Parenting with kindness: March 28

This week we heard an inspiring message from Kelly Bradford about parenting with kindness. Kelly is a mother of two, a foster parent, and a former public school teacher. Here are some of the highlights of Kelly's message. 

• There are 3 components to parenting: Correction, training and praise. We often put them in that order, but praise should be the main component we use. 
• When our kids are sad or upset, it's important to remember they are people and their experiences are important.
• We have to connect with our children emotionally. We need to listen to them and allow them to be heard.
• Treat your kids the way you would want to be treated. Be kind. Encourage them. Remind them you love them.
• Preschool children need 2 hours a day outside playing.
• It takes a child 2,000 times to learn a new social skill.
• Create opportunities to train your children.
• Help your children understand what type of "sharing" you expect from them. Be specific and set the right expectation.
• Teach your child to come for good things and praise. Rewards and repetition are important. Saying "come" is only effective it it's seen as a good thing.
• Teach them the scripts you want them to know. If you get stuck in anger, ask for help.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

At our April 11 meeting, we will be cutting fabric for LuoPads, which provide women in developing countries access to feminine hygiene products. Please bring sharp scissors, if you have them. You can also donate any flannel fabric to be used for making the pads. Be sure to check out the website and watch the below video to see how LuoPads are making a difference!

SPONSOR

Katie Weeks with Barefoot Books was our sponsor this week.  Children need diverse, inclusive and inspiring books: This is what Barefoot Books is all about. From the very beginning, their books have opened windows to other cultures and perspectives, while also providing children of all backgrounds and abilities with a much-needed mirror of their own experiences. Check out their website to see all of what they offer!

How Great is our God & MOPS Swap: March 14th meeting

We had such a great time during our annual MOPS Swap and we hope you did, too! Hopefully everyone was able to do a little spring cleaning, as well as find a few things they might have been looking for. Regardless, we were able to take a ton of clothes and household items over to Crossroads' Missions Thrift Store, where proceeds from sales go towards the church's short-term mission trips and benefit Deaf Opportunity OutReach. If you haven't already, you should definitely check out the thrift store! They open at 9:00 AM on Tuesdays, so you could always swing by after our meetings!

Prior to all of the shopping, we heard an amazing video message from Louis Giglio, discussing "How Great is our God." He beautifully put into perspective just how awesome the God we serve is and how, even though we are so small in comparison, He still cares for us and is always there when we call. You can watch the full message again here:


ANNOUNCEMENTS

• We have a change in the brunch schedule for the next two meetings. March 28 will be Mindy & Annette's groups; April 11 will be Becky's & MOMSnext. If you ever wonder when your next scheduled date is, or want to go ahead and sign up for a dish, you can do so here. 
• If you haven't already, please fill out this form to let us know if you will have additional children with you at our April 11th meeting (WCPSS Spring Break) or if you have plans to be out of town that week. This will help us ensure we have childcare covered for this week!

SPONSOR

One of our very own moms, Lindsay Dagerhardt, was our sponsor this week with her line of Norwex cleaning products. Norwex is a company dedicated to providing Safe Havens by dramatically reducing the number of chemicals in our homes. Norwex provides an alternative method for cleaning your home by offering microfibers that use only water to completely rid your home of dirt, grime and bacteria. Norwex products are eco-friendly and will save you time and money in your cleaning routine.

Please join her Facebook group, and visit her site to learn more about Norwex products.