Food For Thought: “Children Learn What They Live”

I appreciate this classic poem by Dorothy Law Nolte: CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns...

“The Little Handbook on Loving Correction: How To Raise Happy, Obedient, Respectful Children”

A few weeks ago, my husband and I attended a parenting conference that featured Pastor Steve Murell, his wife Deborah, and their eldest son William as speakers.  As co-founder and president of Every Nation, a worldwide family of churches and ministries, Pastor Steve believes in honoring God and establishing Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered and socially responsible churches.  And he had plenty to share about his personal experiences about raising his...

My Child’s New Set of Fantastic Educational Toys

Ever notice how toy stores are filled with not just the usual stuffed toys and robots but are now pushing more toys that have educational value?  Now more than ever, there is an influx of wooden toys and a clamor for the back-to-basics toys that help teach spatial intelligence, concepts like counting, matching, and sorting, and other creative learning skills that stimulate thinking and imagination. I’m thankful that wooden blocks, wooden puzzles,...

TOYS & BOOKSThat Have Been Keeping My 3-Year Old Busy, Entertained, and Educated (A Constantly Updated Blog Entry)

My daughter Drian turned three a few days ago, and it’s been such an exciting time, since she’s absorbing everything at lightning speed, and has been enjoying plenty of creative play time… She has time alone, time with schoolmates, time with family (she loves bonding with relatives she’s close to), and a few select friends outside school.  In every playdate, a few simple toys have made their way into the picture, and have stayed...

My Child’s First Haircut, and Marveling at Many More Firsts

My child will be turning three years old in a month’s time.  Just the other day, she had her FIRST-EVER haircut.  I remember the conversation I had with her a few months ago.  I just thought I’d share how my child shared her own thoughts about having her hair cut: Mama (that’s me!):  Anak, I’m thinking of cutting my hair.  What do you think? Do you want to have a haircut too? Drian: (looking at me with furrowed eyebrows)...