Finding rhythms of rest during busy seasons of life
I recently experienced an overwhelmingly busy season. One morning, as I sipped my green tea and looked over our calendar, my chest tightened. My…
Trusting God with our children by stepping back in full faith
As parents ingrained with the need to protect our children at all costs, it can feel impossible to take a step back and allow them to struggle…
Better questions than, “How was your day at school?”
Has this scenario played out for you before? Parent: “How was your day?” Kid: “Good . . .” (silence) Not the back and forth banter you were looking…
Faith inspired tips for raising highly sensitive children
Parenting is an adventure filled with unexpected joys and challenges that shape us as caregivers. If you’re blessed to be raising a highly sensitive…
How young is too young for my kids to have a boyfriend or girlfriend?
Dear Mattsons: How young is too young for my kids to have a boyfriend or girlfriend? What are suggested guidelines to put in place to help them build…
Overcoming the spirit of fear with children
“What do you want the judge to decide in court tomorrow?” my daughter asked. “Whatever God wants, I want.” “But what do you think will happen?” “I…
Why judging other moms diminishes the power of the cross
The minivan sliding door of shame—it’s a thing. You know, when you drop off your kids at school with all humanity watching, the door slides open and…
Do I force my child to go to church?
On Sunday mornings you can find me serving in the children’s ministry. This past Sunday, I watched as a mom literally pulled her child into the…
How slowing down can make us better parents
Last December, I realized something had to change. Perhaps it was feeling pain grip my chest amid holding a crying, thirty-pound toddler, whisking a…
