Throughout life's challenges, we have had people tell us "Let us know if you need help." I have learned that people either say this to make themselves feel better - like offering to help takes them off the hook - or they say it because they really don't know what to do. One area of my life that I have received many blank stares is coming along ...
Disabilities
When we dreamed about a family, my husband and I never imagined the challenges that we would face. It wasn't in our plans to have children with diagnoses and disabilities. But, none of this was a surprise to God. He knew that our children would need us; and we would need them.
This blog was started to encourage and help families, especially those with challenging children. While reading these posts, I pray that you will find ideas to implement in your home. Secondly, I pray that you will find hope and encouragement knowing that you are not alone. Finally, we pray that God will use Our Story to encourage you.
How to Change a Child’s Heart
It has been a very difficult three months with Little Man. Completely absorbed in himself, he battles lies, lacks self-control, and struggles with defiance. He wants what he wants and no consequence is going to cause him to think twice. Every time Little Man bows up, my demeanor falls as I know it will be yet another battle that I ...
When a Door is Closed…
source And like that the door is closed. I am no longer the mom of littles. Yesterday I delivered all four of my children to elementary and middle schools to learn, grow, and love others for another school year. They are big kids now and I don't like it. My babies are growing up. Obviously I knew this day ...
A Parent’s Prayer for the School Year
It's mid-August and in a blink I am closing the door on being a mom of preschoolers and opening the door to life as a mom of a middle school pre-teen and three elementary-aged children. So many emotions in that statement. As I begin this new stage of life, I know that I need God's wisdom and strength. I need His guidance and ...
A Simple Way to Pack Your Child for Camp {Giveaway}
The multiple papers in the mail brought excitement and welcomed the kids to camp. While I loved seeing the smiles on their faces as they read the news, my concern in the envelope was the packing list. What did the kids need to bring and how many of each item? Thankfully the list was precise and numbers were included. But as the packing began ...
When Your Children Don’t Match Your Parenting Dreams
When Your Children Don't Match Your Parenting Dreams Giveaway: Out of 157 entries, the randomly chosen winner of the Galaxy Buck DVD is: Monica M (email monicamil...@) Monica, please contact me within 48 hours using the winning email address and be sure to include your mailing address. Thank you to everyone who entered ...
Why Can’t I?: Living with ADHD
image source by Leeroy This is a post that I wrote January 2012. I share it again for those of you living with a spirited child or a child with ADHD. It is hard. But know you are not alone. In the past few weeks, I have visited a few homes for playdates and the holidays. Many of these homes have children around our ...
How to Successfully Parent a “Tough” Kiddo
credit Last week I shared a past post from this blog on the Our Out-of-Sync Life Facebook page. And boy did the comments come in. Questions. Excitement. All surrounding the idea of teaching a child first time obedience. Today, I want to answer some of those questions and provide you with further resources on this topic. 1. ...
How To Know If Your Child Has a Disability
One question that I frequently receive is "How did you know that there was something 'wrong' with Bubs?" One friend specifically wanted to know if we discovered the issues after having other children and if it was something that others saw. Good questions! Bubs developed on or ahead of schedule as a baby. There wasn't anything that concerned us at ...
How to Give Your Child the Gift of Work
source In the last post I shared the importance of giving your child the "Ultimate Gift" - the gift of work. I believe this is accomplished three ways - chores, teaching the child to take initiative, and working together as a family. Today, I am going to share specific ways that we incorporate each into our daily lives. Age Appropriate ...