Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think form Parenting Made Practical: A TOS Crew Review

    Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think (book) & Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think (DVD) from Parenting Made Practical
Do you ever wonder if "blah, blah, blah" is what your children really hear when you ask them to do something? If so, you will want to join me, and spend time with Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think (book) & Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think (video) from Parenting Made Practical.

This set is designed for parents with children ages 8-college - EXACTLY my age range!  Taming the Lecture Bug and Getting Your Kids to Think (book) is a 12 chapter, 160 page softcover book filled with some much needed encouragement for parents.  The Appendix offers addition resource recommendations for both parents and teens.

I will admit, after all these years of parenting, I may have "thought" I'd probably not be able to learn much from this book... I WAS WRONG! 

From the first chapter,  I found myself agreeing with the author's perspective.  Then, I went into my children's room, and saw the piles of clean-but-not-put-away laundry, and I knew we needed to get back "on the horse" and start some heart training around here!

There are so many gems of wisdom in this book,  I have been recommending it to everyone! 

 I realized how I have been "lecturing" and my children have NOT been hearing any of it.  I was encouraged to start asking simple yes and no questions to get them to THINK for themselves.  This is a much more useful tool.  I have been using this new approach on all my children.  It's very helpful to both my attitude (not getting frustrated) and their responses.

I needed to be reminded that until their hearts are teachable, by realizing their sin, they will not be able to change behavior.  WOW - not only for our children, this is for us too!  Consistency has always been a struggle for me, I start well...  the author's recommend on picking an area to work on, and stick with that until you see results, instead of trying to do it all at once.  I decided we would go back to the start with immediate obedience - our saying is "Right away, all the way, the happy way" (not from the book).  

Letting our children redefine the rules is a dangerous slope.  I love the frank, honest and Biblical foundations in this book.  Disobedience is sin.  Throughout the book you will find Scripture to back up the parenting principles discussed.  In addition, personal testimonies are included.

The authors, Joey and Carla Link, have over 20 years family ministry experience. In the 53 min. DVD, they share the main points of the book.  I highly recommend reading the book first, and then watching the DVD as a reminder or refresher.  They both share, role-play examples, and offer a downloadable PDF of notes.  This would make an excellent resource for a small group study.

This has been a timely resource, and VERY helpful.  You will definitely want to check this one out!  Other members of the Crew have gotten a chance to explore more resources from Parenting Made Practical:

• Why Can't I Get My Kids to Behave (book) (for parents of kids ages 2-12)
• Navigating the Rapids of Parenting (Video) (for parents of kids from age 2 through college)
• Dating, Courting & Choosing a Mate... What Works? (Video) (for parents of kids ages 9-college) 
• What Every Child Should Know Along the Way (book) (preschool to college)

Find Parenting Made Practical on Social Media:

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ParentingMadePractical/   
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ParentingMP    Tag:   @ParentingMP   
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/parentingmadepractical/           

Hashtags:#hsreviews #parenting, #dating, #courtin, #family

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A Letter to Satan

I have a guest blogger today - my hubby.  This is his letter to Satan - I wholeheartedly agree!

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Revelation 21:11

Hey Satan,

I figure you‘re out here somewhere on Facebook. Just want you to know that no matter what you throw at me with rectal cancer or anything else in life I am going to stand up and declare God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!

So far my experience with this disease is that it’s a pretty disgusting and humbling invention of yours. But no matter how many times you throw the indignity of incontinence at me – I will clean myself up, change my clothes if needed and declare God is good all the time. No matter how many times you won’t allow me to sleep because the pain is too severe I will sing praise songs to God until my much needed rest finally comes. No matter how many times I throw up from the chemo or how many hours a day you force me into the bathroom to deal with the side effects of chemo I will keep on declaring that God is good all the time. And no matter the end result of this battle – I WIN either way because of what my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did on the cross. And either way I will come out on the other side of this battle and declare yet again that GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME - ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD! - Matt Bentz

The "Pilgrimage"

When MN comes to TX - they must make the "pilgrimage".  You know where... Magnolia Silos in Waco!

And the "Super Fan" award goes to... Jenny!  She had multiple "moments" of unbelievable excitement that "we are really here" :-)

 I love these two!  We made it inside the bakery - my first time ever...

and they were worth the wait!

A picture perfect day!

Of course... we had to go stalk all the Waco locations...

Yes, the super-fan made us creep the restaurant, which is NOT yet open!  Just to find the "handprints".  Some us may have refused to get out of the car at this stop.... or were possibly locked in by the child locks...

Waco has NEVER been this much fun!  Hope they let us come back some day!

CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack and The Art of Cursive From CursiveLogic: A TOS Crew Review

+ CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack and The Art of Cursive from CursiveLogic

CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack and The Art of Cursive from CursiveLogic are just what you need to get started with cursive!


CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack  contains the unique, 113 page Cursive Logic workbook and access to the 45 minute online Instructional webinar that contains step-by-step instructions on how to use this revolutionary system.

The program is designed to take approximately 10 weeks - but, you will be able to modify according to your student's progress.  My tester has already done some cursive - so, she was able to work faster.

The Workbook is spiral bound at the top - this is a great feature for both your left and right-handers.  My tester is left handed, so this was especially nice for her.  You work through the workbook on the front of each page first, then flip and work back through on the other side. Several dry erase pages are included for repeated practice (and who doesn't like writing with dry erase markers?) 

The basic philosophy is that all cursive writing can be broken into four shapes. Each shape is taught in proper connected format.  This is a wonderful way to get your student making the correct letter strokes from the very beginning.  

The lessons are short and easy to master.  One thing I am so impressed by is how this program uses a multi-sensory approach to teach each of shapes.  By using color, catch phrases and muscle memory - your child will truly master the art of cursive writing, and it appeals to every learning style.

Helpful tips on posture, paper position, and holding your writing tool help get you started the correct way.  Everything you need is contained in the workbook, no need to purchase another Teacher Guide.  

The Instructional Webinar is a great tool! You get 12 months of access, so you can go back and review whenever you would like.   I have taught multiple children cursive, and this is the first time I was able to listen and learn HOW to teach.  It was incredibly helpful to learn the process, see a lesson taught and hear helpful phrases for me to use during lessons.  

We also got to take a look at The Art of Cursive.  This is not a full cursive curriculum, and is designed for adults and older students who have mastered cursive.  My tester was not to be denied!  She has already done quite a bit of cursive, so I allowed to to color as a reward :-) 

This book contains a sort review of the Cursive Logic approach followed by 27 practice passages to write and beautiful coloring pages with inspiring quotes. It is beautiful! It's a great way to practice cursive skills...but, don't tell them - they think it's just for fun!

I found this to be the most enjoyable and effective way to teach cursive skills that we have ever used - it's a new favorite.  Be sure to check it out for yourself.

Don't miss this! CursiveLogic is offering  20% off special through the end of March. Simply use the coupon code - CREW2018 when checking out.


Find CursiveLogic on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilovecursive/

Hashtags: #hsreviews, #cursive, #ilovecursive



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Magic Stix Washable Markers from The Pencil Grip, Inc.: A TOS Crew Review

Magic Stix Washable Markers from The Pencil Grip, Inc.


Magic Stix Washable Markers  from The Pencil Grip, Inc. are our FAVORITE!   These washable markers DO NOT DRY OUT!  Yes, even with the cap off for 7 days, the markers are just a fresh as when you took them out of the box.   Do you know what this means?  You won't need to keep buying markers every time your sweet-but-forgetful children use them :-)

They are another wonderful product from The Pencil Grip, Inc.  We enjoy their Thin Stix - read our review here.  Magic Stix come in either 12 or 24 count, packaged in a sturdy plastic container with a handle.  We have been enjoying creating with the the 24 pack.

They are odorless, non-toxic and completely washable. The colors are bold and vibrant, and they go on super smooth. A full rainbow of colors is included in the 24 pack.  I love the different shades of each color and other harder-to-find colors like teal and gold. Check out these bright colors!

My testers grabbed them as soon as they arrived and ran off to create.  They have been using them DAILY for all their coloring needs, and believe me - they have quite a few.

These markers are a must have!  Once you use them, it's hard to pick up the old, dried out ones from our marker box.

They guarantee the markers will not dry out - even if the cap is left off for 7 days!

The storage case is a nice feature as well.  It keeps them all in one place, organized and ready to take with you on the go.

We like them so much, they are now our "go to" birthday present idea. 

Pencil Grip, Inc has agreed to give one of my readers their own 24 pack of Magic Stix (US entries only)- Enter here - just leave a comment telling me what you want to create, and I'll notify you via email when the contest is over.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Find The Pencil Grip, Inc. on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepencilgrip/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepencilgrip Tag: @ThePencilGrip
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwikstixpaint Tag: @kwikstixpaint
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLmKo4Es5M5VwzXuFKk7j6w The Pencil Grip

 
Hashtags: #hsreviews, #magicstix, #nocapnoproblem, #magicstixmarkers


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