I just returned from the She Speaks conference. I don't know if words can describe the spiritual infusion I just received. Add to that new relationships with amazing Christian leaders around the country and then top it off with more information on how to grow a ministry then I could ever begin to … [Read more...] about When Your To Do List Makes You Feel Undone…
Intentional Interruptions:Taking a Break and Then Facing a Deadline
During the past two weeks, we have purposely not been working on The Intentional Summer Experiment. We took a road trip and then this past week has been crazy as Mom was first on the agenda with a work deadline. I really want to again emphasize we are not shooting for perfection. We just want to … [Read more...] about Intentional Interruptions:Taking a Break and Then Facing a Deadline
Talking to Your Child About Self Harm
Self harm is an issue that continues to haunt middle and high school children and their families. As a counselor who has been treating adolescents who self harm for almost two decades, I have a strong desire to equip parents to discuss this topic with their children before they learn about it from … [Read more...] about Talking to Your Child About Self Harm
When you feel like giving up or giving in, hang on, change may be right around the corner! @Michelle Nietert
This is a very different post than I thought I would be writing today. This summer began with two family members having serious medical issues and being hospitalized. My 94 year old grandmother who lives 2.5 hours away ended up in ICU with the final result being a pacemaker. I drove four - five … [Read more...] about When you feel like giving up or giving in, hang on, change may be right around the corner! @Michelle Nietert
Intentional Summer Experiment
Recently heard about the Intentional Summer Experiment on the radio or Facebook. Click here for more details.http://www.counselorthoughts.com/intentional-summer … [Read more...] about Intentional Summer Experiment
Character, Discipleship, and Education
Having been a teacher and counselor, it is clear to me that many of the life skills our children need to learn will need to be taught at home. In our offices we often encounter young adults struggling to launch with undeveloped executive functioning and life skills.This summer I want to reinforce … [Read more...] about Character, Discipleship, and Education
Chores: The Unavoidable Key to Self Worth
I will have to confess I fall in line with most of the population in that I don't enjoy household chores. Ironically, I would even rather clean up someone else's mess than my own. I remember in college a friend of mine being surprised I had to go clean up my apartment - it seems his mom taught him … [Read more...] about Chores: The Unavoidable Key to Self Worth
Creating Structure with Flexibility
I will be honest. Part of me loves structure because when someone else sets a standard for me to meet, I love showing off and striving for the goal. When I have to set structure for myself, I cringe a little. I am naturally scattered and a big picture person who gets more ideas than I could ever … [Read more...] about Creating Structure with Flexibility
Step One: What is Your Intention?
What's your intention? I have spent the past month thinking about what I want to accomplish with my children this summer. Here is my list:1) I want to have a schedule (with flexibility) so all of us will be more productive and on days when I'm working and they aren't at camp or VBS (Vacation Bible … [Read more...] about Step One: What is Your Intention?
Anxiety: The Often Unseen Struggle
This morning I got a disturbing call. A student I know had fled her English classroom. She was overwhelmed by the literature and discussion that was to follow. The subject: mental illness. Her distress was caused by her knowledge of her own diagnosis - panic disorder. Was she mentally ill? How … [Read more...] about Anxiety: The Often Unseen Struggle
The End of the First Week of School
This week has marked a significant change in the life of our family. Last fall - out of what seemed like nowhere to me - I felt God leading that we would place our oldest elementary age child in our local neighborhood school. I panicked at the thought of leaving the Christian school she attended … [Read more...] about The End of the First Week of School
Emotion Coaching for Parents from the Inside Out
I recently went with my family to see the movie Inside Out and it is a counselor's dream. The idea of seeing how the emotions and the islands work inside a human creates an opportunity for parents and their kids alike to join in a dialogue with common vocabulary. This new vocabulary is playing … [Read more...] about Emotion Coaching for Parents from the Inside Out
