Chris, Ryan, and Kayla continue the discussion on the importance of play with our kids, this time by providing practical examples for incorporating play. Topics range from finding the time to turning everyday activities into games.
Category: Family
Progress Over Perfection
In August we started a new diet. I actually hate to call it that. It's really been more of a lifestyle change. Diet implies something you do for a time to lose weight. To fix a problem. Then you go back to your old ways, leading to another diet down the road. This program is [...]
Immeasurably More
I'm still "re-entering" after our most recent Together Called weekend with The Sparrow Fund. It's the seventh year we've had the privilege of serving adoptive and foster couples at this spectacular marriage retreat event. Each year always carries special memories, but I think 2019 has been my favorite to date. We experienced such deep conversation [...]
Love is Powerful
Valentines Day is the perfect day to remember that love is the most important form of therapy we can give to our kids. Healthy loving relationships are healing relationships.
Our Kids Share Their Thoughts on Compromises
I asked three of our kids what they thought about compromises. Here are their thoughts. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/5Yl3nRP0584
Big Family Dynamics: Connection, Chores, and Creative Learning
Big families are hard. Big families are wonderful. So many moving parts and so many messes. So many tears, and so many laughs. How do we keep it together? How do we schedule our time, yet leave time for spontaneous fun? Start with a routine It doesn't have to be a minute by minute schedule, [...]
Think Different
Appleās āThink Differentā campaign was launched 6 weeks after Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997. He left the company in 1985 and in the intervening decade or so, Appleās financial fortunes declined a great deal until the board decided to bring him back. Apple became the first American company valued in excess of 1 Trillion [...]
Routines are Important
It's December and there are many reasons to be excited; Christmas, family, fun, and feasting. But for kids who have experienced prenatal harm, abuse, neglect, and trauma, this time of year can be very stressful. And the increase in stress can lead to big emotions and behaviors. As parents, we have to ensure that our [...]
Who is Watching You?
If youāre from the same generation as I am (Iām 42), then you probably heard this phrase many times growing up. āDo as I say and not as I do.ā While I imagine it feels good to say it, itās not really great parenting. Hereās why. Our kids learn way more by watching what we [...]
Dad Camp Retreat for Dads
Attention adoptive, foster, and waiting dads of Texas!Ā RyanĀ will be joiningĀ Bruce KendrickĀ andĀ Andrew HollandĀ to lead Dad Camp at SkyRanch in Van, September 28-30. Men from across the state will meet for a weekend of teaching, bonding, highland games, optional napping, campfires, and meats on sticks. Your all-inclusive ticket includes all meals, lodging, activities, swag and training hours. [...]