Live Better. Love More.
Leave A Legacy.

When I was a child, our family rarely took vacations. I grew up in an unusual family with six children, three of them having special needs. That alone discouraged my parents from taking us all on trips. But in addition to that, it was common in those days to just cash in the vacation days for family needs rather than using the funds to travel.

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Over the years, I remember a few times going to our grandparents cabin up north, but those times were few and far between. I have fond memories of those trips, and wish there would have been more of them. But I understand how difficult those trips were for my parents.

I can give a very sharp, loud whistle. It started as a simple goal in my boyhood. Little did I know how important a tool it would become in my parenting toolbag.

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My clan knows the Dad Whistle well. It’s a particular call that is unmistakeable to not only my adult sons and daughters, but my daughters-in-law and grandkids as well.

“A man works from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.”

Such a true statement! I wonder if most women really realize what they are in for when they become a mom. I know I didn’t.

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I grew up as the second oldest of six children and took over major responsibilities with my older sister whenever my mom was sick, hospitalized, having a baby, or away with my dad. We had the younger children and the household well organized: meals, laundry, homework, care of the “three little ones,” but wow, Mom could never be replaced.

It’s only been a month since I announced Gail’s launch of Mentoring Moments For Moms via Periscope. Short, daily bursts of encouragement and helpful hints for busy moms.

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It was new territory technologically—but, man, was it worth it! Over 200 moms now follow Gail and look forward to the daily scopes. And new followers every day.

Recently I wrote on the importance of leading your kids by instilling core values in them. It’s something every parent has to be intentional about. The classroom for this is simply everyday situations—seizing opportunities that present themselves to teach kids valuable life lessons.

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Leading your child is called training in the Bible. It is spoken of many times. One of my favorites comes from the book of Proverbs.

The idea of having one-on-one time with each of your children sounds like a great thing to do. But once you schedule such a time, what now? How do you determine what might be fun for both your child and you? It’s a question we are asked often.

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Early on in our parenting, I tended to plan an activity that might be fun for me, without taking the child into consideration. Or I would do something that had been fun for the child I spent time with last.

Moms, have you ever wished you could hear advice from a seasoned mom on a regular basis? Or wish you had time to connect with someone regularly who has gone through what you’re going through as a mom?

Of course you have. For some time now, Gail and I have seen the need for a platform where moms can be mentored and encouraged in their roles as moms.

You’ve dreamed of being a wife and mother. Seen yourself in your cute casual clothes, every hair in place, makeup is perfect, floating gracefully through your home. You stop and check on the children who are playing together amiably in their room, giggling happily.

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The whole house is clean and everything is in place. The laundry is done and all neatly put away. Plenty of time to devote to whatever you want. What a perfect dream….