One of the greatest gifts I have been given is the input of other adults into my children’s lives. Many adults give a little to them (extended family members, pastors, professionals, family friends), but their teachers give a...

Children love building, from their first wobbly stack of blocks all the way up to 3D puzzles and erector sets. Building is intensely satisfying. Connecting small pieces into a cohesive whole grows motor skills, develops...

Photo by Gabby Orcutt on Unsplash I was six years old, with pigtail braids down my back, when I began my first day of school. Our school was tiny: one teacher, one room in the basement of a little country church house. I took my...

In the past few years, a spotlight has turned on child abuse, particularly child abuse in the places where children ought to be especially safe: the home, the school, and the Christian church. In an effort to curb abuse, and to...

Have you ever wondered why children, who generally love to talk, have a hard time translating their vibrant, imaginative chatter into quality writing? I can spin several explanations. First, the physical act of writing is still...

“Come, children. Let’s get those four loads of laundry folded and put away,” said Mother. “Sure, Mom, I’m glad to help. Can I fold the biggest basket?” said no child ever. There is work to be done: assignments to be completed,...

When my son was four years old, he read his first chapter book alone: Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims . I did not know how much of it he could understand, but when the ending made him feel sad, I thought it a good sign. We picked...