The Journey of Friendships

If I had to pinpoint one of the hardest years of my teenage life, it would definitely have to be my Freshman year of high school. I was 14 and I had a “best” friend who influenced me in ways that were neither good nor healthy. In other words, that was the year I made...

Steady As She Goes

If I have learned anything in my almost 18 years as a parent, it’s that the best and most important thing I can do in any circumstance is to maintain my control because it’s the only control I have at any given moment. Obviously, I cannot influence situations or...

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Bit of Fun

Recently, because of a shift in our appointment schedule, our days opened up to allow us an opportunity for our youngest teenager to do some volunteering at the church where my husband serves as the Director of Traditional Music. Our church hosts a local program once...

Sometimes We Fall

Even if the path ahead looks straight and smooth, without obstacles or stumbling blocks, don’t be fooled—you may yet still trip over an ill-placed speed bump and find yourself sprawled out on the pavement more quickly than you can say, look out or watch that. That’s...

I Won’t Let That Slide

There are some phrases around parenting that I don’t understand and definitely do not subscribe to, mainly because I don’t see how they can possibly strengthen the relationship we want with our teenagers (or say we want or lament we don’t have with our teenagers). The...