Making family memories this fall
If you are anything like me, you’ve been anxiously awaiting the day when you can put away your shorts and sundresses and live in cozy sweatshirts and…
Confession in motherhood
On a whim the other day, I asked my three-year-old daughter, “What does mommy say a lot?” I hoped her answer would be something like, “I love you,”…
The cost of controlling our relationships
My middle son, Coen, is constantly breaking his toys. Not on purpose, but by forcing them to bend in directions they were not designed to bend. He…
Three reasons your kid might be treating you disrespectfully
I receive some version of this email or message often… Dear Monica… My son is so rude to me… My daughter is disrespectful… My kids don’t listen… My…
Navigating a new family
It takes courage to walk into a ready-made family and love someone else’s children…and someone else’s husband. You see, I married a widower with two…
Cultivating friendship with people who think differently
When we started attending our current church two years ago, my mother-in-law offered to drive me each Tuesday morning to the mom’s group at our…
The tug-of-war between parents and adult children
Being the parent of an adult child is like playing tug-of-war. As a parent, part of you knows when to set your child free to live their own lives.…
Honoring your mother-in-law
My mother-in-law and I are complete opposites. She’s extroverted and loves to talk. I’m introverted and prefer to listen. She loves big family…
Eight ideas for intentional family time this summer
As my daughter’s preschool graduation day loomed, I noticed my heart becoming more anxious. The thought of her going to a larger school seemed…
