Homeschooling 
As far as handwriting skills go, my two older boys could not be more different. Bradley never enjoyed coloring or artistic activities, and the dexterity in his fingers was always a little behind. Even today, his handwriting is poor. Cameron, on the other hand, always loved painting, crayons, markers, and puzzles, and as a result, he is a much stronger writer today. My twins are going into preschool this fall, and as far as it depends on us, we want them to excel at handwriting. This summer, we are planning some "intentional fun" for our twins that will build their motor skills. Motor skills are movements muscles ...Read More
Mackinac Island: Michigan Family Vacation Destinations
The Great Lakes contain around 35,000 islands, dozens of which have year-round populations. We happen to live less than 3½ hours from the Straights of Mackinac, the narrow waterway connecting Lake Huron to Lake Michigan, so recently we took a trip north with our two oldest boys before the tourist season began. If you're up for a ferry ride, you can easily get to Mackinac Island. Why should you consider Mackinac a possible vacation destination? 1. No Cars No kidding. Mackinac Island is the only U.S. community where motor vehicles are still outlawed. Of course, they have the standard emergency vehicles and snow ...Read More
Confessions of an Angry Dad (and how I learned not to lose it with my kids)
These are my honest confessions of being an angry dad. I used to love long road trips. I loved the adventure of the open road, experiencing new places, and seeing the countryside move by. Then I had kids. I don't know what it is about getting into the back seat of a van that turns my children into raving lunatics. Every toy or piece of junk suddenly becomes a catalyst for territorialism. Every slightly annoying action is magnified. Suddenly, "touching" becomes a federal crime worthy of being promulgated to the whole universe like a town crier proclaiming a king's edict. More than once my wife and I have ...Read More
Homeschool Astronomy: A Course That Practically Teaches Itself
In college I got my dream job: I was hired by the university Astronomy department to lead "stargaze" presentations. Night after night I walked out on the roof of the physical sciences building to tell students the story of the stars. I got to play with expensive telescopes. I got to attend planetarium conventions—yes, they have those. Sometimes I would go up on the rooftop alone, away from the bustle of the 18,000-student campus, and just look up at the stars. For as long as I can remember, I've always had a love of astronomy, which is why I am so excited about my newest project: Experience Astronomy. It's a full-school ...Read More
How to Teach Your Kids Astronomy at Home
For as long as I can remember, I've loved astronomy. When I was 5, I was fascinated how the moon seemed to follow me no matter where I walked in my backyard. In grade school, I waited eagerly for field trips to the downtown planetarium, remembering them as the highlight of my school year. In high school—because I was a nerd—I got a membership at the local observatory. In college, I worked as a stargaze instructor for the university. Now, as a homeschooling dad, I've taught astronomy to nearly every grade level our local homeschool co-op. I don't know many kids who aren't interested in astronomy. On second thought, ...Read More
Parenting Battles: The Christian Parent’s Secret Weapon
Brevity is not one of my talents. I am often quick to speak and slow to listen. I use two words where only one will do. Kind people (like my wife, sometimes) might call me prolific. Unkind people (like my wife, sometimes) might call me a blabber mouth. The same is true when it comes to correcting my children. In the moment of disobedience, defiance, complaining, or argument, I default to strong words, loud words, or many words to rein them in. In my worst moments, I rely on the strength of my voice, not the strength of what I'm saying, to get the point across to my kids. If only there was a book out there to help ...Read More
5 Ways to Create a Bible-Saturated Home
It is so important for parents to create a Bible-saturated home for their children. I’ve heard it said: You can teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are. Every time I see my kids mimicking my smallest, most irksome mannerisms or sarcastic remarks, I am painfully reminded of this truth. At the end of the day, I know I will fail my kids, so I want our home to be a place where Jesus is seen as the ultimate example. At best, I want to be able to say to my kids what Paul said to his churches: Be imitators of me as I am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). It is in the Scriptures that our children encounter ...Read More
21 Ways to Prepare Your Preschooler for Handwriting Success
It's never to early to learn, and we've compiled a list of 21 ways to prepare your preschooler for handwriting success. I have a confession. We failed at preparing our oldest son for handwriting success. He wasn't interested in coloring. He wasn't interested in cutting. He just wanted to romp and run and be a little rambunctious boy. No doubt, those things are important! But when it came time for handwriting, he struggled. He still struggles with neatness in handwriting. In retrospect, my wife wishes she knew what she does now. She wishes she would have spent more time encouraging activities that strengthen fine motor ...Read More
