Parenting | Heart of the Matter

Let Them Make Mistakes

As parents it is our natural instinct to want to see our children happy. Successful. Contented. We don’t want to see them sad, upset, or failing. Yet, that is part of God’s purpose for them. We must let them make...

Using Portfolios in the Home

Part notebook, part scrapbook, portfolios offer an ongoing and natural way to assess and record the abilities of our students. They not only remind us how much each of our children have accomplished over a school year,...

The Formula Trap

Homeschooling a large family has its own challenges and rewards. On the plus side, there is a lot of fun involved. I love having a large group of people to do big projects or for playing games. I love having all levels of...

The Power of Teamwork

Brother A steps over the fallen fork of Brother B. Sister A points out the failings of Sister B. We don’t even want to talk about the wranglings of Brother A and Sister A over whose turn it is to sit in the front seat. I know...

This Week At Heart of the Matter

During this Mother’s Day Weekend, grab a cup of coffee or tea and take some time to catch up on these amazing articles from this week at Heart of the Matter! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! Housekeeping Tips for...

Blessing Your Children

A few years ago I read a short devotion about a mother who daily prayed a prayer over her children—by placing her hand on her child’s head and saying a prayer for whatever their need might be that day. Then a few months...

Striving to Rest

Motherhood is hard work. Can I get an amen? I don’t care if you stay at home full time, if you work from the home, if you work full time outside of the home, if you send your kids to public or private school, or if you home...

Planning, Pondering and Perplexing

Most of us have at least been tempted to begin planning and pondering for the 2012-2013 school year. Usually this planning and pondering begins with at least a small journey of “self-analysis”. I don’t mean...

Do You Need A Roll?

I love my child’s high energy, enthusiasm, and joyful spirit. I don’t even mind that I will never have any family secrets, ever, because this innocent child will share our business with anyone within earshot and think...

Preschool Struggles

I love working with my preschooler. I was a preschooler teacher in a previous life and working with my little man reminds me of those days. Coloring, finger painting, water play, the list of fun never ends! As much fun as...