Alright, listen. You’re either reading this because you have been wanting to go the capsule wardrobe route, or you are reading it because you are a clothing addict like me and you’re like, “no way.”
…The Capsule Wardrobe For Clothing Addicts
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My Toddler Cleans Up Her Own Messes— Here’s Why
Okay, before you think I’m either supermom OR that I think my kids are perfect—rest assured. Neither of those things are true.
In fact, I spend most of my days wondering what in the name of Sam Hill I’m really doing. I am most definitely not a supermom, and I’ll be the first to tell you that my kids are not perfect.
…Your Presence Is Their Present
I remember one of my friends saying this YEARS ago in reference to Jesus— that His presence is our present. (Shoutout to YOU if you are reading).
At that time it was a very stirring statement, but like all novel things and revelations, over time it became less of a wowing revelation and more common knowledge in my life.
…How Negativity Crushes Health
It’s been quite some time since I have sat down and made time to write out my thoughts. It’s been so long, in fact, that I almost lost touch with my greatest passion. There’s a long list of reasons why I took a break from writing. From moving across the country, to being pregnant, to having some scary moments in my pregnancy, to embracing a season of undivided attention to my family, to moving again, to my husband starting a new job, to having a precious baby— these things all contributed to my desire to take a break.
…5 Ways To Keep The Spark Alive In Marriage
Marriage. It’s the most wonderful and most difficult thing ever. I remember being told that it would be difficult, but I underestimated the weight of those statements. I feel like nothing can truly prepare you for marriage… You pretty much have to rely on the grace of God to guide you through. And each time you make it over a hurdle, you are exponentially stronger. Not only are you stronger, but you come to the other side with more tools in your belt. One of the areas of our marriage in which we are actively jumping hurdles is the whole “how to keep the spark alive” thing.
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Why Valentine’s Day Isn’t Overrated
Valentine’s Day. People either love it or they hate it. I honestly can’t think of another holiday with such extreme feelings. I recently read an article titled “5 Reasons Why Valentine’s Day is overrated.” Y’all, I laughed and cried at the same time. Because first of all, it’s funny how strongly people feel about it. And usually the people who feel the strongest are the ones who hate it. But also, it’s sad to me that a holiday meant to celebrate love could be so hated.
So, friends, I want to attempt to share my feelings on why Valentine’s Day actually isn’t overrated at all. And maybe by the time you are done reading I’ll have you convinced to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year….
Dear Mom, You Need A Time Out
Do you ever feel like you just need a break from parenting? If so, it’s probably because you do need a break. And let’s make it clear up front that needing a break is not a bad thing. It isn’t a reflection of your parenting, and it certainly isn’t a reflection of your love for your child. It’s a reflection of your very human needs. And those needs have to be met if you want to thrive as a parent. So, moms, let’s talk about why we all need a time out and how it can really help us throughout our day.
If you know me or even if you keep up with my blog, you might know that I have one super feisty little lady. My baby, who is now thirteen months, has been nothing less than a fireball from the day she was born. I shared an article a few months ago about what it looks like to love her so much it hurts. And that remains true for us. I love her so much it hurts. And, I love her so much it hurts.…
3 Simple Health Hacks Anyone Can Master
With the new year inevitably comes lots of new goals and resolutions. As I have said before, I don’t really have New Year’s Resolutions. But I do always start the year with fresh and simple goals. The key word there is simple. If you read my recent post New Year, New You, you know that I believe in having goals that are actually within reach. It’s one thing to dream big, and I am all for that. But goals should be tangible and within reach if we want to stay encouraged and motivated to reach them. So as we take on this new year, I think it’s important to keep that in mind. In doing so, I want to share three simple health hacks with you that literally anyone can master. These health hacks are all super simple, but they all make a huge difference in your daily life….
From The Desk Of A Helicopter Mom
Yep, you guessed it. I am a helicopter mom. But before you judge me, let me explain a few things. First of all, I never thought I was a helicopter mom until I recently read an article called “10 Signs You Might Be a Helicopter Mom.” I met 9/10 on the list. And then I thought, “hmm, if these things make me a helicopter mom, then I fully embrace that title.”
Second, I think every single parent has a different upbringing, different experiences, and different motivations. So to say that “these ten things” make you a helicopter mom is a ridiculous blanket identification that is unfair. It also neglects to consider that every single child is different and has unique needs as they are guided through life.
So, now that I got those things out of the way, let’s talk about this a little bit.
The tem “helicopter parenting” was coined in Dr. Haim Ginott’s book Parents and Teenagers in 1969. The term was used to describe parents who hovered over their children like a helicopter. Essentially, it is used to describe parents who take too much responsibility for their children’s experiences and, specifically, their successes or failures. Even more specifically, the term was used in reference to school aged children. Now, I don’t think that means parents of toddlers can’t be helicopter moms (because clearly according to someones extremely scientific blog post— I am one), but typically, this term has more to do with older children.
And I get it. The textbook helicopter mom is one who takes responsibility for a child’s schoolwork, grades, and school schedules, and one who often makes it their responsibility to take care of their child’s conflicts and failures rather than allowing them to learn from those things.
The term, as it was initially coined, is one I agree with.
But the problem is, that term has been taken to mean a million other things over the last thirty-something years.
And it seems that now you can’t protect or guide your child in much of any way without being labeled a helicopter mom.
But what may seem like drastic hovering to one mom could actually be very loose parenting to another. While one mom may be teaching one lesson, the mom next to her could be working on another. Therefore, the parenting styles of each will be reflected in that and could be very different.
So that’s where we have to come to some sort of agreement that being a helicopter mom is entirely subjective. Because, again, every parent is different, and the needs of every child are different.
Interestingly enough, there may be moms who think I am totally careless with my child, while a whole group of other moms think I am a total helicopter mom. It’s just so subjective in nature that, unless we only use the term how it was originally intended, we can’t just go around assuming that protective parents are helicopter moms. And I don’t think we can label first time moms as helicopter moms just because they are first time moms. Everything is so unique to each parent. One mom may change drastically from her first child to her second, and another may be exactly the same.
We simply can’t assume and label people in their parenting styles when we have no idea what’s really going on.
And we need to start respecting that boundary, and stop it with that labeling.
And as for me, if I am a helicopter mom, I am not ashamed.
Because if being protective of my child at one year old makes me a helicopter mom, then I want the hat and T-shirt. And if spending more time playing with her than having her play independently makes me one, then I embrace that. Because these are the good ole days and I don’t want to miss out. If following her on the playground makes me a helicopter mom, then again, I accept the title. Because I would rather keep an eye on her than rush her to the ER for stitches in her forehead (that was me at two years old).
I think there’s room to let your kids get hurt and experience the consequences of things. But I also think there is a line where wisdom takes over and we do what is best for our kids, regardless of how people may label us.
How Social Media Influences Us
I don’t always make New Year’s Resolutions, but I do always set new goals. One of my biggest goals this year is to be a bit less involved with social media. And I know that might seem confusing, considering that my entire business is online. But I think it’s entirely possible to be completely engaged with my business while also being less involved with social media. But how? I think it’s all about how we approach social media and what role we allow it to play in our lives.
Chances are, you found this post on social media. It’s the primary avenue of not only communication, but also news, politics, and all sorts of other information. Social media is how we stay connected to the world, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing—but it certainly can be. Social media has influenced society in so many areas over recent years, and it’s important for us to recognize how we are being affected, and how our children are being affected as well….
