The Secret To Communicating With Your Teenager

 Do you have a Teenager? Do you have a trouble communicating with them? Well I have 2 teenagers and let me tell you, I feel your frustration at times.

 As mom's we want to feel connected to our children and we want to be part of their world.

 Only, once they become teenagers they start becoming more independent, and we just don't know how to handle that!

So we try to engage in conversation any chance we get. Then we try to get them to go places with us and most of the time they don't want to. We try everything we can think of to just get them to talk with us for 10 minutes.

It leaves us as mom's frustrated and our teenagers more probably even more frustrated.  

You see, when my oldest daughter started navigating through her teenage years, it was scary. We had always been so close, and then one day it stopped. Honestly, my heart was broken because I didn't understand what was happening at the time.

The close relationship we once had, she started to build within her friendships. She was turning to her friends for advice and connecting with them the way we used to connect.

With our Son's, it's a little bit different. They start becoming more independent and want you to do less for them and they stop talking to you the way they used to. At least most of them anyway ! Still, the relationship changes.




WHAT I HAVE LEARNED


Sometimes, As parents we don't understand what is happening and we just want things to go back to the way they were. So we PUSH for our teenagers to open up and Talk to us. 

~ The truth is this pushes them further away. As a teenager, their whole world is changing and they are trying to figure out who they are. Please don't ask your teen about their whole day at school... The last thing they want to talk about is how the day went. They are trying to process their day and that can be challenging enough. Instead, you can say " I hope you had a great day today". Leave it open and let your teen make the choice to share or not.


When your Teenager approaches you to talk, STOP what your doing and give them your full attention. Remember, this won't happen too often. Embrace it when you can! 

~ No matter what you may be doing, if you can stop and give your teen your undivided attention. I encourage you to do so. This will show your teen, no matter what you are doing, They are more important and what they have to say matters.


When your Teenager opens up about their personal life, Please don't react or judge them. This will only make them shut down.

~  Once your teenager opens up to you about their life.. You may hear things that will shock you or that you may be unhappy about. Be careful and choose your words wisely. Try to RESPOND and not REACT if need be. Trust me, I have been there and I have learned a lot during the process. Unless you really need to address a situation, Bite your tongue.


Your Teenager's friends are a huge part of their world. Please don't Judge them!

~ You're not going to care for all your teen's friends and that's alright, but please don't judge them. By doing so, you are telling your teenager their choice of friend's isn't good enough and it becomes a reflection of who they are. Honestly, this was a tough one for me. I have learned to love my teen's friends no matter who they are or what they do. You don't know everything about them and there is more to their story than you know!

 Sometimes,  You just need to Listen.

~ You don't have to give your teenager advice or respond every-time they come to you. Sometimes, they just want you to LISTEN. They want to be heard and a lot of the time they just want to share life with you.


I pray you find encouragement talking with your teenager. It's tough at times, but it doesn't always have to be!

"Luvs Diapers May Coupon Offers"

Luvs Diapers 

 Luvs is the official diaper of experienced parents! We all know, parenting is expensive, and there's no way around it.  Luvs is offering great opportunities to save on diapers this month, for parents with little ones.

 Parents want only the best for their babies. With Luvs Diapers, you will feel at ease knowing you are providing the best for your baby. 

Luvs is offering a $2 print-at-home coupon offer

• Additionally , in partnership with Ibotta, Luvs is also offering a limited time $5 rebate on any boxed variety of Luvs diapers, 54ct. box or larger.

 Here's how to save:

1) Visit http:/www.coupons.com/brands/luvs-coupons/ to access a Luvs coupon of $2 off any one diaper pack. print the coupon at home and use it at any mass, discount, or grocery store where Luvs diapers are sold.

2) Download the free Ibotta app, available on iOS and Android. Search "Luvs" to unlock an exclusive $5 rebate.

Links to download: 

• http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibotta-cash-back-app.-grocery/id559887125?mt=8 OR                https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ibotta.android&hl=en 
• Go shopping for your Luvs Diapers at any participating store.
• Verify your purchases by scanning product barcodes and submitting a photo of your receipt
• Save money and earn cash back! Your $5 cash back rebate will be deposited into your Ibotta account within 48 hours.

* This is a limited-time offer. Please see the exact date of expiration. You won't want to miss this great deal!   

Do you want a diaper you know you can trust? As a mom of 3 children, diapers were one of my biggest concerns. We were on the go a lot and the last thing I needed was an unhappy wet baby. I wanted my baby to be comfortable, yet dry. We all want HAPPY babies Right?

Learn more about these great diapers!

About Luvs Diapers:

1) With large refastenable stretch tabs, fastening Luvs diapers is easy for Mom, plus she can rest assured knowing that she's giving her baby a secure, snug fit again and again.

2) With Leak Barrier Leg gathers and a Leakguard Core, plus the largest absorbency area ever, Luvs makes life easier for Moms by helping to keep leaks in the diaper where they belong, so baby stay dry, comfortable, and happy!

Luvs feels so strongly that their diapers will keep your baby leak-free, that they have guaranteed them! If you are not satisfied with the leakage protection of Luvs, your money will be refunded. See the website , www.luvsdiapers.com, for details.

Luvs Diapers are available in sizes newborn through 6. They can be found at mass, discount, and grocery stores where baby care products are sold.

Luvs is the official diaper of experienced parents. When parents choose Luvs over Huggies Snug & Dry, they get outstanding superior overnight protection that locks away wetness 2X better, and they save up to $150 per year.

 For ore information on Luvs Diapers, visit www.luvsdiapers.com or the brand's social media on Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/luvsdiapers), Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/luvs) and YouTube (https://yourtube.com/luvsdiapers).    

“This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.”

Review: 8 Simple Tools For Raising Great Kids

8 Simple 

Tools For

Raising

Great Kids

By: Dr. Todd Cartmell

 Whether you find parenting intuitive or impossible, we could all use a hand here and there.

 The Title really spoke to me. We all want Simple effective ways to parent our children. This book is very practical, easy to read, and leaves your heart full.

 It is broken down into 8 sections. Which includes a summary tip and application questions. I was able to read a few pages each day, and apply what I learned immediately. Dr. Cartmell focuses on Talking, Listening, Influencing, Connecting, Teaching, Encouraging, Correcting, and Leading.

 I really enjoyed this book to the fullest. There is so much insight no matter what ages your children are. I have a 17,15, and 9 year old and I have different struggles with each of them. There is so much encouragement inside this book.  
 It left me feeling excited and ready to apply everything learned. If you want to maintain a healthy relationship with your child, correct behaviors, or develop a nurturing home environment I encourage you to pick up a copy of 8 Simple Tools For Raising Great Kids!


For more information you can check it out and grab your copy today here! 

As a Thank You, if you would like to purchase "8 Simple Tools For raising Great Kids" you will receive 50% off when your purchase it at moodypublishers.com.

                                          Code- GREATKIDS 16

(Expires May 15, 2016) 

   

I received a complimentary copy of this Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Building a Firm Foundation

 Foundations

 I decided to do a mother-daughter Bible study with my youngest. She is 9 years old and is changing before my eyes. We are approaching the tween years! 

 I really wanted to use this time to connect and open conversation based on God's word. We read, memorize scripture, and just enjoy our time together. 

 It is so important to set a firm foundation for your children.

 So I took a trip to a Christian book store. They had so many books to choose from. I really wanted something to focus on her heart. 

 I found the perfect book " A Girl After God's Own Heart." 
By: Elizabeth George. I have also read many of her books and have truly been blessed by her.

The Topics include:

1. My Heart
2. My Space
3. My parents
4. My family
5. my School
6. My Friends
7. My Church
8. My Self
9. My Time
10. My Adventures with Jesus


 These are all great areas to teach your daughters on. This book is filled with so much fun, scriptures, questions, and prayers. 

 My daughter looks forward to opening this book each night!

 What are you doing to help build your daughter's firm foundation in God? There are so many ways to do this. I would love to know more..








   

Surrendering your Teenagers to God

  A couple weeks ago I was attending my Women's Bible Study. We were talking about Life, Marriage and Motherhood. I had been struggling that week and honestly questioning myself as a mother.

 Some days, I just feel like I'm doing it all wrong. 

  

  There is another woman in our group who also has teenagers. We have shared our concerns and lifted our children up in prayer, however we never really opened up and shared our struggles as Mothers. 

 That evening, she sat next to me and we began talking. I shared my concerns with her about raising teenagers and she shared a little of her own. It was if, God placed us next to each other for this reason.

 I shared my fears as a mother of teenagers. The Partying, Alcohol, and Drugs that are out there. The fear that my children will make Wrong Choices and my greatest fear that I will somehow Mess them up!

 I question myself all the time!  

  Am I training these children up in a way that is honoring God? Some days, I feel like I am doing a great job and other times I feel like I am messing my children up.

      ~Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 

Proverbs 22:6

Do you ever feel like if you could just find the right Balance? 

 I do, all the time. In fact I remember asking this sweet woman, "How do you find the right balance in giving your child freedom, but not too much. For instance, if your teen comes to you and asks to go to a party, and you know there may be alcohol there, what do you do?


 Her answer was spot on! She said, " There is NO Balance." We do our part as parents and we have to fully surrender our children to the God." It was almost instant freedom knowing that as long as I am doing my part, I need to trust the God with the rest.


 Have you surrendered your Teenagers to the Lord? It can be hard at times because, we Love our children so much and want to protect them from anything that could cause harm.

 I have great news for you mama! 

 God loves your children so much more and he wants every-Single- part of them. The truth is, God knows your children better than you do!  He wants the messy and broken parts of their lives. God wants use your children in ways beyond your imagination.

~ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm          you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

So what do you say Mama, will you do your part and trust God to shape and mold your teenager into who he has called them to be? I encourage you to let go of your fears and trust God who cares so deeply for your children...


   

Love Languages

 Are you loving your children according to their LOVE language? 

I always assumed there was only one way to show love...

  A couple years ago I stumbled across "The Five Love Languages For Children"  by Gary Chapman. I was taken back by the title. It seemed interesting enough, so I purchased it.

 I began reading it, and couldn't believe there were 5 Love languages. "Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Quality Time." I immediately felt guilt. What if my children aren't feeling loved because I'm loving them my way? 

 I began observing each of my children and how they responded when I experimented with the 5 Love languages. It took awhile, however I was able to determine and confirm each of their love languages. 

My oldest daughter's Love language is "Words of Affirmation." She seeks verbal approval, shares her heart, and smiles when I tell her how "proud I am of her".  This is a powerful way to show love. She needs encouragement, affection, and praise. This nurtures a child's sense of worth. 

 My son's Love language is "Physical Touch." He likes to lay across my lap and ask for a back rub ( Yes, still at 15 years old.), hugging, and he plays a lot of contact sports. This love gives a sense of natural security. He needs to be hugged, wrestle with dad, and get back rubs from mom.

My youngest daughter's Love language is "Physical Touch" & "Words of Affirmation." She is very affectionate, smiles when I praise her, and loves to cuddle. Both fill her heart! She needs to feel a sense of security and encouragement. She needs cuddling, hugs, and praise.

 This book blessed me beyond words. Now, I intentionally Love my children in a way that fills their Love Tank!  I am secure in knowing, they feel loved.

 Are you loving your children according to their love language?

 Here are some ways to love your child using the 5 Love languages:

Words Of Affirmation: Verbally affirm them, Write cards, Give them a nickname.

Physical Touch: Sit close together, Hold hands, Play Twister. Hug, Cuddle, Wrestle.

Receiving Gifts: Gift bag, Special lasting gift, Coupon book, Surprise treat.

Acts of Service:  Tie their shoes, Show hospitality, Practice sports with them.

Quality Time:  Plan a date, Eat together, Take a walk, Create traditions. 

I Hope this encourages you in a new way. Pick up a copy of "The Five Love Languages For Children," to learn more. Unconditional love carries the most powerful messages.  

                                                                    

                                                                       ~ Tara-Lyn

    

A Mother's Purpose

Do you know your purpose as a mother?

  As mothers, God calls us to lovingly teach and train our children. In doing so, we need to be constantly seeking God and his wisdom. We are to teach our children about God and help them understand the Bible.

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26

 As mother's, we are guiding and shaping our children everyday. Are you modeling godly ways in your home? Our children are always watching us, no mater how old they may be. We should be giving instructions, correction, and more importantly discipline. Yes, God calls us to discipline our children even though it may be heartbreaking at times. 

" A child left to himself brings shame to his mother..Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart." Proverbs 29:15,17 

 Your children are unique. As mothers, we need to help our children understand their personality, gifts, and abilities. We need to affirm our children and help build their character.  

A mother helps shape her children's future by Love, Influence, and Equipping the next generation! 

Joyfully,

    Tara-Lyn

Choosing Joy In The Midst Of It All

 The days are so long, and there is still so much to do...


 This week has felt that way in our home. My days are normally busy during the week with school runs, activities, chores, and everything else. However, it seems like from time to time the kids all have something more going on at the same time.    

 Our oldest daughter is in the performing arts and has 2 evening performances this week. Our son is playing basketball this season and has an extra game this week. I find myself rushing from place to place and feeling stretched thin. 

 Mamas, I know you can relate. It is so easy to get irritated and grow weary during these times. The truth is. There will always be busier times in our lives. It is how you handle those times... 

 Yesterday, I did a lot more running around and errands and rushed to get to my son's game in time. By evening, I just wanted to lay my head down on my pillow. Instead, My oldest daughter asked for my help in making her costume. I thought to myself, Really? It's the night before your performance and you want to put your costume together now. That is teenagers for you! 

 I could of gotten upset with her, but I made the choice to find JOY in the situation. Instead, God used this time for my 2 girls to work together to make the costume. All he wanted me to do was be still and enjoy the moment. I'm so glad I did! I couldn't help but think how blessed I am to be their mother. My heart ended up being full...

 My oldest daughter is a Junior in high school. These precious moments won't last forever. I choose to find the joy in whatever circumstances come my way! Mamas, We have a daily choice. Will you choose Joy? " This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24 I pray that you are able to see the many blessings in your life. Always Choose JOY!!

                      
                                    ~ Tara-Lyn