Tag Archive for: parenting

6-Ways-to-Make-Your-Child-Feel-Loved this School Year

As parents of school-aged kids, many things feel uncertain right now heading into a new school year.

One choice we do have, despite our worldly circumstances, is the ability to make our child feel especially loved in our home this school year and beyond.

6-Ways-to-Make-Your-Child-Feel-Loved this School Year

1. Light a Candle of Honor

One of our favorite family dinner traditions we regularly did around our dinner table when our kids were younger was the Candle of Honor.

Each night (or whenever you want), choose one child (or adult) to honor because of a positive character trait they showed or something they accomplished that day. Light a candle in front of your honoree, acknowledge why you chose them before the meal, and let them blow the flame out while everyone gives them a round of applause.

The candle of honor tradition is such a small, simple, and fun way to acknowledge and impact your family members.

Be prepared for younger children to get upset or complain when they aren’t chosen. Thankfully, this too shall pass as they learn that their turn will indeed come around. The Candle of Honor becomes a strong family tradition as you teach your children to celebrate one another regularly in your home.

2. Turn an ordinary moment into an extraordinary one

As a mother of five, it can be difficult to feel like I’m giving everyone the attention they need or deserve. So, I’m always seeking out simple opportunities to celebrate each of my sons and daughter so that they feel uniquely cherished in our family.

Our youngest got to go back in person to school first, so on the night before he headed back to the classroom, I threw a little after-dinner celebration focused on him.

candle-of-honor-simple-celebration

  • Instead of just handing our son the variety pack of camouflage washable masks I had purchased him for school, I used it as an excuse to throw him a little Back-to-School after-dinner celebration.
  • I googled how many days had passed since his last day of school before the pandemic shut everything down and wrote on a blank notecard, “After 192 days, you get to go back to school.” Yippee. Hooray. Whoo-hoo.
  • After dinner, I lit the Candle of Honor and presented him with a slice of cheesecake (that Kneaders mistakingly gave me when I ordered a cherry pie for myself) and a recycled gift bag with his set of masks and a hand-me-down chapter book from a friend.

This simple celebration cost me nothing but a little time. I threw the idea together in a matter of minutes yet my intentional effort made my son feel special and loved.

This is the name of the game friends.

Be on the lookout for ordinary moments that you can simply turn into extraordinary ones with a little extra effort this school year.

3. Talk around the family table 

It’s so vital that we create space in our families to talk around the table, breakfast bar, or wherever you gather with your people regularly. Get to know who is in your child’s world this school year- virtually or in the classroom. Know the names and happenings of their friends, enemies, teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and the other people they encounter every day.

Ask your students what’s bothering them about their school year so far?

What are they enjoying? And in turn, tell them what’s going on in your life.

Our homes need to be a haven where we gather consistently with our people over meals and speak truth and love to one another.

4. Encourage contribution

Find ways for your children, from toddlers to teens, to help out around your home. Even though your son or daughter will most likely complain about unloading the dishwasher, doing their laundry, or scrubbing a toilet, having regular chores helps children feel a sense of belonging which equates to feeling loved.

raise-Contributors-kids-chores

Not only should your son or daughter be contributing to the good of your family home, but it’s essential that they also learn to contribute to your local community and the world at large.

5. Create a meaningful school year photo album

One of my favorite back to school traditions is putting my sons’ and daughter’s annual school photo into their You are Loved School Days album (which I happened to design.)

School-Photos-Keepsake-Album

When we take the time to intentionally create a meaningful keepsake book with their school photos each year, it tells our child that they matter and that they are loved.

If you haven’t started an annual school year album, you can check out my simple product to help you do so HERE.

6. Start a dialogue journal

A dialogue journal is a perfect way to begin one-on-one communication with your child by writing back and forth to one another in a simple notebook.

Grab a barely used notebook and start a dialogue journal with your school-aged kids to help them improve their penmanship and to get more comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through the written word. It also makes a fun keepsake to look back at later in life.

To learn more about starting a dialogue journal with your student, click HERE.

What other ways are you striving to show love to your student this school year?

college-first-aid-kit

One of the most important things we can do as a parent is to teach our kids how to take care of their personal health.

Many doctors and nurses see college students coming in with minor aches and pains that could easily be remedied in their dorm room instead of the emergency room.

What can we do to give our young adults the confidence to care for their minor aches and pains?

We can begin teaching our children today how (and when) to treat minor illnesses and injuries and make up a first aid kit to give them the tools they may need to do so when they are off living independently.

College-Student-First-Aid-Kit

Here are the 19 Items I Included in my Sons’ College First Aid Kits:

1. Digital Thermometer 

2. Nasal spray for cold symptoms such as Afrin

3. Pain reliever tablets such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol

4. Emergen-C

5. Antibiotic Ointment

6. Cold & Flu medicine

7. Anti-diarrhea medication such as Immodium

8. Assortment of bandages

9. Cough drops

10. Sunblock

11. Tweezers, mini-scissors, nail file

12. Hand sanitizer

13. Lip balms

14. Instant Ice Packs 

15. Tums antacids

16. Saline nose spray

17. Allergy medicine

18. Insurance cards, immunization records, and any doctor’s information in a Ziploc bag

19. Hidden note of love from Mom and/or Dad

*This list includes affiliate links that will earn me a few cents if purchased!

college-first-aid-kit

  • Remember, this kit is to help your child remedy minor pains or sickness and doesn’t contain items regularly used, such as vitamins, sleep aids, or prescription medications.
  • Try to go over all of the included items with your child before sending this along with them. Make sure your son or daughter understands how to use everything so they won’t have to use Google or contact you in the middle of the night for advice.
What else would you include in your student’s college first aid kit?
Create-Significant-Summer-Systems-Kids-in-Kitchen

As we head into summer, let’s talk about how we can use this June, July, and August to strengthen our family systems and raise kids who are contributors!

LISTEN IN as my author friend, Danielle Wurth, and I talk about one chapter of her new book- KIDS IN THE KITCHEN– and how we can use the summer months at home to teach our kids what it is we need them to know in the kitchen while having fun doing it! Now there’s a summer win-win!

READ –>> 7 Ways to Create a Summer of Significance

 

  • Grab the Summer Skills Lists in my ‘How to Create A Summer of Significance in 2021 Printable Pack HERE!
  • Download Danielle’s Kitchen Zones Printable HERE
  • Want to make a Family Recipe Binder? Download Danielle’s Printable HERE
  • Check out Danielle’s Books HERE 
  • Get Danielle’s favorite label maker HERE 

Kitchen-life-skills-for-kids

 

 

 

12-gifts-to-give-high-school-graduates

As I prepare to graduate my firstborn sons from high school and launch them from the safety of our nest this fall, I want to talk about what are the best gifts we can give our Seniors at this special time in our lives.

And guess what….. these gifts won’t cost you much, if anything, at all!

LISTEN IN as my author friend, Dennis Trittin, and I talk about 12 gifts that we think are important to give high school seniors before launching them off into adulthood.

  • Download Dennis’ Resource List: HERE
  • Download Amy’s mock Health History Questionnaire for Teens to practice filling out: HERE
  • Download Amy’s Life Skills for the Launch: HERE
  • Get your personalized college stationery HERE

Who needs some strategies to give your kids Wings, Not Strings, and to launch young adults who can soar with confidence? Wings-Not-Strings-Parenting-Book

 

Come build your Value Village and join Leadership Parenting Coach and Author Amy Carney as she walks us through her book Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World- in this 4-part series.

Join us for inspiration, strategies, and friendship! Come gain insights into how you can become a more purposeful woman and mother this upcoming school year!

While this workshop is geared for Moms of children ages 8-13, it is open to all!

We will meet the 1st Tuesday of November in the private room at the Gainey Panera Bread, 8777 N Scottsdale Rd Ste. 302, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. Fellowship will begin at 9:00 am and class will run from 9:30-11:00.

SCHEDULE:

August 6 – How to Better Lead Your Child on Purpose

We will discuss what our role as a parent is and how we can get clearer on our values and make a plan to live out what we believe and say to be true despite this complicated culture we live in!

September 3- How to Build a More Loving and Connective Family Culture

We will discuss the importance of purposely creating tech free space in our lives and homes, and how we can incorporate the play and traditions in our lives to build strong relationships with our loved ones.

October 1- How to Prepare Yourself and Your Child for the Inevitable Launch Now

We will discuss the importance of raising capable, confident and compassionate children who can move into adulthood successfully without us. Keeping this goal, we will talk about how we can begin to step back and strengthen our child this school year, no matter how old they are.

November 5 – How to Live Out the Legacy Today you Want to Leave Behind Tomorrow

We will discuss how to better live out the scenes of our story instead of succumbing to popular culture’s narrative. We will also talk about how to make and leave more meaningful keepsakes for your kids.

Participants must bring your Parent on Purpose book or purchase ticket that includes the book, which you will receive at the September workshop! There is no requirement to read the book prior to attending! I will be videotaping the teaching part of the workshops so the back of your head may be filmed 🙂 

Look forward to spending this precious time with you!

Come build your Value Village and join Leadership Parenting Coach and Author Amy Carney as she walks us through her book Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World- in this 4-part series.

Join us for inspiration, strategies and friendship! Come gain insights into how you can become a more purposeful woman and mother this upcoming school year!

While this workshop is geared for Moms of children ages 8-13, it is open to all!

We will meet the 1st Tuesday of August, September, October and November in the private room at the Gainey Panera Bread, 8777 N Scottsdale Rd Ste. 302, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. Fellowship will begin at 9:00 am and class will run from 9:30-11:00.

SCHEDULE:

August 6 – How to Better Lead Your Child on Purpose

We will discuss what our role as a parent is and how we can get clearer on our values and make a plan to live out what we believe and say to be true despite this complicated culture we live in!

September 3- How to Build a More Loving and Connective Family Culture

We will discuss the importance of purposely creating tech free space in our lives and homes, and how we can incorporate the play and traditions in our lives to build strong relationships with our loved ones.

October 1- How to Prepare Yourself and Your Child for the Inevitable Launch Now

We will discuss the importance of raising capable, confident and compassionate children who can move into adulthood successfully without us. Keeping this goal, we will talk about how we can begin to step back and strengthen our child this school year, no matter how old they are.

November 5 – How to Live Out the Legacy Today you Want to Leave Behind Tomorrow

We will discuss how to better live out the scenes of our story instead of succumbing to popular culture’s narrative. (You can head to vote after our meeting when you are all inspired!)

Participants must bring your Parent on Purpose book or purchase ticket that includes the book, which you will receive at the September workshop! There is no requirement to read the book prior to attending! I will be videotaping the teaching part of the workshops so the back of your head may be filmed 🙂 

Look forward to spending this precious time with you!

Come build your Value Village and join Leadership Parenting Coach and Author Amy Carney as she walks us through her book Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World- in this 4-part series.

Join us for inspiration, strategies and friendship! Come gain insights into how you can become a more purposeful woman and mother this upcoming school year!

While this workshop is geared for Moms of children ages 8-13, it is open to all!

We will meet the 1st Tuesday of August, September, October and November in the private room at the Gainey Panera Bread, 8777 N Scottsdale Rd Ste. 302, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. Fellowship will begin at 9:00 am and class will run from 9:30-11:00.

SCHEDULE:

August 6 – How to Better Lead Your Child on Purpose

We will discuss what our role as a parent is and how we can get clearer on our values and make a plan to live out what we believe and say to be true despite this complicated culture we live in!

September 3- How to Build a More Loving and Connective Family Culture

We will discuss the importance of purposely creating tech free space in our lives and homes, and how we can incorporate the play and traditions in our lives to build strong relationships with our loved ones.

October 1- How to Prepare Yourself and Your Child for the Inevitable Launch Now

We will discuss the importance of raising capable, confident and compassionate children who can move into adulthood successfully without us. Keeping this goal, we will talk about how we can begin to step back and strengthen our child this school year, no matter how old they are.

November 5 – How to Live Out the Legacy Today you Want to Leave Behind Tomorrow

We will discuss how to better live out the scenes of our story instead of succumbing to popular culture’s narrative. (You can head to vote after our meeting when you are all inspired!)

Participants must bring your Parent on Purpose book or purchase ticket that includes the book, which you will receive at the September workshop! There is no requirement to read the book prior to attending! I will be videotaping the teaching part of the workshops so the back of your head may be filmed 🙂 

Look forward to spending this precious time with you!

We are thrilled to present SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age, a documentary about the biggest parenting issue of our time.

SCREENAGERS addresses the most pervasive parenting issue of our time head on—depicting teen struggles over social media, video games and internet addiction. The film empowers kids to best navigate the digital world and provides practical resources to help them do it.

Join Amy Carney of Parent on Purpose https://amycarney.com
and Adam Brooks of Youth Awareness and Safety
https://www.youthawarenessandsafety.org
for this one-time documentary screening and special Q and A session afterward!

Parents are encouraged to bring their tweens and teens so that you can have better family conversation and understanding after watching the film together.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased HERE

Come build your Value Village and join Leadership Parenting Coach and Author Amy Carney as she walks us through her book Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World- in this 4-part series.

Join us for inspiration, strategies and friendship! Come gain insights into how you can become a more purposeful woman and mother this upcoming school year!

While this workshop is geared for Moms of children ages 8-13, it is open to all!

We will meet the 1st Tuesday of August, September, October and November in the private room at the Gainey Panera Bread, 8777 N Scottsdale Rd Ste. 302, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. Fellowship will begin at 9:00 am and class will run from 9:30-11:00.

SCHEDULE:

August 6 – How to Better Lead Your Child on Purpose

We will discuss what our role as a parent is and how we can get clearer on our values and make a plan to live out what we believe and say to be true despite this complicated culture we live in!

September 3- How to Build a More Loving and Connective Family Culture

We will discuss the importance of purposely creating tech free space in our lives and homes, and how we can incorporate the play and traditions in our lives to build strong relationships with our loved ones.

October 1- How to Prepare Yourself and Your Child for the Inevitable Launch Now

We will discuss the importance of raising capable, confident and compassionate children who can move into adulthood successfully without us. Keeping this goal, we will talk about how we can begin to step back and strengthen our child this school year, no matter how old they are.

November 5 – How to Live Out the Legacy Today you Want to Leave Behind Tomorrow

We will discuss how to better live out the scenes of our story instead of succumbing to popular culture’s narrative. (You can head to vote after our meeting when you are all inspired!)

Participants must bring your Parent on Purpose book or purchase ticket that includes the book, which you will receive at the September workshop! There is no requirement to read the book prior to attending! I will be videotaping the teaching part of the workshops so the back of your head may be filmed 🙂 

Look forward to spending this precious time with you!

6-things-you-should-do-when-your-kid-has-a-smartphone

Whose bright idea was it to think that giving our youth iPhones was a good idea?

And why have we continued to follow along knowing that giving our kids these powerful digital devices isn’t smart?

I’m not sure how our family fell into society’s technology trap, but we did. Our teenagers have personal smartphones, but they don’t come without limits, rules, and restrictions.

6-things-to-do-when-your-kid-has-a-smartphone

1. Have a family cell phone contract

Read more

Tag Archive for: parenting

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