Elections can create tension between family members. But we can discuss politics, share our positions, and engage in dynamic conversations with our children without blow-ups and slammed doors! Here are some election-week tips!
Election Week Tips
Don’t expect complete agreement
Avoid negative verbal exchanges
Stop if tempers flare
Ask for clarification
Remain calm
It’s okay to press pause
You are raising young adults
When children understand that home is a safe place to express their opinions and discuss important political topics, they gain the confidence to participate in the election process as adults.
Do you know people who believe they know the right way to parent children? I sure do. Over the years, I’ve encountered many well-meaning people eager to help me get it right! Some of the advice I’ve been given has been good, but some haven’t! That is why you must choose who you listen to carefully.
Thoughts on Who You Listen To
There isn’t one way to parent well! (There, I said it)
No one knows your child better than you! (Truth)
Warning: Your friend or ministry leader doesn’t have all the answers! (It’s the truth)
Five simple tips…myth! (There is nothing simple about effective parenting)
If you are in doubt, ask the architect! (That would be the Lord)
Though many want to encourage you in your journey, be leery! Not all advice-givers are the same. God knows the plans he has for your child! Be a wise listener!
Do you know how to walk through seasons of loss or grief? Many are asking. If we are honest, we’ve all gone through tough seasons: losing a job, a parent, a child, or a friendship. How you process the loss is critical to your emotional well-being.
What to Do During Seasons of Loss
Ask God to lead you
Call a trusted friend
Understand your season and live it well
Silence the enemy
Give yourself time to sit and process
Don’t get stuck
While loss and grief are common to each of us, how we cope is very different. Pay attention to what you are feeling and work through the emotions at your pace.
Do you want to be a wise woman? You can be! I’m always asked how I decide what projects to accept and what to decline. Today, I share what I’ve learned from Proverbs 31:16a and how to apply it in your life. You can be like the woman in Proverbs 31 who considers things wisely.
How She Considers Wisely
How should a woman consider before she decides?
Prayer
Plan
Purpose
Learning to trust the Lord, listening to others, and asking the right questions can help you gain the confidence you need to make wise decisions, too!
Did you know 73% of parents feel parenting is their greatest challenge? Did you know 80% of those parents believe parenting can be learned but wished they knew more positive approaches? Daniel Huerta joins me to discuss the Seven Traits of Effective Parenting. You’ll be encouraged and equipped to become the parent your child needs. You can learn how to become an effective parent!
Seven Traits of Effective Parents
Adaptability
Respect
Intentionality
Steadfast love
Boundaries
Grace and Forgiveness
Gratitude
About Daniel Huerta
Dr. Daniel Huerta oversees Focus’ initiatives that equip mothers and fathers with biblical principles and counsel for raising healthy, resilient children.
A bilingual, licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Huerta addresses issues related to parenting, such as communication, conflict resolution, spiritual growth, discipline, stress, anxiety, depression, media discernment, and healthy sexuality.
He and his wife, Heather, have been married since 1997 and have two children, Alex and Lexi.
How does understanding strengths improve family relationships? Why should we be more intentional about teaching to our child’s strengths? Understanding your child’s talents are recurring and consistent patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior will help you teach them how to process the world around them.
Four Talent Themes
Relating talents
Impacting talents
Striving talents
Thinking talents
Points to Ponder
Strengths need to be discovered and developed.
Weakness need to be understood and managed.
You and your child will do less comparing and more celebrating.
