HomeLife Initiatives - Is HomeLife Initiatives for you?

Parents of Preschoolers

Parenting babies and preschoolers can be exhilarating and exhausting. Many parents in this stage of life are full of self doubt, loneliness, and disillusionment. In our culture parents of youngsters are often dealing with the pressures and questions of parenthood without the support of extended family and friends nearby. Books, radio and T.V. personalities, and the Web all provide information, but lack the personal touch of being known, respected, and listened to in your particular season of life. Parenting little ones can be a joyous, wonderful, shared experience. It is possible to learn new ways of relating that allow you to avoid the pitfalls and battles that seem so common when parenting preschoolers.

Bed Time Struggles:

Are you exhausted after the battle of putting your child to bed?
Does your child have trouble staying in his bed all night?
Would you like your child to nap during the day?
Are things are out of balance concerning when and how much people in the household sleep?
Is your child fearful at night?
Is your child potty trained, but wets the bed at night?

Temper Tantrums:

Does your child throw himself on the floor, kicking and screaming for no apparent reason?
Do you dread taking your child in public because of
his behavior?
Does it seem as though your child doesn’t listen to you?

Getting Along with Others:

Does your child hit, bite, spit, throw things at others?
Do you have concerns regarding your child’s ability to get along with other children?
Are you unclear as to what can be expected of preschoolers when interacting with others?
Is sibling rivalry an issue in your home?
Are you troubled by the way your child interacts with you as the parent?
Are you, as a parent, troubled by how you interact with
your child?
Do you wish you could understand your preschooler better?

Mom's Heart:

Life is full of drama and there are times when we are presented with opportunities to know God and ourselves better. Maybe the ways of handling life we learned in childhood aren’t working any more and are pushing us to a place of crisis and questioning. Maybe life isn’t turning out the way you thought it would and you are not sure who you can trust with what is really going on inside you. Your life matters, you matter, and you can learn new ways of relating to God, yourself, and your family that bring life to your soul.

Relationships in the Home:

Do you feel respected?
Do you feel equipped in your marriage?
Do you feel equipped as a parent?
Do you feel alone?
Do you wonder where your anger is coming from?

Meal Time Struggles:

Is meal time a pleasant experience for your family?
Is it difficult to take your child out to eat in public?
Do you wonder what to expect from your child at meal time regarding what he eats, manners, preparation and clean up?

Nutrition:

Is your child a picky eater?
Do you feel good about the variety and nutritional content of the foods your child eats?
Do you suspect your child has food allergies?
Do you wonder what your child’s nutritional needs are?

Potty Training:

Are you trying to decide if your child is ready?
Are you looking for a potty training plan that works?
Would you like personal support or “coaching” while potty training your child?
Did you know that potty training can be an enjoyable time for you and your child?

Parents of Primary School aged Children

Parenting school-aged (6-12 years of age) children can be so full of activities and responsibilities, that you may wonder if you can handle one more thing added to your plate. Much of family life at this stage revolves around learning, performing, and relating. Often issues with children arise as a result of behavior or performance at school and at home. This leaves many parents feeling alone and having questions regarding where to find resources and support. Books, radio and T.V. personalities, and the Web all provide information, but lack the personal touch of being known, respected, and listened to in your particular season of life. Parenting elementary and middle school aged children is challenging but also affords the possibility of a fun-filled, memory-making, relationship strengthening season of life.

Becoming Responsible:

Is there conflict in your home over chores and other daily responsibilities?
Does your child have difficulty completing a task at home?
Does your child have difficulty remembering and accomplishing daily routine tasks like brushing teeth, making bed, choosing clothes to wear, putting away clothes and toys?
Is your child able to follow directions?

Friendships:

Do you often feel misunderstood by others?
Do you long for deeper friendships?
Do you wonder if real friendships are possible in
your season of life?

Spiritual Journey:

Do you feel like a failure in your Christian life?
Do you long for a deeper experience of God?
Would you like to learn how to be more attentive to what God is doing in your life?
Are you wondering if the Bible has more to offer than a bunch of shoulds and should nots?
Would you like to have a companion who will walk with you and explore your spiritual journey with you?

School Issues:

Do you wonder if this school is best for your child?
Does your child feel successful at school?
Do you wonder how things could be better for your child
at school?
Have you had difficulty communicating with your
child’s teacher?
Does your child have needs the school is not addressing?
Are you satisfied with your child’s progress at school?
Does your child enjoy school?
Does homework cause tension and stress for the family?
Is your child disorganized when it comes to keeping track of papers, assignments, projects, etc.?

Home School Issues:

Do you wonder if home schooling is best for your child?
Do you struggle with the flow of your school day?
Are you confused about curriculum choices?
Are your children able to work independently?
Do you feel a desire for the support of a group or individual?
Do you feel lonely as a home schooling parent?
Does your child have special needs you are not sure you are addressing?

Are you tired of playing referee all day?
Do you want to be better equipped to solve problems between your kids?
Do you desire for your children to have great relationships but aren’t sure how to help them?
Are you confused about what pre-schoolers are capable of when relating with others?
Is it possible for pre-schoolers to get along with others?

Does your child have difficulty transitioning from one activity
to another?
Do you wonder if your daily routine fits your child’s needs?
Do you question the type of structure or level of structure in your child’s day?
Does your child have difficulty going with the flow of your day?
Are shopping trips with your children a nightmare?
Are you wondering how to get anything done during the day?
Do you look forward to spending the day with your children?

Does pre-school really mean pre-school any more?
Would you like to teach your child more effectively?
Do you wonder what your child should know before
going to Kindergarten?
Should a pre-schooler be able to read?
How do you know if your child is “on track” with their learning?
Will my child be behind if I don’t send him to pre-school?
How do I decide whether or not to send my child to pre-school?
How do young children learn best?
Am I qualified to teach my child at home?

Is your child eating right?
Is your child thriving (growing, feeling good) physically?
Have you wondered if the food your child is eating is good
for him?
Have you been wanting to change your family’s eating habits?

Are you comfortable with the pace of your family life?
Do you feel guilty about not giving your kids
more opportunities?
Are your children bored?