Trauma does not always show up in obvious ways. In this post, I reflect on more than a decade of trauma-informed parenting, shaped by foster care, adoption, therapy, faith, and a lot of humility. This is a story about learning to see behavior as communication, releasing control, and choosing faithfulness when answers are hard to find. It is about hope that grows slowly, grace that meets us daily, and trusting God one next step at a time. Click the title to read the full post.
Tag: #ChristianParenting
Foster Care: Learning to Love Without Ownership
Foster care was nothing like we expected. It stretched us, humbled us, and revealed how deeply we needed community. From intense training and constant uncertainty to profound grief and unexpected beauty, this post reflects on the hard and holy realities of loving children without guarantees, and how foster care became one of the clearest pictures of the gospel we have ever lived. Click the title to read the full post.
Self Regulation: The Valentines We Don’t See
Valentine’s week often highlights kindness and connection, yet it can be one of the hardest weeks for children who are overwhelmed or dysregulated. This post looks at self regulation as love in action, offering insight for parents and teachers on how safety, connection, and faith shape behavior long before kindness shows up. Click the title to read the full post.
The Beautiful Complications of Siblinghood
Our home is complicated, filled with appointments, medications, and more acronyms than I ever expected to know. But beneath it all is a love that runs deep. Through headaches, allergies, and ADHD, my children have learned patience, compassion, and the kind of empathy that only grows through shared struggle. This post is about finding grace in the middle of that complexity and seeing God’s goodness in the love that holds us together. Click the title to read the full post.
Ten Years to Dyslexia: The Diagnosis We Shouldn’t Have Had to Wait For
For ten years, our daughter struggled with reading, headaches, and exhaustion while everyone insisted she was “fine.” It was not until junior year that we finally uncovered the truth: visual dyslexia. If you have ever questioned your child’s struggles, you’ll want to read this. Trust your gut.
Teaching Jesus at Christmas: Sharing the True Story with Children
Christmas is full of wonder, but the greatest gift we can give our children is helping them see that the joy of the season begins with Jesus. In this post, I share ways to keep the focus on Him through storybooks, conversations, and classroom learning. You will also find a list of beautiful children’s books and simple literacy activities that bring the true meaning of Christmas to life. Click the title to read the full post.
The Children’s Advent Chain: A Countdown to Kindness
One of my favorite family traditions began when my kids were little, our Family Advent Chain. Each paper link held a simple act of kindness or gratitude that reminded us Christmas is about giving, not getting. Over the years, those acts have grown with my children, from hugs and thank-you notes to volunteering and serving others. This post shares how to create your own Advent Chain and make your Christmas countdown one of kindness, compassion, and connection. Click the title to read the full post.
Helping Children Thrive: Understanding Social-Emotional Screening Tools
It can be hard to know when a child’s big emotions are part of normal development and when they may signal a deeper need for support. In this post, I share my own journey of learning to understand those feelings, how social-emotional screening tools can help, and why they matter for both parents and teachers. These tools bring clarity, connection, and compassion to the children we love and teach. Click the title to read the full post.
Supporting Families Through the Evaluation Process
The evaluation process can feel overwhelming for families, but it is one of the most powerful tools we have to help children thrive. From early intervention to school-based services, knowing where to start and how to navigate next steps matters. As educators and parents, we are called to encourage, advocate, and walk alongside families so they never feel alone in the process. Click the title to read the full post and discover practical ways to support children and families through every step of evaluation.
Understanding Early Intervention Services
Early Intervention services give young children the tools they need to thrive, from speech and motor skills to behavior and emotional support. In this post, I share our family’s experience, explain what Early Intervention really is, and show how parents and educators can work together to create the best possible learning environment. Click the title to read the full post and learn how Early Intervention can change a child’s future.
Grace in the Disarray 