As your kids get older their interests will develop and mature. Although I advocate for kids playing outside most of the time, there are times when the weather is bad and it is nice to have some things to entertain them inside the house. In all toys, we look for open-endedness, ability to kids to…
There are many different approaches to discipline and people have just as many opinions. To spank or not to spank. Gentle parenting vs authoritative parenting. Everyone has something to say. I read a couple things last week that really helped put things into perspective. The first framework was coaching vs. disciplining. In coaching, we are…
There is a common joke among men that their wives are the ol’ ball-and-chain. Men love to complain about their wives and say “I’d love to come hang out but my wife you know…” It may get a laugh but at what cost? You may think, ‘well, she doesn’t hear it so it won’t hurt…
Of Boys and Men is a thought-provoking book that explores the challenges facing modern men and the implications for society as a whole. Written by renowned psychologist and author, Richard Reeves, the book presents a compelling argument for why we need to pay attention to the struggles of young boys and men, and what we…
I was changing my toddlers diaper the other day and despite the smell and overall disgusting nature of the task I realized that we were both enjoying ourselves. It is such a rare occasion in our modern life to slow down and just look at another human being. It would be awkward to do that…
My wife and I read Simplicity Parenting years ago when we first started our parenting journey and it has become a cornerstone to our parenting strategy. In it, Kim John Payne explains the importance of simplifying your life to help raise well adjusted and mature children. He runs through the importance of simplifying and a…
I recently watched Captain Fantastic after a good amount of our friends recommended it to us (probably because he converted a school bus into a tiny house). I was pleasantly surprised by the humorous and thoughtful film. Most modern movies are flat and try not to offend anyone and don’t really take on tough topics…
After a robust and lively conversation on one of our Instagram posts, I have put together the perfect day for moms. Most moms don’t mention any specific gifts but it never hurts to wrap something up and add that to a specially curated day for mom. A Mom’s Ideal Day Mom wants sleep. As cute…
I recently read a book about the neuroscience of relationships, theology and connection. One of the points that the author made was that people and children in particular make meaningful soul connections with people that bring joy to their life. The author was applying this to our relationships with in church and with God but…
I just recently got finished with Habits of the Household by Justin Earley and really enjoyed it. Justin has a great way explaining his vision for family life and bringing it down to earth. He has a firm grasp on reality and helps families along this path with gentleness and grace. He explores the role…