Category: Parents

Daughters are amazing!

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Today, The Morning Thing talked about the amazing blessing of raising a daughter. We shared great insight from 2 articles found at imom.com

The first one focused on 5 ways to raise a daughter that others admire. Click HERE to read the full article.

1. Teach Her to Put Others First

2. Teach Her to Take Advantage of Every Opportunity

3. Teach Her to Have Joy and Gratitude

4. Boost Her Self-Esteem

5. Be a Positive Influence

Author Lori Clapper has 2 daughters. She shares that one of the main struggles for any girl is self-image. She says that the positive feedback she gives to her girls often falls on deaf ears. Us girls (young and old) too often only focus on the negative feedback we hear or see. So Lori decided to write a letter to her girls about self-image. Moms (and Dads), we hope this heart-felt letter inspires you to have some positive communication with your daughter.

To my lovely daughter,

I see you look at yourself in the mirror and frown. I see you look at the number on the scale and hang your head.

It may be hard for you to believe the words I want to say to you in this letter. That’s okay. Please keep this letter in a safe place so you will always know how your dad and I see you.

You are beautiful:

God’s fingerprints are all over each part of you. You may not be pleased with the break-outs or the unruly bed head hair. But your eyes were made to see the good – not only in other people – but in yourself. Your mouth, with or without your favorite lip gloss, was given to you to speak words of life.

You have significance:

Throughout life, people and circumstances will hurt you deeply. Friends come and go. But no matter what, you are on this earth for a purpose. It’s your job to rise above adversity and be the remarkable woman we know you are.

You can live your dream:

When you work hard and with passion, you can do anything you put your mind to, even get that dream job you always wanted.

You are capable of more than you think:

Push yourself. Always learn. Pursue your dreams with passion. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.

Love with all of your heart:

I’ve seen you form wonderful friendships through high school. You all truly care for one another and have each other’s backs. I’ve even heard you say you love them. It makes my mama’s heart so proud. Continue to surround yourself with great friends. Keep caring deeply, even when it’s hard.

Always wear SPF on your face:

I started too late, but it’s not too late for you. Take care of your body and skin. You’ll never regret that, especially when you turn 45 and you’re one of the few without wrinkles.

There is so much more I could say, but one thing to always remember: love God and love the way He created you. Keep your heart and mind aligned with these things I’ve written. You’ll save yourself a lot of worries and uncertainties that way.

I love you,

Mom

 

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7 Steps to a Strong Sibling Bond

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On The Morning Thing today, we talked about the relationship between siblings.
Parents, there are steps that you can take to help build the bond between your children.

Dana Hall McCain with imom.com says that building the sibling bond is a cause worth pursuing. Friends come and go, but family is for life. Teach your kids to love one another and build solid relationships.us some great steps to build the bond. Click HERE to see the full article.

1. Set the tone for closeness from the start.

2. Let them have significant experiences together.

3. Talk about your own sibling relationships with your kids.

4. Give your kids “assignments” in nurturing one another.

5. Remind your kids that friends will come and go, but family is forever.

6. Help your children develop shared passions and interests.

7. Remind your kids to have compassion for their siblings.

One great way to build the bond between siblings is to spend quality time together.

Check out this list of 20 SIBLING GAMES TO BOND, COMPETE AND COOPERATE

 

 

 

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Meet the RUC Team (Relationships Under Construction)

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For this week’s “Meet the Team” feature on WNZR, we shine the spotlight on RUC – Relationship Under Construction. WNZR’s Hannah Radke talked with RUC President, Catherine Wood about his amazing ministry.

Click HERE to hear more about what they do to reach out to youth in our community. Plus hear about ministry highlights from 2017 and goals for 2018.

For more information about RUC, click HERE.

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Do you have a boy at your house? Check out this important information!

Shaunti

The Morning Thing is always looking for inspirational thoughts and information to share each morning from 6am – 9am.

This morning, we shared some wonderful insight from speaker and author, Shaunti Feldhan. She shared some inspiration for Moms of boys recently in her blog “Helping you thrive in life and relationships”.

Here are 3 things every boy needs to hear from his Mom:
Click HERE to read the full article.

#1: I’m So Proud of You. 

All males are powerfully moved by hearing these words, but perhaps none more so than the young, testosterone-laden boys who may at times act first, think later, and thus are more used to hearing (as they are stitched up in the Emergency Room) “What were you thinking?” If you make a point of finding and saying those things worth praising whenever they happen (like when they try out for a sports team, audition for a play or plow their way through a tough paper for Lit class), it tells a young man that this is truly who he is—not that buffoon who occasionally gets dinged for doing something dumb.

#2: Sure, You Can Try It!

I hesitate to put this phrase so soon after the act-first-think-later-then-require-stitches example used above, but this truly is powerful in a young man’s life—especially when he hears it from “Cautious Mom” rather than “Adventure Dad.” Dads (having been young men themselves) know how vital it is that a boy try to do something on his own. Yes, he might try and fail (see Emergency Room example above), but he might do OK. Better yet, he might actually shine! It is hard for us to let our boy take this risk—no matter how big and husky (these are our babies!)—it is essential for his confidence for the future that he be able to try and try again.

#3: It Was Just a Mistake. You’ll Do Better Next Time.

We women sometimes think that we have to make a point of holding up a mistake so our son recognizes that he failed and doesn’t do something that way again. (“See what happens when you don’t study long enough?” “You forgot your equipment for practice again? That’s why you kept getting benched last year.”) But the research with men and boys is clear: your son does recognize he failed at something. For a guy, a mistake or a way he didn’t succeed at what he tried to do, is a huge, huge deal. It looms large in a boy’s mind, condemning him oh, every five minutes or so. Your son needs to hear you say you believe in him and you know he’ll do it right next time. “I know you’ll be studying hard this next few weeks before exams and you’ll do great.” And if you say it, it builds him up to believe he can do it.

A boy will never be perfect at what he does. After all, we aren’t either, right? But approaching his actions in these I-believe-in-you ways makes it far more likely that he actually will do it right over time. In other words: by your words of affirmation, you are helping your son to actually become that great young man you know he can be.

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It is National Spouses Day! Celebrate with The Morning Thing!

spouses day

Today is Spouse’s Day. This is a day dedicated to recognizing spouses everywhere. Be thankful for the fulfillment and security of a long-term relationship. Be thankful for the blessing of your spouse.

In honor of this day, The Morning Thing shared some easy date ideas from imom.com
Click HERE to read the full article and specific ideas to plan each date.

1. Coffee TALK Date.

2. Too Tired to Talk Date.

3. Seasonal Dates.

4. Dream Date.

5. Go on a First Date.

6. Falling in Love Questions.

For our Morning Thing Fave 5, we talked to our parents! They have all been married 20+ years! Listen in for the secrets to a happy marriage.

Gary and Lisa Swisher (Daria Mom and Dad)

Stacy Dilts (Eddie’s Mom)

Mike Moore (Trevor’s Dad)

Harry Street (Marcy’s Dad and Rachel’s Grandpa)

Joe and Marcy Rinehart

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It is National Parents as Teachers Day. Here are some values that parents should teach children before the age of 5.

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TODAY IS NATIONAL PARENTS AS TEACHERS DAY.

(from www.nationaldaycalendar.com) National Parents as Teachers Day is observed annually on November 8. On this day Parents as Teachers Organization offers educational services to parents across the country.  These affiliates give all parents of young children support, and it also provides information so all children learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential.

The concept for Parents as Teachers developed in the 1970s when Missouri educators noted that children were beginning kindergarten with varying levels of school readiness. Research showed that greater parent involvement is a critical link in the child’s development of learning skills, including reading and writing.

We found an insightful article from www.parents.com 
They highlight 5 values that parents should teach their children before the age of 5 (before they head to school).
Click HERE to see the full article.

Value #1: Honesty

Help Kids Find a Way To Tell the Truth
The best way to encourage truthfulness in your child is to be a truthful person yourself.

Value #2: Justice

Insist That Children Make Amends

Value #3: Determination

Encourage Them To Take on a Challenge

Value #4: Consideration

Teach Them To Think about Others’ Feelings

Value #5: Love

Be Generous with Your Affection

 

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How to Help Our Kids Overcome Fear

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If you saw the news over the weekend, you know that we have another tragic story to add to our country’s history. A Texas church shooting leaves 26 dead, including 8 members of one family. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the slaughter “the largest mass shooting” in the state’s history and ordered flags to fly at half-staff across the state Monday.

How do we deal with all the emotions that flood our hearts and minds when we see these tragic stories? How do we help our children handle their fears?
We found some wonderful advice from www.faithgateway.com (picture and content from www.faithgateway.com)

Author Jennifer Price shares 5 ways we can help our kids overcome fear and walk as the Bible teaches us to walk. Click HERE for the full article.

  1. Create a safe place for conversation.

    Isn’t it the worst thing to experience fear but keep it inside? Fear is crippling already, but not talking about it is even more damaging. Create a place for your kids to talk about what that makes them scared. Many times just speaking it out dispels the fear.

  2. Admit that you yourself experience fear sometimes.

    Sometimes kids are reluctant to admit what makes them feel scared. There’s nothing that breaks down walls better than humility. There’s comfort in knowing other people, especially their mom or dad, also experience fear. Even though they may not understand this truth at a young age, let them know that confidence will grow when they talk about the things that frighten them.

  3. Teach your kids to make prayer the go-to when they are feeling fearful.

    Nothing brings a sense of peace and calm like talking to Jesus.

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. — Philippians 4:6

  1. Read Scriptures together that talk about fear.

    God’s word is truth, and the truth is that God doesn’t want us to carry fear in our heart. He is longing for us to bring those fears to Him.

    For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” — Romans 8:15.

    When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. — Psalm 56:3

    But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. — Isaiah 43:1-3

    For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. — 2 Timothy 1:7

    I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. — Psalm 34:4

  1. Read books and Bible stories about those who have dealt with fear.

    My favorite story is when Joshua took the lead after Moses. I can’t imagine how he felt with those big shoes he had to fill! God tells him right away in Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

    Another great book is I’m Not A Scaredy Cat by Max Lucado. The humor combined with the important message that God is always near is perfect for helping the younger audience remember to trust in God completely with their fears.

Fear is real and natural. Thankfully, God has given us lots of reassurance through His word that it’s not something we need to carry on our own. Teaching our kids this at a young age will help them have the tools to overcome fear in a healthy way as they get older.

 

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Helping your home find humor and happiness – The Morning Thing 10/25/17

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On Wednesday’s show, we focused on the desire to have a happy home. It is something all of us want, right?!

We shared more great advice from the wonderful website, wwwimom.com.
Here are 9 habits for a happy home from author Susan Merrill
Click HERE to see the entire article.

H – HOLD YOUR CHILD AND HUSBAND EVERY CHANCE YOU GET.
A –  ANSWER EVERY CHILD’S “MOM!” AS IF AN ANGEL WAS CALLING FOR YOU.
P – PRAY DAILY, HOURLY, EVERY SECOND IF NECESSARY.
P – PUSH EVERY NEGATIVE THOUGHT INTO THE DISPOSAL AND TURN IT ON.
Y – YEARN FOR NOW, APPRECIATE THIS STAGE OF YOUR CHILD’S LIFE.
H – HAVE SUNDAY SUPPER TOGETHER IN YOUR KITCHEN WITH YOUR FAMILY.
O – ORDER YOUR DAYS EFFICIENTLY SO THAT YOU HAVE TIME TO PLAY.
M – MAINTAIN PEACE AND FORGIVE DAILY.
E – ENJOY THE BLESSING OF YOUR CHILDREN.

We also shared some tips from Focus on the Family on how to encourage family fun and humor at your house.

How can you turn your house into a place where the walls ring with laughter and where family members actually get a kick out of being together? We have a few simple suggestions:

  1. First, don’t take yourself so seriously. If you and the rest of your family are like most people, perspective is probably hard for you. You find it difficult to remember how small and insignificant you are in the grand scheme of things. You allow your petty trials and concerns to cast a pall of gloom over the entire universe. Our advice is to lighten up and relax. Take a step back and try to get a sense of where you fit in the “bigger picture.” And remind yourself that God alone sees your situation as it really is.
  2. Second, resolve tolaugh even when you don’t feel like laughing. It’s precisely when you’ve had a tough day that your need for a good laugh is most urgent. At such times, a bit of humor will help wash away the stress. It will also keep your marriage and family together when you’re coming unglued.
  3. Next, look for the humor around you. This may require some extra work, but it’s worth the effort. Once you open your eyes, you’ll find that life is full of good comedic material. Art Linkletter had it right when he said that “people are funny.” So stay on the lookout for the comic element in everyday life. If you can’t find it, create it for yourself.
  4. Discover what makes your spouse and children laugh . When you hear guffaws coming from their direction, pay attention and investigate the cause. Study their individual humor styles. Learn to distinguish between sarcasm, slapstick, irony, clownishness, and absurdity. Exploit your findings at least once a day. Pay special attention to the ways in which these humor styles reflect the various temperaments and personalities of your children. Think in terms of birth order. Learn to recognize each individual’s unique role in the family system. An awareness of these issues will help you find the correct balance between humor and sensitivity.
  5. Finally, learn how to poke fun at one another in a light-hearted, healthy, affirming, and non-derogatory way. A certain amount of good-natured “teasing” can actually increase feelings of intimacy among the members of your household. But be careful. Some skins are thinner than others. It’s all too easy for one person’s “joke” to become another person’s raw and bleeding wound. It may be acceptable for people to laugh at one another if they share a certain kind of relationship. But when that connection is lacking, it’s best to avoid the kind of “playfulness” that is all too easily interpreted as disrespect.

Click HERE to read the entire article.

(Picture from www.imom.com)

 

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Parenting – a tough, but rewarding job.

Dad and kid

Today, The Morning Thing focused on parenting. We shared some incredible insight from 2 great resources.

We shared 8 truths that every parent should know from Mark W. Merrill. Mark is the president of All Pro Dad and Family First , a national non-profit organization.
Click HERE to read the entire article from www.allprodad.com

1. Parenting requires loving your child for who they are, not for what they do.

2. Parenting requires patience.

3. Parenting is “heart work.”

4. Parenting is always doing what’s best for your child.

5. Parenting requires always speaking the truth to your child and into your child’s life.

6. Parenting is about failing, forgiving, and asking for forgiveness.

7. Parenting requires prayer.

8. Parenting is putting your relationship with God, and then your spouse, ahead of your relationship with your child.

We also shared 8 warning signs that your child is headed for trouble.
Click HERE to read the entire article from www.imom.com

Here are some of the common signs of a child who’s heading the wrong direction. It is important to recognize these and take the appropriate steps to guide your child back down a positive path.

1. Mood Swings

2. Withdrawal

3. Hiding Things

4. Dropping Grades

5. Sudden Change of Friends

6. Fluctuating Weight

7. Personality Changes

8. Changing The Way They Dress

(Picture from www.allprodad.com)

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It is National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day!

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Today, The Morning Thing celebrated kids taking over kitchens all across the country. Today is a day when kids can use their favorite recipes and make a meal for their family!  (Adult supervision and assistance as required for the younger bakers and chefs in the house!)

(from www.nationaldaycalendar.com)

The Young Chefs Academy (YCA) sponsors this special day. The objective of their mission is to empower kids and teens to become more actively involved in the planning, preparation, and cooking of meals.  The YCA is fostering family bonds and actively fighting the battle against the many serious health and social issues related to youth’s eating habits in today’s time.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Let the kids cook for a change of pace. Try one of these kid-friendly recipes to get your children cooking!

Herbed Chicken Nuggets
Yogurt Sundaes

Cooking with your kids is a good way to help them build healthy eating habits.
You can show your kids how to help you prepare meals.
Here are ways that young kids can help in the kitchen, broken down by age.
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