Tez Brooks's Blog: TezBrooks.com, page 19

Free Book!

Do you want a free book?

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I’m doing research on my next project, PreLaunching: Preparing Your Child for Adulting in Today’s World (working title).

 

I’m looking for stories from parents of any aged child, on how you are trying (or have tried) to prepare your child for a successful transition into society as an adult. Funny or serious stories. What worked? What failed?

If I use your story, I’ll send you a copy of the finished book. Here is the quick survey link. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J6PLJ5J

Thanks so much.

TEZ

Can I Delegate My Job As Spiritual Trainer Of My Kids?

[image error]Sometimes, I’m just lazy.

Especially when it comes to the spiritual training of my kids. I often disqualify myself.

I try to set aside 30 minutes per week to do a Bible study with my kids. Often they aren’t in the mood or they become bored. I should realize their attitude is just the flesh, the old nature reacting to godly things (basic human responses we all have sometimes).

Instead, I take it personally. I suddenly hear Satan the accuser telling me, “They don’t want to hear about it from you because you’re a fraud, Tez!” I try to ignore that voice and press through, but often it’s a battle.

Some dads I know think spiritual training is the church’s job. They believe some other “Professional”  Christian is supposed to do it.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking any of these thoughts?

 “I need to remind my wife to train my teen how to walk with God.”
“I know my daughter needs to learn the Bible. That’s why we send her to the Christian school.”
“The youth leader will show my son the way.”
“My kid needs to understand the value of discipline and hard work. His soccer coach will do it.”

These individuals can be a nice addition to godly parenting, but they’re a lousy replacement.

Parents, helping our kids love Jesus, learn Scripture, and be servants is our job. Deuteronomy 6:7 makes it pretty clear, no one else has the job we do. We cannot delegate spiritual training to anyone.[image error]

I take my family to church each Sunday, we pray together for things, we make God part of our daily life….but does anyone else struggle to be consistent? Is it just me?

Some of us are prone to guilt, so we overcompensate. What are some ways we can show ourselves more grace?

 

New Pressure For A New Year

So what’s it gonna be? What new leaf are you planning to turn over?

Mine is a manuscript. I want to finish my 4th book (working title…”Pre-Launching: How to Prepare Your Teen for Successful Adulting”)

My agent is anxious to see the first few chapters and that has me both excited and nervous. Afraid of failure or rejection.

What if this book isn’t good enough? What if my agent can’t find an interested publishing house when he tries to pitch the idea? [image error]

It’s enough to make me give up. After all, I’m not a great parent. I fail all the time. What do I possibly have to offer? Add in another dozen or so self-defeating comments and I’m ready to call it a day.

Ever feel like that? Especially when it comes to New Year’s resolutions?

Our resolutions for parenting are the worst. I’m gonna be more understanding. I’m gonna yell less. I’m gonna be more involved at their school. Cook healthier dinners. Start a family Bible study. The list goes on.

We set so many high standards for ourselves, it’s pretty easy to fail.

It’s funny. I have no problem accepting grace from God when I need it (which is pretty often). But I can’t seem to give it to myself. Why is that?

I think it comes from a belief that people are bigger than they are. That somehow, what they think of me is so important that I forget to care what God thinks of me. In essence, people are big and God is small.

Yikes! Sorry, God.

In reality, if we are his children, He thinks you and I are pretty awesome. He views us through rose-colored glasses.

Does this mean we should stop trying to improve ourselves? Of course not, especially when it comes to walking closer to God.

But accepting who we are and how God made us is important. God created you to be the perfect parent for your child(ren). He paired you up with your kids because you’d be perfect together as a family. Sure we’re gonna fail as parents from time to time. Sure we could use a few New Year’s resolutions when it comes to parenting.

But I’m learning not to base my proposed improvements on what I think society wants me to be. Rather, I want to be all that God created me to be and desires of me. Flaws and all. [image error]There’s a lot of new pressure for a new year. But Philippians 3:12 reminds me, “I don’t mean to say I’m perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet. But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. ” (Living Bible)

How about you? What areas do you struggle with when it comes to other’s opinions of you as a parent? How do you navigate through that? Share with us in the comments.

 

Snap Out of It!

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New Website Now Open

Hey all!
EverySingleDad.com has now changed its name and location to TezBrooks.com
You can follow me on the new site here. 

Redirecting to New Website

Hey all!
At the advice of my literary agent, EverySingleDad.com will soon be changing its name to Tez Brooks.com and relocating to WordPress.

I hope you follow me to the new site when it's official? I'll keep you advised.

Activity: Christmas Skip Counting Book

Today’s post was submitted by Jessica Lightle, Community Manager for Education.com
If you have kids in grades K-2, kids learn how to count by twos. In teacher-lingo, this is called “skip counting.” Give your child some practice with even numbers, while creating a cute Christmas keepsake. Plus, get some holiday cards in the bargain. For more creative fun with math, go to Education.com
What You Need:·       card stock·       at least 5 different holiday stamps·       ink pads in holiday colors·       markers·       crayons·       stapler
What You Do:1. Staple five card stock pages into a booklet.2. Ask your child to select a stamp, press it onto the inkpad, and stamp the selected image twice in the center of the first page. Under your child’s stamps, write words to describe what you see, for example, “Two snowmen.” Then ask your child to use a marker or crayon to write the numeral 2 at the top of the page.3. Repeat this process with the next stamp, only this time, have your child stamp two objects, then two more beneath it. Ask your child how many items he sees, then write the words beneath the pictures, for example, “Four candy canes.” Your child should write the corresponding numeral, 4, at the top of the page.4. Continue in this manner, with six objects on the next page, eight on the following, and ten on the last page. Let your child decorate the booklet as he’d like and when it’s complete, read it together. Pause on each page and ask your child to predict which number will come next.
Still feeling crafty? Use the stamps and card stock to create holiday cards. For each card, give your child an even number and challenge him to count it out as fast as he can, using skip counting. Voila! A cute treat to send to relatives, and a nice way to add some creativity to this important math skill.
Education.com aims to empower parents, teachers, and homeschoolers to help their children build essential skills and excel. With over 12 million members, Education.com provides educators of all kinds with high-quality learning resources, including worksheets, lesson plans, digital games, an online guided learning platform, and more.

Activity: Christmas Skip Counting Book

Today’s post was submitted by Jessica Lightle, Community Manager for Education.com
If you have kids in grades K-2, kids learn how to count by twos. In [image error]teacher-lingo, this is called “skip counting.” Give your child some practice with even numbers, while creating a cute Christmas keepsake. Plus, get some holiday cards in the bargain. For more creative fun with math, go to Education.com
What You Need:


card stock


at least 5 different holiday stamps


ink pads in holiday colors


markers


crayons


stapler


What You Do:


Staple five
card stock
pages into a booklet.


Ask your child to select a stamp, press it onto the inkpad, and stamp the selected image twice in the center of the first page. Under your child’s stamps, write words to describe what you see, for example, “Two snowmen.” Then ask your child to use a marker or crayon to write the numeral 2 at the top of the page.


Repeat this process with the next stamp, only this time, have your child stamp two objects, then two more beneath it. Ask your child how many items he sees, then write the words beneath the pictures, for example, “Four candy canes.” Your child should write the corresponding numeral, 4, at the top of the page.


Continue in this manner, with six objects on the next page, eight on the following, and ten on the last page. Let your child decorate the booklet as he’d like and when it’s complete, read it together. Pause on each page and ask your child to predict which number will come next.


Still feeling crafty? Use the stamps and cardstock to create holiday cards. For each card, give your child an even number and challenge him to count it out as fast as he can, using skip counting. Voila! A cute treat to send to relatives, and a nice way to add some creativity to this important math skill.
Education.com aims to empower parents, teachers, and homeschoolers to help their children build essential skills and excel. With over 12 million members, Education.com provides educators of all kinds with high-quality learning resources, including worksheets, lesson plans, digital games, an online guided learning platform, and more.
 

Helping Your Kids Enjoy the Holidays With Only One Parent

NOTE: Today’s post was written by guest blogger and single mom, Alex Hall.

The holidays have arrived, and normally your kids would be delirious with excitement, chatting about the presents they hope to receive and upcoming holiday parties they plan to attend.
But this year is different. You’re recently single, and the holidays will never be the same again.
Whether due to a death or divorce, the entire family is still grieving. Suddenly everything seems uncertain and strange. How can you help your children move past the pain so they can fully embrace the holidays? Here are 4 easy tips to help.

Don’t Celebrate at Warp-Speed
You may think that since your kids are sad, you need to shower them with expensive gifts and go to every holiday event in your community. That’s not necessary or even helpful.
Instead of focusing on material things and constantly being on the go, take time to slow down. Your children will appreciate that you’re focused on their happiness.
They don’t need a mountain of gifts to realize you still love them. Be patient with your children, your family and yourself. Celebrating the holidays after a tragedy is confusing and tainted with sorrow. Keep things simple so you and your family can enjoy the holidays without getting overwhelmed.

Make New Traditions
For years, you’re family has celebrated the holidays with certain family traditions. To help with the grieving process, ask your children if they want to change some of the holiday traditions.
Maybe you can celebrate at a grandparent’s house, take the kids to a movie or stay in your pajamas all day. Do you always make a special breakfast? Go out to eat this year.
If your divorced and the ex-spouse has the kids for Thanksgiving Day, consider celebrating with the kids the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Your kids may eventually enjoy celebrating the same holiday twice.

Do Fun Holiday Activities
Find fun holiday activities your kids will enjoy. Watch classic holiday movies as you cuddle together in front of the fireplace. Make snow angels, go ice skating, or whip up some hot cocoa and homemade cookies.
These activities may seem simple, but your kids will enjoy spending quality time with you and it may help ease the blues of not having both parents present.

Volunteer
Sometimes you can deflect your own grief if you spend time helping others. This is also true for your children.
Try volunteering at a soup kitchen, participating in a toy drive or visiting a nursing home  to spend time with elderly people who may be lonely during the holidays. Seeing the joy that giving brings will boost your children’s self esteem and increase your own joy during the holiday season.
Celebrating the holidays after a death or divorce isn’t just painful for you--it’s painful for your children. This is the time to reassure them that they’re still safe and loved.
It’s a time to create new holiday traditions as well as learn to explore creative ways for celebrating cherished holidays. While these weeks may be bittersweet, if you focus on making the celebrations simple but heartfelt, you can help your children deal with their grief and embrace the delight of the holidays.
Now it's your turn. What ways have you survived the holidays alone? Share your suggestions with us in the comments.


Guest Bio: Alexis Hall is a single mom to three kids. She created SingleParent.info to provide support and advice for the many families out there with only one parent in the household. She works as an in-home health nurse. When she isn’t working or spending time with her kids, she enjoys running and hiking and is currently training for a triathlon.

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