If you are a Christian parent who wants to bring joy to your family’s faith and model the abundant life, I think one book series is a must-read: The Chronicles of Narnia. There is so much richness and imagination that will help your family talk about and grow in faith. (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. For more information,... Read more
30 years ago, Parent’s Day was signed into law as a day to celebrate and appreciate the role of parents in children’s lives. Moms have a day in May and dads in June, but parents are recognized together on the fourth Sunday in July. With Parent’s Day 2024 quickly approaching, here are 5 Bible verses to encourage you on your Christian parenting journey. Christian Parents, God Strengthens You Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for... Read more
Our lives are busy. Whether you are taking your kids to school, soccer practice, dance lessons, or church activities, our schedules are full of good things. Christian family life is an abundant life! But, only because of Jesus! So, how do we make time for family discipleship with a busy schedule? Everyday Moments We don’t need to stop what we are already doing to be intentional with family discipleship. God gives us clear directions on how to disciple our children,... Read more
If you are a parent you are most likely familiar with power struggles. Whether it is a two-year-old refusing to get buckled in their car seat or a twelve-year-old refusing to take a shower, children find ways to assert control over their lives. Should you respond with play or punishment? (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. For more information,... Read more
Do you ever dread taking your kids to the park because you know that when it is time to leave you will probably end up chasing them around to get them back into the car? It leaves the hard, embarrassing power struggle as the last memory of an otherwise fun trip. You may even ask yourself, “Why did I think it would be different this time?” Maybe it isn’t always our kids that need to change their behavior, but how... Read more
In November, I introduced you to the Connected Families Framework to teach your children grace and truth during discipline. Proverbs 3:12 (NLT) tells us, “For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” When we discipline intentionally and like our Father, we discipline in a way that disciples our children’s hearts and faith. This is a discipline based on relationships, not rules. It goes beyond behaviors to changing hearts. As a... Read more
Who do you call when you are at the end of your rope in parenting? Do you have a friend that you trust or call your parent? Maybe you feel alone? This could be where a Christian Parent Coach could be helpful. But, what is a Christian Parent Coach? What is a Christian Parent Coach? On Created to Play, I define a parent coach as “someone trained to help you, encourage you, and equip you to become the parent you... Read more
Parenting would be much more enjoyable if we didn’t have to manage our children’s behavior continually. Well, guess what! You don’t have to. You could spend your time mentoring your children’s beliefs in themselves and let them learn manage their own behavior. Doesn’t that sound more pleasant? Long-Term vs. Short-Term Parenting Goals Each day of parenting we face many choices. It is exhausting. But, we can decide whether to make intentional choices or not. When we are angry and triggered,... Read more
We all need play, no matter how old we are. Play is beneficial to our mental health, physical health, our relationships, and our joy. As Christian parents, play can also be important in modeling the abundant life with Christ to our children. For play to be most beneficial, it doesn’t matter what you do as much as how you feel. Any activity that you do by choice, without purpose, and enjoy can be play. God designed us each uniquely, which... Read more
Did you know that the opposite of a trigger is a glimmer? As a mama to 5, I am well aware of what a trigger is and can often stew in them, despite my better judgment. Yet, I don’t always recognize or spend time enjoying the glimmers. These glimmers have the power to fix my eye on Jesus and my children in a more biblical way. Glimmers can also remind me of the joy of parenting even when parenting is... Read more
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