don’t be embarrassed. Get [...]
Mom and Dad, I’m moving!
Oooo, that’s a tough one. How many of us hope and pray our kids will never move across the country? I’m facing that situation right now. I certainly don’t want my daughter to move from Michigan to California. I'd miss [...]
Our family is so divided; it’s heartbreaking!
Chances are if you have family of any size you find yourselves avoiding religion and politics to “keep the peace.” I get it. Not all of my kids share my spiritual or political views either. While 1 Corinthians 1 says [...]
Chores or no chores?
Chores! Yes. Our kids need them. If there’s one thing that irritates me the most, it’s watching a child manipulate their mom or dad out of doing ANY work. How in the world are we going to teach our kids [...]
Does it take a village, or a tribe?
In a tribal situation, sometimes it’s difficult to figure out what kids belong to what adults. Why? Well, because the entire tribe is taking a role in raising kids. While I was growing up, I spent a good part of [...]