Blog Parents
Their World—And Ours
The saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” As a parent, I hope I am not foolishly trying to act like my twenty-something. However, showing interest in what my student’s world looks like—and how they look at...
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Blog Parents
Skirting the New Year
One of the most enlightening conversations over the holidays was about my tree skirt. No, I’m not talking about a skirt with trees on it or a skirt made from trees, although bamboo is big in textiles these days. Imagine...
Monday, January 13, 2020
Blog Parents
Good Grief
The song written for the timeless TV special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas", goes on to say, "Happiness and cheer, fun for all that children call their favorite time of year.” I beg to differ. Presuming it is a joyous,...
Monday, December 2, 2019
Blog Parents
To Tell the Truth
I admit I am wary of actions that put me in physical danger. I am sitting in the urgent care lobby, waiting and writing while my husband is getting stitches on a couple of good-sized gashes. He’s a handy guy with a...
Monday, November 4, 2019
Blog Parents
Try This At Home
I admit I am wary of actions that put me in physical danger. I am sitting in the urgent care lobby, waiting and writing while my husband is getting stitches on a couple of good-sized gashes. He’s a handy guy with a...
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Blog Parents
WITH or WITHOUT?
Is it just our human nature to focus on our lack instead of our gain? Even if we make change in our diet to improve our health, we think about what favorite food we are giving up to reach our weight loss goal. Why is it...
Friday, August 30, 2019
Blog Parents
Monumental Moments
I asked my friend, “How was your weekend?” Under usual circumstances, that is a simple question to ask. However, depending on the timing and context, the answer can be quite complex. She is in the middle of major life...
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Blog Parents
Lord Give Me Patience—Right Now!
As part of their legacy to me, my two grandfathers doled out lessons in patience. My Papaw Arthur had little tolerance for grumpy grandkids. If a pouty attitude crept out onto a protruding lip, he would be quick to...
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Blog Parents
Accept Except?
What does it really mean to accept others as they are? My son recently admitted to me that the people that have the very most exposure to him also get to see the worst of him. “Does that include me?” I asked. The answer...
Monday, April 29, 2019
Blog Parents
Unintentional Influence
My daughter and I have a laughable habit of unintentionally dressing alike. It was her lot in life to have her mother also serving as her high school principal. She could have felt really embarrassed by the many days...
Monday, April 1, 2019
Blog Parents
Phone Home
You're hoping for a phone call. You receive a two-word text from your son or daughter. You're not alone.
Friday, October 5, 2018
Blog Parents
Staying Focused, Standing Firm
Is your student ready to stay focused? What can you as the parent do to help?
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Blog Parents
Life Choices—Served with Pie
Students face many important decisions in their first few years out of the home—especially related to college. The right "coaching" can make all the difference in helping them navigate this exciting time.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Blog College Preparation, Leadership, Parents
Big Lessons from Small Mistakes
Parents hope their young adults have already learned major lessons in academic integrity, managing temptation, and setting priorities in the right order. The fact is they are no less human than when they were in middle...
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Blog Parents
Modeling Being Human
The good news—and the bad news—is that we are the primary examples for our children. Instinctively though, we know that “monkey see, monkey do” applies to more than just the sweet moments of life. Our children also live...
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Blog Parents
Risking Accountability
Because it's much easier to receive parents' praise than parents' concern, our college students' transparency about their temptations can be limited. It is unusual for a student to admit to Mom and Dad that they are in...
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Blog Parents
Me or We?
It’s going to happen any day now…there will be unmistakable signs of spring on campus. The snow will melt, the trees will green up, students will take their studying outdoors, and the campus ROCK will feature two names...
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Blog Parents
Bread or a Stone?
I found myself back in Matthew 7 this week, reminded that the Lord invites us to ask Him for what we need. Verses 7 and 8 say, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to...
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Blog Parents
Unwrap the Gifts Again
By the time we hit New Years, Christmas is already a fading memory. When we're asked what gifts we received, it may already be hard to recall. However, I would venture to guess that over the years, there are at least a...
Friday, December 1, 2017
Blog College Preparation, Parents
4 expectations parents should set with their college student
Now fall semester has begun. With our students, it is easy for hopes to get ahead of plans. While we are busy packing in the last family picnic of the summer, getting the commuter car in shape, or shopping for the dorm...
Monday, August 28, 2017