What does Parentified mean? When a child takes on the role and responsibilities of a parent, typically through functional and emotional caregiving, they are experiencing the process of parentification. Being a parentified child goes well beyond completing age appropriate chores or learning to provide comfort to others. Parentfication involves a child sacrificing their own needs of love, guidance, nurturing and attention, to care for their parent(s). Its a role reversal, in which, the child feels obligated to take on the task expected of their caregiver; in his or her mind, this is the only ..read more

Giveaway Alert!!! How are we already talking about Easter? I still have a tote of Christmas ornaments I’m waiting out my husband to take to the basement. Either way, The Easter Bunny will be hopping his way into homes soon enough, bringing goodies and treats to our boys and girls (and a few of us moms). I love celebrating the Easter holiday with my family, my church, and of course, the massive meal afterwards (my plate is ready folks), however, the joy of watching a child’s face light up when they find their Easter basket is precious. I have four children, ages 17, 13 year old twins and an ..read more

I read a Facebook post by a friend and former coworker, discussing her views on the recent shooting at a school in Parkland, Florida. As a high school teacher, she was disgusted with the constraints that doesn’t allow her the time to reach her troubled students; apparently, the shooter had been in foster care. Her remarks revealed to me what is wrong with the foster care system. Please bear with me through this article, as I am frustrated and angry. What I am about to write is my opinion and may cause some upset. Social Service Workers I can read a hundred articles describing the reasons t ..read more

The school shooting that happened in a Florida High School on February 14th should be a shocking event, however, it is unfortunately not. I recall school violence my senior year of high school in 1995, yet, nothing that compares to the atrocities of Columbine, Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech and now Stoneman Douglas. Somehow, this has become the new “normal”. As a parent, like you, I struggle to make sense of that fact. We are adults and recognize the evil that exists in the world, although, innocence continues to dissolve in our children. Most of you, including myself, will not experience going ..read more

Acts 21:14 When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “the will of the Lord be done.“ Have you ever had to make a decision that was tough? A decision between doing something out of your comfort zone and the safe, easy path. We all have at many points in our life. Let me share a personal story with you. When my husband decided to join the army after 9/11, we knew he probably would go to war, that we would have to move away from our loved ones, and succumb to a very unfamiliar life. As hard as I prayed to stay close to my home, where there are several army base ..read more