With a lot of kids comes a lot of varied interests. The opportunities. The invitations. The shoulds. There’s an unspoken pressure to do everything and be everything for everyone.
Chaos, Calendars, and Grace
I have a placard on my desk that says, “Chaos Coordinator.” It is a title that I fully embrace. I’m proud of the chaos I coordinate daily. Whether that’s the people and projects I manage for work or the little people that follow me everywhere (even into the bathroom), there is always a little bit of chaos—and that’s the way I like it. People ask me all the time how I juggle six kids, a full-time job, and homeschooling. Sometimes they ask with genuine curiosity. Sometimes with wide eyes and a tone that suggests concern for my wellbeing. Occasionally with a look that says, “I would simply pass away.”
Lots of kids, lots of chaos, lots of love
It’s been a little while since I’ve personally written about our family, and in that time… we’ve grown. A lot. Not just in numbers (yes, six kids 🫠), but in patience, perspective, and our collective ability to function on less sleep than feels medically advisable. My husband and I have built a life that is full of laughter, love, and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting—and honestly, we wouldn’t want it any other way.
Guiding Young Leaders: Everyday Ways Parents Build Confidence and Initiative
Parents shape leadership long before a child ever holds a title or leads a group. From daily routines to long-term decisions, children observe how adults solve problems, treat others, and respond to setbacks. Leadership, in this sense, is less about authority and more about responsibility, initiative, and empathy—skills that can be nurtured intentionally at home.
From Homework Battles to Learning Bonds: How to Help Your Child Thrive — Especially in Language Learning
Homework time — especially when it involves language learning — doesn’t need to feel like a battlefield. Parents already juggle work, home duties, and the emotions that come with supporting their children’s studies. The key isn’t to “do the homework” for them, but to create the environment, mindset, and structure that help kids grow confident and independent — whether they’re mastering math problems or practicing new words in another language.
Mentorship in Events: Creating Career Pathways for Rising Professionals
One of the best things I did when I first started in the event industry was join a professional organization. I didn’t know it then, but this has been a pivotal constant in my life over the last 13 years I’ve been a member. The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) did not only provide me quality education, but a network of people that helped me along the way. Despite job changes, I always remained in government. While some of the people have come and gone, those that have remained have become my biggest resources and friends.
How Kids Learn to Believe in Themselves (Because of You)
Self-confidence doesn’t arrive on command—it’s cultivated. It takes root in the rhythms of everyday life, shaped by how children are seen, spoken to, challenged, and supported. As a parent, you don’t have to engineer perfection. You do have to notice. Confidence doesn’t bloom from praise alone, but from witnessing their own ability to recover, solve, and contribute. Every moment of friction holds a seed of growth. So how do you give your child that deep, internal sense that they can do hard things—and be okay on the other side?
Marry a Christian Man (Even If You’re Not There Yet)
The Art of the In-Between: Finding Breathing Room in Kids’ Jam-Packed Lives
The modern family calendar looks more like a Fortune 500 exec’s agenda than a childhood scrapbook. There are violin recitals on Wednesdays, soccer drills before school, robotics club squeezed in after dinner, and, if you're lucky, a half-hour window that might pass as family time. Creating that balance between productivity and downtime isn’t just possible—it’s critical.
Igniting Curiosity in Your Child: How to Foster a Love of Learning That Lasts a Lifetime
Fostering a genuine passion for learning in children is a profound responsibility that can shape their future. As parents, the influence you wield is immense, and by creating an environment that nurtures curiosity and exploration, you can guide your children toward a fulfilling educational journey. This involves setting an example through your learning endeavors and engaging them in activities that stimulate their minds and hearts. Whether through shared reading experiences, interactive games, or educational trips, the opportunities to inspire are endless.
Creating a Healthier Home: Essential Strategies for Clean Air
Maintaining a healthy indoor environment is no longer just a preference—it’s a necessity. With rising concerns about air quality and its direct impact on health, especially with the increasing prevalence of respiratory issues and allergies, ensuring clean air inside your home has never been more critical. This article walks you through practical and effective strategies to purify your home’s air, enhancing the well-being of your loved ones.
Single Parenting: Managing Life with Confidence and Resilience
Single parenting presents unique challenges and opportunities that require careful planning, emotional intelligence, and a solid support network. Mastering the financial, emotional, and daily aspects of family life alone can often feel overwhelming. Yet, with the right strategies, you can foster a thriving home environment that supports both your and your children's needs. By adopting a proactive and organized approach, you can effectively tackle the responsibilities that come with single parenthood. In this article shared with you below by Danielle Rivenbark, we will explore various techniques to manage your finances, establish daily routines, and maintain a healthy balance between family life and personal care.
Innovative After-School Activities for Young Explorers
What happens when frantic maximizing meets a slow walking child? You compromise and walk slow with the child
Yesterday, I went walking at lunch with my two littlest kiddos (four and eleven months). I felt the pull to move faster because I only had an hour to eat, exercise, and spend time with my kids until the next meeting started. I was on the clock (like I always am). I was hoping to multi-task (like I always do) and knock out some exercise while pushing the baby and talking with my four year old. The thing is, my four year old was not walking at an acceptable pace or pushing the stroller with enough force to get it over the tree roots and sand. But before I had a chance to just take over and tell him to keep up with me, I stopped.
Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: How to Manage These 2 Life Changes at Once
As women, we aspire for many things. Taking control of our own financial freedom and starting a family often top this list. Typically, we don’t do them at the same time, but when we do, we put ourselves on the springboard to be in a greater place than we could have imagined. Is it easy? Not a chance. Is it worth it? Completely.