May 2011 Archives
Jodi Skulley-May 31, 2011-
In a world of malpractice suits and high-tech gadgets, it's no wonder obstetricians have begun wringing their hands a little. Recently the New York Times reported that more hospitals are attempting to ban photography and video (including cell phone pictures) during baby deliveries. Their case is that videos and photos can be easily edited to make it look like things happened that did not occur. Not to mention the doctors and nurses may not want their faces plastered on Facebook.
Video taping can also be distracting to the medical professionals. A hospital room is not Hollywood.
It's a case, however, of rights. Do the hospitals have the right to tell people they cannot video a birth? Most allow pictures/video 30 seconds to a few minutes post-delivery.
These are pictures of my (Jessie's) birth with David in December. Obviously they were taken a few minutes after his birth. I can't see any reason why I would want to have pictures or video of the actual birth ... but I know some people do. What do you think? Should the hospitals be able to regulate cameras and video recording devices?
Jodi Skulley-May 27, 2011-
1st Grade Assignment: For the 100th day of school, dress like you think you will look when you are 100 years old.
Observation: Looks pretty good for 100, but he still won't tuck his shirt in!
Thanks to William S. for this great photo!
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
Jodi Skulley-May 26, 2011-
In our June issue, we mentioned the Puddle Jumper Life Jacket in conjunction with our article "Safe Swimming: Water Safety Basics" (p. 42).
Unfortunately, we included an incorrect image along with the description.
The Puddle Jumper outfits little ones with confidence in the water with the only life jacket of its kind approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Stearns® Puddle Jumper™ Life Jacket features a non-inflatable, all-foam design for superior stability and is made with soft fabric to ensure exceptional comfort and less chaffing. The Puddle Jumper Life Jacket features an adjustable rear strap to give children full range of motion, for maximum freedom and self-confidence in the water. This is a Type V life jacket with Type III performance and is designed for children between 30 and 50 pounds. 
We apologize for our error and hope you will check out the Stearns Puddle Jumper Life Jacket for your summer water fun!
William Summey-May 25, 2011-
This month it seems we have just been clicking off the milestones for my 12-year-old son, Jonathan. Jonathan has been in the same school, St. Paul Christian Academy, since Kindergarten and is graduating tomorrow night. So we have been doing the last of everything: last Field Day, last day of classes, last field trip, last tests, etc. But there have been so many other milestones that hit at the age of 12: his last year in Bible drill, his last year playing Cal Ripken baseball, and all the other milestones of being a last-year preteen. I have been thinking for quite a while how to help Jonathan mark this transition into becoming a teenager. I am leaning toward a road trip this summer and going through the Passport2Purity study with him as part of that trip. Passport2Purity is produced by FamilyLife.
I would love to know what you have done to help your preteen mark this transition into the teenage years. What worked well and what does not? Thanks for your help!
Jodi Skulley-May 24, 2011-
For our June 2011 issue, Joy Fisher wrote the article "Kids on the Move: Making Family Relocation Easier on Children" (p. 24). Here are some more tips from Joy on moving when you have younger children.
Our residential homeowner’s association held a block party not long ago. The realtor who helped us with the sale of our last home and the purchase of our current home lives a few streets away. Chatting with her at the picnic brought back memories of that moving process: we had a 2-year-old son and another baby on the way when we put our house on the market. When we finally moved (a whopping 3-mile trip), our second son was 3 months old.
If you are parents of preschoolers and planning a move, try these tips for a smooth transition:
- Pack the clutter. Selling a house where preschoolers live can be tricky. Potential buyers don’t really want to see your stroller parked in the entry hall and baby bottles covering every inch of kitchen counter space. When your house is on the market, pack away everything but the bare necessities. Recognize that there will be days when you will need to ask your realtor not to show the house so you can relax your housekeeping priorities for a few hours.
- Be ready to go. Property showings can occur on a moment’s notice; keep some toys, books, and even snacks in the car for times when you must grab the kids and leave for an hour or so.
- Hope for the best but plan for the worst on closing day. Signing all the papers at our closing took twice as long as we expected. The baby spit up on our realtor’s dry-clean-only suit, and we were all frazzled and grumpy by the time we were finally able to cap the pen and walk away. Don’t hesitate to ask for a break if you or your child needs it.
- Enlist help for the actual move. Arrange for little ones to pass time with friends or family if at all possible. Surround your preschooler with a special blanket or lovey and other familiar comforts of home, and let him sleep in his crib or bed in the new digs as soon as possible after departure from your old home.
- Keep routines. No doubt you will encounter logistical problems as you sell your home, pack, and move into a different home. Even if you feel exhausted and frustrated, try to keep your young child’s regular routines and interactions with you intact.
- Trust God. Most of all, trust God to care and provide for your family as you relocate. Put finding a new church home at top of your must-do list if your move takes you away from your family of faith.
Do you have any tips for moving with preschoolers?
Joy Fisher and her husband David love the home where they have raised their three children for the past 8 years.
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons. Click on photo for source.
Jodi Skulley-May 23, 2011-
Every month we have a long list of products we want to share with you, but only a few can fit in the printed magazine. That's why it's so great we have this online space! Here are a few things we couldn't squeeze into the May 2011 issue.
SafetyTat temporary tattoos are now available with two-dimensional QR barcodes that can be read by smart phones. Programmed with special needs, allergy, or parental contact information, these tats can bring a lost child back to you quickly. 
The MeMoves DVD program utilizes soothing music and repetitive movements to calm children with special needs. Find out more at www.thinkingmoves.com.
Are there products you think should be featured in ParentLife? Leave us a comment about them and we'll check them out!
Jodi Skulley-May 20, 2011-
Will is playing with his new dog "Mags." Every dog needs a boy!
Thanks to Erin I. for this great photo!
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
Jodi Skulley-May 19, 2011-
In less than two months, my "little" guy, Jack, will turn 3 ... which means we're about to embark on our next big adventure ... potty training!
As you can imagine, being the editor of a parenting magazine I've read about the basics of potty training more than once <tiny bit of sarcasm>. You would think this means that I am more prepared than the average parent to potty train my own child. But that couldn't be further from the truth. To be completely honest ... I'm stressed about it already and we haven't even officially started! Reading the books and having head knowledge is one thing, but actually carrying it out correctly and effectively is another!
We've been talking it up for a few weeks with Jack and he's starting to show a glimmer of interest in the idea of using the big-boy potty. We even bought a potty chair this weekend to help him get used to it. He's very intrigued by the new addition to the bathroom. I am borrowing books and DVDs from friends to help engage him even more in the idea. We've even cultivated his love of M&Ms (not hard to do) in preparation for positive reinforcment! Everything is starting to indicate that he might finally be ready ... now if only I was as ready as he is!
I'm not sure why I'm not anxious to get started. I think part of me realizes that it is a HUGE milestone that officially marks the end of babyhood. As annoying (and expensive) as it is to change diapers, it is at least one way Jack still needs me. Once diapers are a thing of the past, he is one step closer to being independent. Next thing I know, he'll be moving out of the house (deep sigh)! OK ... maybe I'm being a bit overdramatic!
However, in reality, potty training is a big step ... one that should be celebrated! There's nothing left to do except to push aside the drama-queen thoughts and go for it!! I know it's a process that takes time ... but I'm hoping by the fall we'll have this potty-thing under our belts and be enjoying diaper-free freedom!
What potty-training tips do you have for me? What worked with your child? I'm all ears!
Jodi Skulley-May 18, 2011-
Last year my daughter, Kylie, decided to run for Student Body President of her elementary school. I was so proud of her! She dreamed, strategized, marketed, prayed her guts out and even “hired” a campaign manager. Trump should consider hiring her!
Speech day arrived and I will never forget walking into the auditorium. Every candidate was dressed like a clown, a rock star, or they rode a unicycle and juggled. The reality is that it looked like a Barnum and Bailey Three Ring Circus. It looks like Kylie had missed something! She should have dressed up like Dora, Hannah Montana (that’s not happening), or Dee Snider from Twisted Sister!! Something!!
Kylie looked me in the eyes and said, “Dad, I’m not going to play that game. If I win, I will win because they like me, trust me, and want me to be their president.”
Bam!! I was so proud of Kylie. I started to tear up, shout, and do a dad’s happy dance.
So what happened?
Kylie won the position of Student Body President!
Kylie taught me a ton about life that day; but most importantly she taught me about strong, confident, unwavering leadership.
Parents, teach your kids these leadership lessons by Kylie Spradlin:
3 Choices Every Leader Must Make:
- CHOOSE IMPACT OVER IMPRESSION: God has called your kids to IMPACT the world, not IMPRESS the world.
- CHOOSE WEIRD: My friend Craig Groeschel just wrote a book called Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working. Parents, we must teach our kids to stand alone and choose weird. Kylie chose weird by not dressing up like a clown and getting out of a clown car.
- CHOOSE SERVICE OVER SELFISHNESS: True leaders serve! Kylie didn’t “pimp the school store” or add Coke machines. Instead she led a team to serve the community in a Steamboat School District Food Drive.
I think we could all learn a lot from Kylie. Have your children taught you any life lessons recently?
Chris Spradlin is husband to Jodie and dad to Cole, Kylie, and Tifton. He lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and is the pastor of Euzoa Church. He also blogs at EpicParent.tv about being a creative, involved, and godly parent.
Jodi Skulley-May 17, 2011-
Each month ParentLife pulls together a one-page document for preschool and children's leaders and teachers that highlights articles that might help families they work with. But this also is a great tool for parents!
The articles below are in our current May 2011 issue of ParentLife. Read the articles that minister to your family and pass along a copy to those who might benefit from it!
Looking for a Safety Net? Help the moms in your ministry build a healthy network of supportive friends to rely on. Encourage experienced moms to reach out to newer moms by extending a hand of friendship — a great article for launching or promoting a Mom-to-Mom mentoring ministry in your church (pp. 20-23). [Also see our blog posts "Being a Friend" and "You're Not Alone, Mom!"]
True or False? Peanuts are the most common food allergy. False! However, peanuts are the food most likely to cause a life-threatening allergic response. Get the facts about food and seasonal allergies for parents and teachers (pp. 42-43). [Also see our blog post "Allergies 101."]
Single on Mother's Day: Be sensitive to the unique emotions and challenges single mothers face on Mother's Day. Recognize the sacrifices they make each day and encourage them to take time to celebrate their motherhood (pp. 38-39).
Choosing Adoption: Encourage teachers and volunteers to consider adoption from every angle ... including the perspective of the birth mother. Be prepared to minister to women who might be working through guilt (pp. 40-41).
Deep Questions: Preschoolers have a knack for asking difficult questions. Equip parents and teachers to answer these questions in a healthy way (p. 15).
Gracious Gratitude: Instill a sense of gratitude in the children in your church with these six tips (p. 16).
20+ : The number of words an 18-month-old may say. Are your teachers and volunteers building spiritual foundations by talking about God, Jesus, and the Bible? You want these important words to become a part of a child's working vocabulary (p. 12).
To download a PDF of this month's ParentLife Everyday, click on the link below.
ParentLifeEveryday_May11.pdf
Jessie Weaver-
May 16, 2011-
Before we left the hospital with our newest bundle of joy in December, we were required to watch a DVD.
Great, I thought. One more delay keeping me from my soft bed, toddler, and Christmas celebration. (Have you ever slept on a hospital bed? I'd rather just go straight home after delivery so I can sleep on my own pillowtop mattress.)
The DVD was actually sort of interesting, though. It was an encouragement to read to your children. A kindergarten teacher told that she could tell whether a child had been read to or not before their entry to school. The difference between the vocabulary level of a child who had been read to and one who hadn't was thousands of words!
As someone with a BA in English and a total bibliophile, I was thrilled to hear these stats. I've been reading to my daughter since she was a few days old. The small toddler period where she would not sit still for even a short picture book tore me apart.
Now, at two-and-a-half, Libbie will listen to a whole stack of books. She relishes trips to the library, "reads" books in her bed at naptime, and can recite most of Green Eggs and Ham.
As a parent who is striving to instill Christian values in her children, I do filter what she reads. She does not read books where rude behavior is tolerated or celebrated. Nothing with language I deem inappropriate. While we do read an abundance of books of every kind, I especially try to choose books that teach biblical stories or stress the love of Christ.
Here are some of our favorites so far:
I'd love to hear your suggestions for other God-honoring books for children. My oldest is a toddler, so that's is where my list comes from, but I'd be grateful to have a list for my kids as they grow!
Jodi Skulley-May 12, 2011-
Despite the fact that it is a practice that's been going on for the last 6 years, there was an uproar in mid-April when a news story broke about a public Chicago school that requires students to buy their lunches in the cafeteria.
The principal claims the rule is to keep students from making unhealthy choices and parents from packing unhealthy lunches. Unless there are health restrictions, parents must send $2.25 for their children to buy the school lunch.
I have to assume that these school lunches must be better than what they were serving when I was in elementary school: your general rotation of square pizzas, chicken patties, and tasteless hamburgers.
Is keeping the students "safe" from sugary sodas and bags of chips reason enough to mandate a parent can't send food from home? People have such a wide range of what they consider healthy.
It's still the same controversy that's been spinning for years: should the government be able to outlaw trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, genetically modified organisms? Or should people be responsible for their own nutrition?
Where do you stand on this? We'd love to hear your (respectful) thoughts in the comments.
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons. Click on photo for source.
Jodi Skulley-May 11, 2011-
We were so thrilled to find out that our May issue sold out - before May 1st! I guess a lot of churches were eager to get that issue into the hands of parents at their church for Mother's Day. We're expecting much of the same for the month of June ... for Father's Day.
So if you're dawdling on making your order for the June issue of ParentLife ... don't! Because you sure don't want to end up ParentLife-less!
You can make your bulk order here at LifeWay.com or order individual issues by clicking here.
Jodi Skulley-May 10, 2011-
We are proud to have Dr. Linda Mintle in ParentLife each month answering questions submitted from readers. To submit a question for Dr. Mintle, e-mail it to parentlife@lifeway.com and include "? for Dr. Mintle" on the subject line. This month we have an extra Q&A from Dr. Mintle we wanted to share. Q: My 10-year-old son would play video games all day if I let him. Every time I tell him to put down the game, he says, “But I am in the middle of a game and can’t stop.” I feel like pulling out my hair and wish I had never given in to buying him a gaming system.
A: Don’t pull out your hair! You are more powerful than a 10-year-old armed with video games. Instead of buyer’s remorse, teach him how to use those games responsibly.
Most video games have a save button that allows the player to quit and then pick up the game again with no lost action. Your son’s excuse to keep playing is just that—an excuse. But first, you need an established time limit for play before he ever turns on a game. Experts recommend that screen time not exceed one to two hours in any given day. That includes all screens (TV, computer, gaming systems, and mobile devices).
Once you have established the amount of playing time, make sure he does not have the gaming system, TV, or computer in his room unsupervised. You cannot monitor screen time if you cannot see when and where he is using screens.
Also, review the content of games. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that most games have common themes that are promoted. You should be screening for the killing of people or animals; the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol; criminal behavior; disrespect for authority and the law; sexual exploitation; violence toward women; racial, sexual, and gender stereotypes; foul language; obscenities; and obscene gestures.
Finally, remember you are the boss and decide the rules of usage. If he does not abide by the time frame, give one warning and then remove the device as a time-out from play. Loss of the privilege is usually enough punishment to keep a child in line with the established time frame.
Resources:
For video and game reviews: http://www.pluggedin.com/
Raising Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World by Linda Mintle (Nelson, 2008), chapter on media usage
Do you have a video gamer in your family? How do you handle time limits or screening games?
Jodi Skulley-May 9, 2011-
In the June 2011 issue of ParentLife, we're featuring Andrew Peterson, a Christian recording artist and author. (He wrote one of my favorite Christmas songs, "Labor of Love," which is on the album The Nativity Story: Sacred Songs. — Jessie)
Peterson's third book in his Wingfeather Saga, The Monster in the Hollows, releases May 24. These books are young-adult fantasy, following the royal family of Janner Wingfeather. The first book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, was released in 2008 and accoladed as funny, imaginative, and clever. The second, North! Or Be Eaten, won a Christy Award in 2010 for the Best Young Adult Fiction.The Monster in the Hollows will continue to lead readers down curious trails with mystery, humor, and action. Check out this description:
Janner Wingfeather’s father was the High King of Anniera. But his father is gone. The kingdom has fallen. The royal family is on the run, and the Fang armies of Gnag the Nameless are close behind. Janner and his family hope to find refuge in the last safe place in the world: the Green Hollows—a land of warriors feared even by the Fangs of Dang. But there’s a big problem. Janner’s little brother—heir to the throne of Anniera—has grown a tail. And gray fur. Not to mention two pointed ears and long, dangerous fangs. To the suspicious folk of the Green Hollows he looks like a monster. But Janner knows better. His brother isn’t as scary as he looks. He’s perfectly harmless.
Or is he?
Lucky for you, we have five copies of The Monster in the Hollows to give away to ParentLife Online readers!
To enter, answer this question in the comments: What is your favorite fantasy book?
Julie Andrews Edwards' book The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles holds a special place in my heart from childhood! — Jessie
Winners will be chosen on June 1. LifeWay employees are not eligible to enter. One comment per person, please. USA only.
Jessie Weaver-
May 5, 2011-
Do you remember your first Mother’s Day? If you are like me, I recall all the details surrounding it. Having been infertile, it was a day I never thought I would celebrate. Yet, on that special day in 1985, I was overwhelmed by my blessings. As I sat in church listening to my pastor-husband deliver the Mother’s Day sermon, I wept with joy. My 9-month-old adopted son Taylor was in the church nursery, I was three-and-a-half months pregnant, and my precious mother sat next to me. I could not have been more elated and grateful.
That special day happened 26 years ago, and much has happened since that time. I am much wiser, much grayer, and even more grateful than I was on that fateful holiday. It went by all too quickly, and yet the journey has taught me more about my faith and the character of God than any other relationship.
Being a mother is so much bigger than what I do with the children. It is the arena by which I learn about who I am, how I feel, where I am stuck, and how I live out my faith in God. Motherhood has been my greatest invitation to grow, reflect, and change. In order to be the type of mom I wanted to be, I had to take the time to become intentional, something that doesn’t happen by accident.
In a few days, we will celebrate Mother’s Day. In addition to celebrating it in your traditional way, wouldn’t it be great if you used this day as an opportunity to step back, reflect, and focus on your motherhood with a renewed sense of purpose? By taking this opportunity to listen to God and examine your relationship with each child, you will be better equipped to know your children better and strengthen your relationship with them.
To be regret free as a result of being purposeful on Mother’s Day, here are a few tips that will make your day and your motherhood more meaningful for the next year:
- Begin with a prayer. This seems simple but too often it is the last thing we do. Ask God to give you a teachable heart and give you the eyes to see the things He shows you. Give yourself some time to be still and listen. Remember, God is not going to give you gems of insight if you are not at a place to appreciate them.
- Get a notebook and put the name of each child at the top of a page. Identify the highlights of your relationship this last year under each child’s name.
- Next, identify what it is that you learned about your child as well as yourself in the last year. Be honest as you do this. All relationships have challenging moments, but that is normal. The most important issue is to make sure you are learning and communicating with your child as well as God.
- Make a goal for this next year that you want to accomplish with each child. Then pray and ask God to guide you step by step so you will be all He created you to be.
I pray you will be blessed in a unique and more powerful way this year as you take your motherhood to a whole new level.
What do you remember about your first Mother's Day?
Catherine Hickem, L.C.S.W., is the author of the new book Regret Free Parenting: Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing It Right (March 2011, Thomas Nelson) and is a licensed psychotherapist with three decades of experience. Hickem is a motherhood expert who has made it her life's mission to equip moms for every facet of raising exceptional children. Author, speaker, coach, and counselor, she founded Intentional Moms, a national not-for-profit organization that provides information, support, and insights on motherhood. Hickem lives in Delray Beach, Florida with her husband Neil. They have two adult children. To read Catherine's blog visit www.intentionalmoms.com.
Mother/baby photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons. Click on photo for source.
Jessie Weaver-
May 4, 2011-
My 10-year-old son, Jacob, was baptized a few weeks ago. The special day began with a prayer time with our pastor before the service. My husband, David, accompanied Jacob to the changing room. I sat in the congregation with our extended family, standing in support of Jacob as is the custom at our church.
Each child is encouraged to write a letter to God, which our pastor reads from the baptismal pool. Jacob’s letter said:
Dear God,
I’m excited about being baptized because then the whole church will know that I’m a Christian! I want everyone to know that I’m a Christian!
From, Jacob
A few minutes after the baptism, Jacob and David arrived back at our pew and joined us for the rest of the worship service. Not wanting to embarrass Jacob, I just squeezed his shoulder and whispered that I was proud of him. When we sat down after the next hymn, Jacob pulled a piece of paper and a pencil out of his church bag. He’s quite a good artist, so I had no problem interpreting the drawing he slid over to me: It was unmistakably a pair of underwear. I looked at him with raised eyebrows and he gave me one of his silly grins before he looked away.
My husband saw what was happening and filled in the gaps. Apparently when I packed the bag of items Jacob would need after his baptism, I forgot to put in the most important thing — dry underwear! I suppose that when we talk about his baptism in the years to come, the first thing anybody mentions will be that Jacob had to go commando in his khakis through the rest of church.
In a way, I’m kind of glad I forgot the underwear. It gives us a starting point for talking, again and again, about one of the greatest spiritual moments of my son’s life. It’s been fun to think of ways to remind us often of Jacob’s decision. As part of the preparation for his baptism, Jacob completed LifeWay’s “I’m a Christian Now” workbook. One excellent suggestion given in the book was to make a memory box. In it are his letter to God, worship guides from the dates of his profession of faith and his baptism, and cards he received from family members and friends.
I plan to make a DVD of the photographs and video clips from Jacob’s special day. We watch home videos often and will enjoy putting this one in the rotation. My sister and her family gave Jacob a 6-inch wooden cross, which is on display in his room. He also received a certificate from the church office, which will also hang in his room as soon as I can get it matted and framed.
If your kids are like mine, they likely have already accumulated trophies for sports, medals for science fairs and perfect attendance at school, accolades for piano and dance recitals, and patches for scouting. For sure, we also need some tangible reminders when our children make the most important decision of their lives, to follow Christ.
In what ways do you mark your child’s spiritual milestones? Let’s share our ideas to be sure our children know—and remember—how important these accomplishments truly are.Joy Fisher has been a ParentLife contributor since before her children were born; her oldest is inching ever closer to his 13th birthday. She edits Special Buddies, LifeWay’s Bible study curriculum for children with intellectual and developmental special needs.
Jessie Weaver-
May 3, 2011-
Many parents have daily standoffs with their child to read his/her homework assignment. Yes, many kids are just being stubborn, but many others (more than we think), have language-learning disorders such as dyslexia that make it difficult for them to read. When a parent realizes there's an issue, they turn to their educational institution for help, but unfortunately, most public schools are not set up to diagnose or help children with these disorders. Parents can spend two to three years looking for answers and help, and during this time, their child is falling behind in school. For decades, clinicians and parents have not had easy access to a screening instrument--until now.
Lexercise, a company that provides professionally-managed, online dyslexia treatment, has just introduced a free online test that allows parents to screen children ages 6 and up for dyslexia, no matter where they live. First of its kind, the screener takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete and uses common words and nonsense syllables to identify children who are at risk for dyslexia.
Too many children are going through school not ever being diagnosed, which can have a lifelong adverse impact on them personally and professionally. It's imperative that parents know that immediate diagnosis is possible.This screener could literally change the lives of kids who are struggling to read and whose parents have no idea where to turn to for help.
Jodi was able to test the screener and reports that is extremely simple and free to use. No registration is required. If you are concerned about your child's reading, definitely give Lexercise a try.
If you have a child who is struggling with reading, you might also be interested in these articles:
Why Johnny Can't and Won't Read at Scholastic.com
Why Some Children Have Difficulties Learning to Read at Reading Rockets
10 Ways to Nurture Reading at ParentLife Online
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons. Click on photo for source.
Jessie Weaver-
May 2, 2011-
The winner of the Jack's Harvest baby food giveaway is commenter #4, Beth! Congratulations. Jodi will get your info as soon as she's back from her staycation.
Jodi Skulley-May 13, 2011-
Karen Mattson capture this beautiful moment between Tori and baby Ada. So sweet!
Thanks to Tori C. for this great photo!
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
Jodi Skulley-May 6, 2011-
That is one sweet little lamb!!
