A value driven life is not always easy or convenient. When we say “yes” to some things, it requires saying “no” to other things. Recently, I was sitting in my first choice, early bird seat on a Southwest Airlines flight. I had paid extra to board early in group A, to find a seat with leg room, near the front of the aircraft. I joke around that I am the shortest of 7 children at 5 foot 10 inches, but the truth is I am probably the same height as two of my siblings. We range fr

What does the Baby Jesus have in common with today’s child? He did not have a car seat, a baby monitor or a fuzzy red suit that said “Baby’s First Christmas”, yet he shared the needs of all children for warmth, attention and love. His first sights and sounds were the rustle of the straw, the low moo of the cow and the quiet delight of his parents. This tiny babe had the same experience as any child born anywhere on this planet…leaving the safety of his mother’s womb and ente

Parents' Academy welcomes you to our new website: a place to find resources and build connections on your journey to raising healthy, amazing children! No job will ever be as rewarding, (or as challenging) as parenting and you have come to the right place for encouragement, information and inspiration. None of our children came with directions... mine included. You can buy a $5 tshirt at Walmart with a giant tag of care instructions, but no child comes with a care label. I d