Parenting helps
Previously published parenting articles by Christina Quick.
10 things your kids may not tell you
(But we thought you should know)
Sure, they may talk back, roll their eyes and tune you out at times. But take heart, parents. Your moody, growing, changing, baffling children need you like crazy. In fact, we’ve waded through mountains of research to find out what your school-age kids might tell you — if they didn’t have an image to maintain…
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Embracing good enough
Who said parents have to be paragons of perfection?
The first-grade teacher’s request seemed simple enough. Each child was to decorate a slotted box to take to school for Valentine’s Day.
“If you don’t have time to do a box, a paper lunch sack will work fine,” the note in my son’s backpack assured me.
But every mother knows better. Like CIA operatives, we’re trained to recognize the coded message: A paper lunch sack will work fine if you want to be remembered forever as a slacker mom so void of maternal drive and creativity you could do no better for your precious offspring.
We’ve seen the magazine illustrations depicting seamless kids’ crafts made of plastic beads, chenille wire and foam. We understand by now what’s required of us…
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Avoid parental burnout
Beep! Beep! Beep!
The timer tells me my 8-year-old has finished his required reading for school. I start the bath water running just before rushing to turn off the noise. On the way, I pick up a backpack, two marbles, the TV remote control and a pair of socks.
“Let’s remember to clean up after ourselves,” I say to no one in particular.
I turn off the timer with my elbow and notice my daughter’s pink plastic bracelet in the corner. My hands are full, so I grab it with my toes and make my way back through the house to redeposit my finds in their proper places…
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Balanced living for women
From careers and child care to chores and checkbooks, today’s women have a lot to balance. Over time, the hectic pace of managing it all can take a heavy toll. Many women want to live more balanced lives but don’t know where to begin.
The good news is it doesn’t always take a major change to bring major results. A few small steps in the right direction can lead to a life that feels less like a moving treadmill and more like the rewarding journey God intends…
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