Christian Parenting Today articles from November 2001

Christian Parenting Today archives from November 2001

What do we tell our children? (ParenttoParent).
November 1, 2001... Carla Barnhill I'm writing this on September 18, one week after the terrorist attacks that left us reeling. By now, you've heard several sermons on how Christians should respond to this tragedy, read countless articles on what to say to...

Learning to let go. (Letters from home mail that matters).(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2001... I could not wait to read the article "I Kissed Guilt Goodbye" (September/ October). It was great! Why are moms so hard on themselves? Why do we feel the need to be perfect? Everything mentioned in this article are things I have struggled with...

The little things do count. (Letters from home mail that matters).(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2001... "I Kissed Guilt Goodbye" is exactly the type of article I enjoy reading in Christian Parenting Today. I also struggle with cobwebs and have a living room that resembles Toys R Us. I especially connected with the end of the article where it...

Just what I needed. (Letters from home mail that matters).(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2001... Thank you so much for running the article, "Writing to Read" in the Preschool section of "Growing Up" (September/October). I had recently spent some time online looking for information on this topic, but didn't find as much as this article...

Thanks for the opportunity. (Letters from home mail that matters).(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2001... I just wanted to thank you for putting out such an enjoyable magazine! I love reading it from cover to cover and then passing it along to my husband. Our family was so excited to open the September/October issue and find the picture of our boys...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
November 1, 2001... Oops, we made a mistake! In the PreSchool section of "Growing Up" we printed an incorrect website address. The correct address is www.perpetual preschool.com. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope you enjoy the site!

Over the hill. (Home Pages).(tips for sledding)
November 1, 2001... "T"is the season for a sledding party, so gather the family and head for the hills. But before you go, here are some guidelines to make your outing safe and fun: Choose your sled. The right toboggan or sled can make or break a sledding...

Avoid mall meltdowns.
November 1, 2001... Nothing sours holiday shopping like a child's temper tantrum. To keep mall meltdowns to a minimum, try the Four Step PREP, recommended by Tracy Underwood, a pediatric clinical psychologist at Children's Medical Center of Dallas. Prepare...

A baby is born. (Life in our house).(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2001... When our son, Parker, was 2 years old, my husband and I shared the Christmas story with him and explained the miracle of Jesus' birth. Around that same time, Parker's aunt gave birth to a baby boy, so we took Parker to the hospital where he was...

Christmas creations.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... I can remember sitting in my Grandma's kitchen every Christmas, listening to holiday music and making a special keepsake that I still have today. I have carried on her traditions in my own family. Here are some easy Christmas treasures you can...

Santa who? (Life in our house).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Last year, my husband and I tried, to downplay Santa Claus and focused on the biblical reasons we celebrate Christmas. It apparently worked because when our 2-year-old daughter, Sarah, noticed a picture of me and her dad sitting with someone...

God rules. (Mom's moment).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Years ago a high school student asked me, "Why does God have all those rules? Doesn't he want us to have any fun?" It was then that I told her about an experience our family had one Christmas. Our children received a board game, which they...

"He's too clingy". (Can you help?).
November 1, 2001... Robyn wrote: My 22-month-old only wants to be with me. When I'm out of his sight, he cries. He follows me while I do housework and wants me to carry him everywhere. I want to give him my attention, but I can't be with him all the time. I...

Prayer requests. (Life in our house).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Thanksgiving is a special time of year for my 6-year-old daughter, Megan, because she gets to eat her favorite crescent rolls. One year, Megan ate several rolls before we even sat down to eat. Finally, dinner was served and the family gathered...

Hors d'oeuvres, anyone? (Life in our house).
November 1, 2001... During our Christmas Eve candlelight service, my 3-year-old son, Luke, was getting restless and ready to go home in anticipation of the next morning. He quickly snapped out of his boredom when he saw that communion being served. After everyone...

Create-a-calendar. (Ideas that work).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... With the year coming to an end, it will be time to buy your new calendar! I like to buy blank, flip-over calendars that you fill in yourself and are able to decorate. Each month I let one of my kids color the upper portion of the calendar, and...

Wish list. (Couple time).
November 1, 2001... Every New Year's Eve, my husband and I sit down and each make a list of 12 things we would appreciate having the other person do for us. These can be anything from acts of service (making dinner, washing the car) to small gifts (a book, a...

Merry poppings. (E-Fridge).(www.practicalkitchen.com)
November 1, 2001... Nothing says Merry Christmas like yummy treats you made yourself. For a ton of easy recipes you and your kids can make together, check out www.practicalkitchen.com. Click "Site Map" and then "Kids in the Kitchen". You'll find a list of...

Pacifier pros and cons: Your guide to the ages and stages of development. (Growing up).
November 1, 2001... Sue's 8-month-old has had a string of ear infections and is taking antibiotics again. But during a recent visit to the pediatrician, Sue learned something she didn't know. The doctor suggested that the baby's ear infections may be connected to...

When your toddler wears you down. (Growing up toddler).
November 1, 2001... The toddler years mark the beginning of the critical process of guiding our children to become more like Jesus through caring, consistent discipline. But as any parent of a toddler knows, consistency is easier said than done. A toddler's...

The building blocks of self-esteem. (Growing up preschool).
November 1, 2001... The average preschooler thinks he's the center of the world, so it seems a bit counterintuitive to try to build up his self-esteem. But the way your child feels about himself in these early years will be the foundation of his self-image later...

Sleepovers: Ready or Not? (Growing up early elementary).
November 1, 2001... Your second-grader returns home bursting with big news: She's been invited to her first sleepover. You know she'll probably have the time of her life eating pizza and giggling with her friends, but you're still uneasy. What if she gets...

"How do I look?". (Growing up late elementary).
November 1, 2001... Your daughter refuses to leave the house unless her bangs are curled. Your son spends all his birthday money on one pair of sneakers. As a parent, it's discouraging to watch a child place so much emphasis on what he looks like. And even though...

Preparing for peer pressure. (Growing up middle school).
November 1, 2001... Your child is on the brink of adolescence. Before long, he'll begin to separate from you. He'll appear less willing to communicate with you and more eager to turn to his peers for acceptance and ideas. Now, while your child is still...

Dating dilemmas. (Growing up teen).
November 1, 2001... "But it's the Homecoming Dance! I have to go. All my friends have dates. David's really nice and he asked me to go with him. What's the big deal?" pleads 14-year-old Allison to her mom. Few issues cause parents more headaches and worries than...

"I wish you knew...": Find out what teens are really thinking.
November 1, 2001... First, a few facts: I am pushing 40. My son is pushing 15. When I was pushing 15, I thought my parents were nuts. I swore I'd never be like them when I had kids of my own. Today, my son thinks I'm nuts. He swears he'll never be like me when he...

Let's talk turkey.
November 1, 2001... I'd stuffed many a turkey before I really understood Thanksgiving. Oh sure, I knew we were supposed to be thankful, and once I became a Christian I knew who we were thanking. But it wasn't until I home-schooled some of my children that I really...

Bring faith to life.
November 1, 2001... Our "identical" twin boys were only 6 the Easter they each made a special card for me. Robert, the compliant, easy-to-please son, had drawn a beautiful picture of the cross with a Bible and lily and the words: "To Mommy--Christ is Risen. Happy...

Jesus's missing.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The boxes of Christmas decorations were carried up from the basement. I had to go to church, so the serious work of Christmas-izing our home would have to wait until I returned. In the meantime, our 5-year-old daughter, Lauren, was content to...

Holiday heartache: When you've lost a loved one, Christmas can seem like the most miserable time of the year. Here's how one family found peace in the midst of their grief.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... I watch as the snow falls, forming a blanket of white on the green grass. It's November and the holidays are almost here. While I used to look forward to this time of year, I now fight mixed emotions. Empty places at our table serve as painful...

Dads unplugged: Find real power in a connection that counts. (A father's heart).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... There's an interesting short story by E.M. Forster called The Machine Stops. It points out something that more dads need to strongly consider. "Imagine, if you can," Forster begins, "a small room, hexagonal in shape, like the cell of a bee. It...

Family timewithGod.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Family devotions don't have to be formal sit-down events. Use these quick ideas to connect with your kids during meals, in the car, or at bedtime. The more involved "Family Night" ideas will help you create memorable evenings (or afternoons)...

Holiday stress. (Onthefamilyfront).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Q. The holidays are coming and I'm filled with dread over the parties, the visitors, the baking, school plays, etc. I find myself gritting my teeth before Halloween and not breathing a sigh of relief until after the New Year. My kids get tired...

Now the day is over. (Baby & Toddler).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Now the day is over hymn by Sabine Baring-Gould; illustrated by Preston McDaniels (Moorehouse) paperback $9.95, 32 pages All Things Bright and Beautiful hymn by Cecil Frances Alexander; illustrated by Preston McDaniels...

Molly and the birthday party & Molly at the dentist. (Baby & Toddler).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Carla Molly and the Birthday Party and Molly at the Dentist written and illustrated by Angie Sage (Peachtree) $9.95 each, 12 pages each Like any other toddler, little Molly the monster can be stubborn and selfish,...

Before I dream bible storybook. (Preschool).(Review)
November 1, 2001... Before I dream bible storybook by Karyn Henley; illustrated by 'Taia Morley (Tyndale Kids) $14.99, 137 pages At our house, there are books stacked on just about every flat surface--tables, chairs, floors. While reading is a big part of...

God is...for me! & Prayer is...for me! (Preschool).(Review)
November 1, 2001... God Is...for Me! and Prayer Is...for Me! by Christine Tangvald; illustrated by Toney Griego (Bethany Backyard) $3.99, 24 pages each Instilling the fundamental truths of faith in young children can be one of the most important...

If the world were blind. (Early elementary).(Review)
November 1, 2001... If the World Were Blind by Karen Gedig Burnett; illustrated by Laurie Barrows (GR Publishing) $14.50, 30 pages When Jason asks his grandfather why people don't get along, Jason suggests that if the world were blind, perhaps things...

The little spider. (Early elementary).(Review)
November 1, 2001... The Little Spider By Sigmund Brouwer, with an original song by Cindy Morgan; illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung (Tyndale Kids) $14.99, 37 pages Most Christmas stories tell of the days leading up to Jesus' birth. But this one takes readers on...

Sticky situations: 2. (Late elementary & Middle school).(Review)
November 1, 2001... Sticky Situations: 2 365 Devotions for Elementary Kids by Betsy Schmitt; illustrated by Dennis Jones (Tyndale Kids) $9.99 There are times when my kids tell me about a situation at school or with a friend, and they feel stuck about what to...

The great adventure. (Parents).(Review)
November 1, 2001... The Great Adventure by Steven Curtis Chapman (J Countryman) Hardcover with CD $13.99, 65 pages As a fan of singer Steven Curtis Chapman, I found this gift book and CD combo a wonderful present to my own family. "The Great Adventure,"...

Fun-tastic conversation starters for parents & kids. (Parents).(Review)
November 1, 2001... Fun-tastic Conversation Starters for Parents & Kids by Robert Crosby (Honor Books/Focus on the Family) $6.99, 157 pages Want to get your kids talking? Tuck this book in your purse (it's little) to use in the car or when you're waiting...

The unwanted gift: How a friend's gesture opened my eyes to god's grace. (Mom's journal).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... I slipped the bow from the package and started tearing at the paper. Obviously, the gift had been professionally wrapped at the store. The paper edges were neatly folded under, secured by an invisible layer of scotch tape. As the red and...