Tag - love

How We Changed Our Family Atmosphere with One Question

February 23, 2018

This year for Valentine’s Day, my husband and I had originally planned to do something together during the day since he was off. However, since our regular babysitters were booked (meaning both sets of grandparents were not available), we decided instead to do something as a family once Elijah was out of school.

From the moment we picked him up, our oldest had a bad attitude. He was all for going out to eat, but he did NOT want to go anywhere else (like, say, Hobby Lobby, which was going to be a treat for Mommy).

And the complaining started.

After being rather excited to surprise him with a special afternoon, I was frustrated and irritated with his lack of gratitude.

So, I tried explaining to him that Mommy and Daddy were trying to do something nice as a family, that we wanted to have a fun night all together, and that by complaining and whining about what we might do, he was not exactly showing his appreciation.

I reminded Elijah of the sweet way he had started my Valentine’s Day by creating a cute scavenger hunt for me through the downstairs, leading to some “flowers” he had made. I asked him how he would have felt had I not wanted to follow his clues or just took them down.

To his credit, Elijah realized how he was making us feel, and he apologized.

I thought everything was going to be good after that.

But then…he started pestering Josiah, who rarely backs down from a fight. And suddenly they were arguing and being nasty to each other, and I just wanted to turn around and go home.

So much for a special Valentine’s Day together as a family.

My husband, however, pulled out a question for the boys that had an immediate effect on the entire atmosphere in the car, giving hope to this discouraged Mommy.

He got them quieted long enough to ask Elijah, “What is something you love about Josiah?”

Of course, being a big brother, Elijah was tempted to take the teasing route, but Daddy headed him off, and answered the question himself.

Brad gave examples of why he loved not only Josiah, but Elijah, Isaiah, and Mommy, too.

“I love Josiah because he can be very sweet. I love Elijah because he is creative. I love Isaiah because he likes to cuddle. I love Mommy because she’s intelligent.”

Then I added my “what I loves” to the conversation.

“I love Elijah because he is curious. I love Josiah because he is compassionate. I love Isaiah because he has a funny sense of humor. I love Daddy because he works hard to take care of us.”

Josiah eagerly jumped in to share his.

“I love Elijah because he is nice. (Josiah is forgiving and quick to forget…Haha) I love Isaiah because he is cute. I love Mommy because she helps me. I love Daddy because he plays games with me.”

Finally Elijah was ready to prove that he could come up with his own answers to the question as well.

“I love Josiah because he is good at SurvivalCraft (a video game they play). I love Daddy because he’s silly. I love Isaiah because he’s fun. I love Mommy because she cooks good food.”

And suddenly, the boys weren’t fighting, but rather happily telling each other and us all the different things they could think of that they loved about everyone. We didn’t just stop after we each took a turn, but let them continue as long as they would.

It was part game – the challenge to see what new reason they could come up with – and part fun curiosity – they were delighted to hear what everyone else loved about them.

My Valentine “flowers” from Elijah. His thoughtfulness is just another reason I love him!

In the busyness of every day family life, it can be easy to forget to speak out those things to our children and spouse. We’re quick to correct faults and criticize, especially when things get stressful or overwhelming.

However, taking the time to not just say, “I love you,” but to list the wonderful qualities and traits in our loved ones, is edifying both to them and us. I definitely felt more loved and appreciated when my boys spoke specific things that they cherished in their mommy. Then as I thought about what I wanted to say about my husband and for each of my boys, I was reminded anew of what precious, unique, and wonderful little people our children are and how blessed I am with my husband.

Did our boys fight again that night? Of course. They’re kids. However, it wasn’t in the same nasty tones as before.

We were able to spend our evening together knowing that each person in our family was loved very much by everyone else. Of all the special things we did together for our Valentine’s night that was the most special part of all.

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A Review of Roseanna White’s A SONG UNHEARD

February 6, 2018

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A Review of Roseanna White's A SONG UNHEARD - Life in Lape Haven. In "A Song Unheard," Roseanna White has written one of her most flowing, lyrical tales yet. Here is my review of the second book in her "Shadows Over England" series.

This year has been a musical one for our family as we’ve attended a number of events to watch my nephew Levi, a senior, perform with the school band. From his duties assistant drum major during marching season to solos on his saxophone at the winter concert to performing with the OSU High School Honor Band, Levi’s passion for music is apparent. And with his events, we’ve been able to share that love with our boys.

In fact, one of the highlights of our holiday season was joining Levi to watch a performance of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. While I liked seeing my little guys bop to swinging renditions of Christmas classics performed by highly talented professional musicians, watching Levi’s pure delight and rapture as he soaked it all in was the absolute best part. He was lit from within – with not just hearing a song, but understanding the intricacies, wanting to replicate the runs and harmonies, longing to perfect his own gifting into something as phenomenal.

So when I started reading Roseanna White’s newest book, A Song Unheard, Willa’s driving passion for music was easy to imagine and understand.

Haven’t met Willa yet? Let me introduce you to her via the back cover summary of the book (which is the second in Roseanna’s “Shadows Over England” series):

“Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and a top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a critical task at the outset of World War I – to secure a crucial cypher key from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Luka De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won – until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Luka fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only distraction he finds from his worry is in meeting the intriguing and talented Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t – that she must betray him and find that key, or her own family could pay the same price his surely has.”

I don’t know if it was all the musical references and scenes with violin lessons, or my own recent experiences with concerts and passionate musicians, but in Willa’s story, I found that Roseanna has written one of her most flowing, lyrical tales yet.

Masterfully arranged, Willa’s story is a song that will fill your heart. It’s dramatic with plenty of tension and dynamics; soothing and heart-rending in the soft, tender moments; and generously accented with playful, snappy interludes, while a beautiful, sincere theme of redemption and hope flows throughout the entire piece… I mean, story. 🙂

Willa is the kind of heroine I LOVE in a story – strong, quick-witted, independent, passionate, funny, and a bit stubborn. She loves her family fiercely and is proud of the life they’ve made, but her insecurities, flaws, and past leave her guarded and (secretly) feeling broken inside, with music and her talent on the violin as her solace.

Perfectly matching Willa for just the right spark is our hero, Lukas. Full of charm, Lukas is an oh-so-smooth but still somehow sweetly adorable ladies’ man who’s starting to re-examine his life in light of the devastating events in the world that have left him endangered in his own country and separated from his family.

Even in the midst of loss and physical pain, the boy can still flirt, and his quips and lines as he banters with a determined-not-to-swoon-over-him Willa had me smiling throughout the book.

Of course, as always, Roseanna writes a story about much more than just blushes and romantic overtures.

Both main characters have their own internal conflicts as well as brushes with darker, more nefarious persons and the danger they tend to bring with them, especially Willa. (I guess that’s what you get when you agree to steal a secret that many powerful people want.)

And they both face turning points in their faith, or lack thereof.

I’m always impressed with how realistically and honestly Roseanna can write God’s gentle drawing of a person’s heart, all the seeds of His love and forgiveness that other people plant and water in them along the way.

Two such influential characters, Gwen and Margot, have some beautiful moments in the story, as they offer grace and compassion in their own ways.

One of my favorite lines, though, comes from Margot, a savvy young prodigy herself, but in a different area. She basically steals every scene that she’s written into with her humor and brilliance, and I absolutely loved her! (Fingers crossed that we meet her again in the future!!! I’ve heard rumors…)

As if a captivating plot, remarkable characters; and a spiritual message that bolsters your faith weren’t enough (and really, those just seem to be the standard I expect from her anymore), Roseanna makes my little grammar-nerd, bookworm heart sing with her clever turns of phrase, vivid wording, and creative writing style. This book seemed to be especially inspired with little unique descriptions and analogies hidden throughout. It delighted both the writer and reader in me and confirmed yet again that Roseanna’s own genius and passion are definitely in crafting unforgettable tales.

In case you need further persuading to go grab this book right now, here is the official A Song Unheard book trailer which features an original song composed specifically for this book!

(Below are a few affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission when you use the links. See my full disclosure for details.)

A Song Unheard is now available at any of your favorite booksellers. Or you can download it on your Kindle or Kindle app to begin reading it RIGHT AWAY! 🙂

From now through February 11, 2018, you can also enter to win a copy of A Song Unheard, as well as 14 other books and a $50 Amazon card, over at the

Celebrate Lit Mid-Winter, Multi-Author Giveaway.

Stay tuned, too, for the third book in Roseanna’s “Shadows Over England” series, An Hour Unspent, which comes out in September.

In case you missed it, here’s my review of book one in the series, A Name Unknown.

Thank you, Roseanna and Bethany House Publishing for another great book and the chance to be an advanced reader! (I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are mine alone. My endorsement of the book is based solely on how much I loved it.)

More about Roseanna White

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of over a dozen historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her series set in Britain. She and her family make their home in the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

You can follow her website and blog and find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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A Review of Roseanna White’s GIVER OF WONDERS

A Review of Roseanna White’s A Name Unknown

A Valentine’s Giveaway

January 30, 2018

2 Comments

Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, which means different things to different people.

For my second grader, it’s not only an opportunity to be creative and crafty with his Valentine’s box, but this year Elijah’s eagerly anticipating giving the girls in his class the special cards he’s picked out. He chose his Valentines this weekend with a rather ornery glee. It was entirely based on how much he thinks the girls will all be grossed out or scared by the realistic bug pictures on the cards. (My boys love bugs!)

Apparently the plan is to give the ugliest, creepiest bug cards, such as the one with the big tarantula on it, to the girls. He’s so excited… So clearly we’re still safely in the “girls are annoying” camp for at least another year!!!

Valentine’s Day for my husband and me will probably mean finally working in a date night at some point during that week. With birthdays, holidays, and sickness, we haven’t been out together in quite a while.

What does Valentine’s mean for you? Do you celebrate as a couple, or do you make Valentine’s Day about the whole family?

**One thing it COULD mean for you is scoring some fun stuff in the special Valentine’s Giveaway that I’m participating in with four of my fellow bloggers!**

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!!!

One of our readers will be blessed with our prize package, which includes a special gift from each blogger (items will be mailed separately). Check out each item, and get to know the bloggers who are sharing in the fun with me. Then scroll all the way down to start getting your entries in!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you use the links. See my full disclosure for more.)

YOU COULD WIN:

This adorable tote featuring John 1:16, from Leigh Ellen of Parenting with Humility.

Leigh Ellen is a mother of four, and her heart is “to provide biblical encouragement and truths for the worn down, tired mama like myself.” She has been one of my constant encouragers in my blogging, and her blog has been an encouragement to me in my role as a stay-at-home mom, especially her posts like “When Managing Your Home Seems Like a Wasted Life,” which is a sweet reminder that taking care of my family is my most important ministry of all. (You can also check out her Etsy shop.)

The Homeschooling Housewife, the recently published book on “juggling it all, one priority at a time,” from the author herself, Amber Fox of All Natural Joy.

Amber’s “passion is to help moms first love Jesus and then teach them to serve Him by ministering to their families.” As a pastor’s wife and a stay-at-home mom to seven kids, she definitely knows that the days can be hard, but I love the wisdom she shares about the amazing ministry we already have as moms.

Valerie from Cord of 6 will be sending our winner these beautiful scripture cards, “Promises from God for Women.”

Valerie offers encouragement for keeping your family strong through Christ, and her post (with free printable) on 10 Verses to Fight Fear is a perfect reminder that God doesn’t want us to be afraid (for ourselves or our children), but rather to trust Him and use His Word to combat any arrows of fear that come our way.

A $15 Target gift card, which will be emailed from Denise of Denise Renae.

Denise is one of the first blogging friends I made when I started writing a few years ago. She is passionate about being real as she shares her heart on faith, marriage, and motherhood. With 5 young children to keep her busy, her post on how life actually gets easier when you have more children was a big source of hope to me when we found out that Isaiah would be joining our family last year. 🙂

A “Put on Love” women’s t-shirt, inspired by Colossians 3:14, comes from yours truly. 🙂 It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day!

My newest “Lape Haven Tees” shirt will be available in the winner’s choice of color (4 available) and size. (You can see my entire collection, including my #HowToBoyMom shirt, the popular “Fearless Because He Is Faithful,” and the t-shirt my boys asked me to create for them, on Amazon at Lape Haven Tees.)

WOO-HOO!

The giveaway ends next Tuesday, February 6, so start clicking on those entry options!

VALENTINE’S GIVEAWAY

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This Giveaway will last one week, ending on Tuesday, February 6th at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. women residents only. Winner will be selected at random. Winner has 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are in no way associated with this Giveaway.

WANT SOMETHING SWEET TO READ AS YOU PREPARE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY? You might like:

Better Than a Fairy Tale

Being Married to a Cheerleader

A Dream Is a Wish Unless It’s Also God’s Plan

Elijah & His Wife

On Our 8th Wedding Anniversary

A Fun Way to Teach Your Children About God’s Great Commission

October 13, 2017

6 Comments

A Fun Way to Teach Your Children About God's Great Commission: A Review of The Whole World Needs Jesus by Ann Dunagan. This delightful children's book is full of whimsical illustrations and a message encouraging kids to share Jesus's love with everyone.

I was ten-years-old when God first sparked a heart for a mission trip in me. While I knew that we needed to share the gospel with others all over the world, being a missionary, in my young mind, was only for someone who spent their life preaching in a remote village somewhere.

I didn’t know you could do short-term missions until a group of teenagers with Teen Mania visited our church. They ministered with a drama and gave testimonies of what God had done on their recent one-month mission trip.

From the moment I heard them sharing their experiences, I knew that one day, I would be going somewhere on a mission trip, too. In fact, I began looking forward to turning 16, not so that I could drive, but because that was how old I had to be to go with Teen Mania on a trip.

As it turned out, I waited 7 years for that dream’s fulfillment, but it was worth it. My senior year in high school, my youth pastor announced that our youth group would be going with Teen Mania to Mexico that summer. Everyone knew that this was “my” trip.

While God didn’t call me to be a full-time missionary, those weeks in Mexico deepened the passion I already had for ministering in my own city and gave me a better understanding of how to pray for and support those serving around the world as missionaries. It also gave me the desire to go on more short-term missions at some point.

Elijah’s heart for the world started even earlier than mine. His was spurred on by a number of things, including a special offering project during his first year at vacation Bible school, Mommy sharing videos with him of how people in other countries live, and by being surrounded by mission-minded family members. (Both my dad and Brad’s dad have been on multiple mission trips each, and Brad has been on several trips himself. I’m actually the least traveled of our family “missionaries,” although Brad and I would like to go on a trip together and eventually take our boys, too.)

However, even when we aren’t flying out of the country, our family is still passionate about reaching the world with the love of Jesus.

So when I saw Ann Dunagan’s posts about her children’s book, The Whole World Needs Jesus, I knew it was a book I wanted to read with our boys. When she requested volunteers to review the book, I signed up as soon as I could. (So, yes, I received a copy of the book for free, but as always, all opinions are my honest thoughts.)

In case you aren’t familiar with Ann and her family’s ministry, she and her husband, Jon, founded Harvest Ministry in 1987, and they have traveled with their family and shared the love of Jesus in about 100 countries and on every continent, starting new churches and caring for orphans.

As parents of 7 children and now grandparents as well, part of the Dunagans’ ministry is encouraging Christian families to become strategic for God’s Great Commission, and they offer mission-minded books and resources for families on their website, MissionMindedFamilies.org.

The Whole World Needs Jesus is Ann’s newest book, an adorable hardcover children’s story with a fun rhyming style; engaging, colorful illustrations (drawn by the Dunagans’ daughter, Caela); and most importantly, a message that focuses on fulfilling the Great Commission no matter where we are, how old we are, or how different the people are to whom God sends us.

As a Christian mom and a children’s church teacher, I’ve read my fair share of children’s books over the years. And while there are some books that you read to your kids just because they like them, this book definitely falls into the category of “books you ALL actually enjoy reading together.”

The first time my boys read it, I had my 7-year-old read it out loud, so I could have the fun of watching their expressions as they heard the story and reacted to it (especially the surprising or funny parts) and delighted in exploring all the drawings.

: This book is perfect to young readers.

: Reacting to the different foods people eat around the world.

: The gospel is the heart of this adorable book.

: Bright, whimsical, engaging pictures get my 4-year-old’s attention.

And since this IS a children’s book, I wanted to get my kids’ thoughts on it, so we read it a few more times over the next couple of weeks before I asked them for their opinions.

Here’s what they had to say:

Elijah (7): “I like the illustrations because they are funny. The book tells you that you need to tell people about God. That everyone needs to know about Jesus. People have sinned, and we need to share that Jesus loves you.”

Josiah (4): “I like it because it tells Jesus around the whole world. I like it because they get them to listen to good stuff. They tell people who live in igloos and shacks.”

Kishona (n/a) 😉 : “One of the main themes in the book is that no matter how different someone is from us (where they live, what they look like, what they live in, what they eat, what language they speak, or how old they are) – God loves them and has given us a part to play in letting them know that. My boys were giggling over the different foods suggested, but they were also fascinated at this tiny glimpse into the different cultures and peoples around the world. That’s a great conversation starter and an opportunity to talk about compassion and thinking of others, as well as being grateful for all that we often take for granted in our own country.

The book also reminds the children that every believer has a job to do to reach the lost, whether it’s actually ‘taking the Good News to all those far away’ or being among those ‘who will help, who will give, who will kneel down and pray.’”

It’s so important that we instill into the next generation the very foundational Biblical call to share the gospel with everyone they can, fulfilling God’s Great Commission – whether it’s kids in their school or someone on the other side of the globe – and this book is a wonderful, engaging, and memorable tool to help us do that.

If you would like to get your own copy of The Whole World Needs Jesus, you can visit Ann’s site, MissionMindedFamilies.org. (This would be a great Christmas gift for your kids or grandkids or as a donation to your church’s children’s ministry).

**I’m also very pleased to offer a copy of The Whole World Needs Jesus for one of my readers via my giveaway below!** (I’m keeping our copy, though. Haha!)

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Thanks for entering! This contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and runs from Friday, October 13 (12:00 a.m.) through Thursday, October 19, 2017, at 11:59pm EST (I know, specific.). The winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of the contest ending. Winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected.

The Most Important Thing My Child Learned from His 1st Grade Teacher

August 17, 2017

2 Comments

Life in Lape Haven: The Most Important Thing My Child Learned from His 1st Grade Teacher & How It Challenged Me as a Mom. Some lessons are more valuable than reading, writing, and arithematic. My son's teacher definitely had the right priority when it came to what she wanted her class to remember most.

And How It Challenged Me As A Mom

It was Elijah’s last day of first grade. He came home, excited for summer and with creative plans for using up all his leftover school supplies (no way, kid – those glue sticks are unopened! You can take them to second grade!).

He also had a letter for us from his teacher.

While it was mostly a summary of the year and appreciation to parents for working with her to help their child excel, one of the paragraphs near the end absolutely gripped my heart.

“On my board at school I have a sentence written. It’s simple, only a few words, and reads, “She loved me.” I’ve kept this on my board for years as a reminder to myself of my top priority – that they would know how much I loved them.”

Maybe it was because I was already emotional thanks to life with a young infant and all the sleepless nights and hormonal fun that brings.

Maybe it was realizing that my first baby was growing so quickly and already preparing to head into the second grade.

Or maybe, and most likely, I was blinking back tears because not only did Elijah know that his teacher loved him, I KNEW that she did as well.

(We mamas know when someone loves our children. And it blesses us.)

Even if I gave you a play-by-play of the year, I don’t think I could list all the times and ways this teacher went above and beyond just teaching my child reading, writing, and arithmetic; all the times she helped him through a tough morning (he had some anxious moments as we got closer to Isaiah’s due date and those days when Mommy was at the hospital); all the special smiley faces she put on his schoolwork when he referenced God, Jesus, a Bible verse, or church, encouraging him in his bold faith; and all the extra hugs and prayers she sent our entire family as we all adjusted to our new normal after Isaiah was born.

And I know that Elijah wasn’t an exception. She poured her heart out for all her students (or as she calls them, “her little buddies”).

Often. And joyfully.

As I looked at that note from his teacher, I was challenged.

Because my top priority as a mother is pretty much the same, and then some – that beyond everything else that my children know about me, they’ll know without a doubt that I love them.

That they are the most important people in my life (along with God and Daddy ;)).

That I will pour my heart out for them always. And joyfully.

But some days that message may not be as clear, when I’m frustrated, or exhausted, or overwhelmed. Those moments when my patience is wearing thin from answering yet another question, or refereeing yet another argument, or having to repeat myself and threaten punishment when they just aren’t listening. Those can be hard days for a mommy.

So, I let those three little words from his teacher’s board – “she loved me”- be not only a challenge to make sure that they KNOW my love, but also to inspire a prayer to the One Who is Love.

A prayer that God would help my words, actions, responses, and body language to continually remind my boys of how much I love them.

A prayer that my energy, time, and focus would be spent where it has the most eternal impact (on my family & others) and not be so easily diverted to distractions (social media, television, random projects).

A prayer that, even when they are being disciplined, my children would always know that it is out of love (and that it would never be out of irritation or for my convenience).

A prayer that they realize that they are treasured by Mommy for exactly who they are – unique, precious gifts from God.

And that in those moments when it’s hard to find the joy or hard to continue to pour myself out, a prayer that I would rely on God alone as my source of strength and let His love flow through me even more.

A prayer that my love would, most importantly, point them to His love and be the reason that they can easily understand what it means when the Bible says that nothing can separate us from His love.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8: 38 & 39

Why Our Child Goes to Public School

Trusting God Through Kindergarten

Elijah and the Bully

Simple Ways to Spark Joy in Your Children

May 2, 2017

9 Comments

Life in Lape Haven: Simple Ways to Spark Joy in Your Children. It doesn't take much to bring joy to our children's lives. Here are some ideas on simple ways to add some fun to your every day with your kids.

The other day I was gathering everything up and ready to head out the door to the grocery store with my two youngest boys when Josiah decided it would be a good time to ask Mommy for a cup of milk.

Since milk was already on the shopping list, and I was kind of in a rush, I grabbed our nearly-empty milk jug from the refrigerator and handed it to my 4-year-old.

“Here you go. Do you want to drink it straight from the jug?”

I figured there wasn’t much left in it, so we’d be throwing the empty container into the recycle box anyway. Plus, I wouldn’t have to get out a cup, and Josiah might have fun with this.

Oh, my goodness! His reaction was adorable.

He gave me a slightly surprised but very excited grin and nod, followed by the best giggle ever – It was equal parts delighted and ornery. Then he proudly chugged down his milk.

My split-second decision, made primarily to save me time and hassle, brought my little guy so much joy that it got me thinking about all the simple, every day ways that we, as parents, can spark joy in our kids.

Now, this isn’t about always giving your kids what they want or thinking that they have to be happy (or happy with you, Mom or Dad) all the time. We all know that our responsibility as their parents is to lovingly teach and train them, and they aren’t always going to be able to have fun or enjoy the process, especially when we have to discipline them.

But with all the hard work of parenting, there are rewards. One of the best parts about parenting, and one that you don’t hear enough about, is that Moms and Dads have the prime opportunity to show their children how to truly enjoy life and celebrate all the good things that God has given us. We get to help them embrace challenges and adventures and watch them grow through them. We are the ones who encourage them to try new things as we nurture and cultivate their senses of humor, their curiosity, and their imagination.

In short, we get to have fun with these little human beings!

And really, they make it easy. They have a natural, God-given desire to explore and discover, and they have an eye for seeing the wondrous and amazing in the common place, every day things around them.

So bringing them little moments of joy usually isn’t hard at all, like letting them drink straight from the milk jug once in a while (and with the understanding that we don’t do it unless we are finishing off the contents!)

HERE ARE SOME OTHER IDEAS FOR BRINGING JOY TO YOUR LITTLE ONES:

(This post may contain affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may receive a small commission when you use the links. See my full disclosure for details.)

Explore the World & Try New Things

Let them blow those dandelion puff seeds. It’s just plain fun, and it would probably be good for you to pick a couple to blow on, too. You know you want to. (I’ve personally never outgrown it.) Oh, and don’t worry about your lawn. Dandelions are good for the honey bees. 😉

Go through the car wash. Seriously, my boys love this, especially when we go to the “big” one with the big rotating brushes and colorful foam. If you treat something as an adventure, little kids are generally pretty willing to play along.

Also: Have picnics – even just in the backyard or in the middle of the living room, say “yes” to roly polies as pets, encourage them to play in the rain & puddles (when it’s safe, and they are suitably dressed)

Give them the freedoms and independence that you can.

Allow them to pay at the store. Whether they are buying something with their birthday money, or you hand them the cash to give to the cashier during a grocery run, children feel rather grown up when they get to do “big people” things. They love that.

Similarly, giving little children the freedom to pick out their own clothes – and not making them change unless absolutely necessary – is guaranteed to bring them joy. It might just give you a laugh or two, as well. 🙂 Josiah adores “fun” socks, and I’ve learned to just forget about whether they actually match his clothes or not. Sometimes he does well; other times his outfits are awesome in a totally different way. (This also applies to shopping for clothes, too.)

Another “free to choose” thing that my boys love is when I give them the chance to pick what kind of cookies we’ll bake. And then they get to help me in the kitchen. Whether they are just dumping in the ingredients after I’ve measure them out, or Elijah is stirring oatmeal on the stove (supervised), letting kids lend a hand with meal (or goodie) prep is not only fun (forget the mess, make the memories), but it’s teaching them a valuable life skill.

Also: Let them eat that sugary cereal on occasion.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Silly

Have a spontaneous dance party. For us, that usually means while I’m doing dishes, folding laundry, or doing some other always-present household chore that I can do with a few turns, wiggles, and flourishes. I’ll turn on my Amazon Prime Music, and my boys will break out their moves. ( Try Amazon Music Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial)

Also: Go through the closets and create silly costumes. Or use old make-up (or Dollar Store finds) for face paint fun. Start a water gun / water balloon fight. Become the “tickle monster.” Share jokes.

Be Creative

Give them the paper towel tube. Or an empty box. Some leftover scraps of fabric. My boys will fight over these things because they can use them to either pretend with or make a craft. Kids love to create, even if they don’t have an end product in mind, so give them things they can cut, paste, and color however they want.

Also: Show them how to play the spoons. Shoot video of them doing a pretend commercial or newscast or have them put on a theatrical production.

These are just some things that I know bring a smile to my boys’ faces, but you know your children best. Find out what puts a twinkle in their eyes, and do that.

And, yes, while some of these ideas probably won’t work as well when my guys get older, I think the same main principles will still apply. Hopefully by that time we’ve established a tradition of enjoying time together and being able to celebrate simple things as a family.

“As a family” is the key because if you notice, nearly everything on the list above requires your interaction or presence. Nothing will bring your children joy like spending time with Mommy and Daddy.

And I’m pretty sure that nothing will bring you greater joy than being with them, too!

WHAT SIMPLE THINGS GIVE YOUR LITTLE ONES JOY?

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