grounded in parenting
Faith and Family

5 Ways to Stay Grounded During Parenting Challenges

by Denise Wright

Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s also one of its toughest challenges. There are days when nothing seems to go as planned—tantrums erupt, schedules fall apart, and patience is tested to its limits. Staying grounded during parenting challenges is crucial for your peace of mind and your family’s well-being. Here are five tips we try to follow to help navigate the tough times with grace and resilience.

1. Start with Self-Care to Stay Grounded in Parenting

It’s easy to put yourself last when juggling the demands of family life. However, neglecting self-care can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. Even small steps like walking, journaling, or spending five quiet minutes can make a big difference. And let’s be honest—we’ve all escaped to the bathroom behind a locked door at least once! We parents do what we gotta do to stay grounded in parenting. Am I right?

The truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If your cup is empty, no one is going to be happy.

Tip for parents: Schedule self-care moments like an appointment you can’t miss. When you care for yourself, you’ll be better equipped to tackle parenting challenges.

2. Lean on Your Support System

Parenting isn’t meant to be done alone. A spouse, family member, friend, or fellow parent can be invaluable when you need advice or simply a listening ear.

I’ll admit, as a wife and mother, it’s not always easy to be on the listening end when my spouse vents. I’ve failed countless times by taking his words too personally. But I’ve learned that he needs the same things I do—grace, understanding, and a safe space to say, “I’m overwhelmed, overstimulated, and overworked.”

Stay grounded: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s delegating tasks or venting to someone who understands, leaning on others can lighten the load.

3. Focus on What You Can Control

Parenting throws curveballs—unexpected meltdowns missed appointments, or sudden changes in plans. Instead of stressing over what’s out of your control, focus on what you can manage.

For example, you might not be able to stop your child’s tantrum immediately, but you can control your response—calm and empathetic instead of reactive.

I often remind myself that kids are still learning how to handle their emotions and anxieties. I’m almost 35 years old, and I’m still learning how to cope with my anxieties. Our kids deserve the same respect we demand from them.

Just today, my kids were arguing over something trivial because neither was truly listening to the other. I finally said, “Guys, slow down and listen to each other. You’re making a big deal out of nothing. It’s called respect—try it.”

Parenting challenges become less overwhelming when you focus on your actions rather than the external chaos.

4. Practice Gratitude in the Chaos

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of the good. Taking a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for can shift your perspective. Gratitude doesn’t erase challenges, but it helps you focus on the bigger picture.

I often watch my kids and reflect on growing up with my brothers. After losing my older brother when I was nine, I tell my kids often, “What I’d give for just one more minute with him. Don’t waste time arguing over things that won’t matter tomorrow.”

At the end of the day, family is what matters most. Challenges are just a part of life, but we have so much to be thankful for.

Tip for parents: Keep a gratitude journal. Jot down three things each day that brought you joy, no matter how small. For example:

  1. I had an amazing sandwich at lunch.
  2. The kids and I shared a hilarious moment of uncontrollable laughter.
  3. I spent a peaceful moment admiring the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree.

5. Turn to Faith and Reflection to Stay Grounded in Parenting

For many parents, faith provides strength during hard times. Prayer, meditation, or reading scripture can bring peace amidst the chaos and help keep you grounded in parenting. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Even on the hardest days, your efforts are building a foundation for your child’s future.

If you’re unsure how to lean on faith or want to learn more about having a relationship with God, we’d love to help. Reach out to us—we’d be honored to walk with you on this journey.

Stay grounded: Reflect on the values you want to instill in your children. If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

Remember, Challenges Are Temporary

No matter how tough parenting feels right now, it won’t last forever. By staying grounded, you’ll help yourself and model resilience for your kids. Parenting challenges test us, but they also provide opportunities for growth and deeper connection.

What’s Your Go-To Tip?
How do you stay grounded during parenting challenges? We’d love to hear your insights—share them with us at [email protected]!

Family Bonding

10 Tips for Strengthening Family Bonds

by Denise Wright

Family bonds are the glue that holds us together through life’s highs and lows. A close, connected family doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through intentional actions, shared moments, and consistent love. In a world full of distractions, making time for each other and prioritizing these connections is more important than ever.

Here are 10 simple but powerful tips for strengthening family bonds and fostering a deeper connection with your loved ones.

1. Prioritize Family Time

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to let family time take a backseat. Make it a point to schedule regular moments together, whether it’s a family game night, Sunday dinner, or a quick walk around the neighborhood. These moments create shared memories and strengthen relationships. 

At my (Denise’s) mother’s house, she has weekly family dinners for the entire family. We come, eat, and hang out! It’s usually very loud and by the time it’s all over Matt and I in our introvertedness are ready for peace in our bedroom, (since we are living here with my parents), but are thankful for the time we got to spend with everyone.

Scheduling regular family activities creates shared memories and strengthens relationships. Here are some of our family’s favorite board games and video games:

2. Practice Open Communication

Encourage open, honest, and respectful conversations with your family. Create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What’s something you’re excited about right now?” If you are like me and have trouble with small talk or just starting the conversation, I’ve found that TableTopics has a Family edition of their conversation starter cards and they are SO helpful!

This is easy with our daughter because she has the gift of gab. You best be prepared for a long drawn-out answer from her. Not to mention half a dozen rabbit trails. However, these types of questions are overwhelming to Ethan. He’s like his momma. The spoken word terrifies me. I’d rather be writing. Otherwise, I better have a script or an idea of what I need to say before I say it. He will answer these types of questions, it just takes him a bit longer. So patience is key!

3. Unplug and Be Present

Technology is a wonderful tool, but it can also be a major distraction. Set aside time to unplug from devices and focus solely on each other. Whether it’s during meals or designated family hours, being present helps deepen your connection.

This is easier said than done. Can you imagine the look my husband and I give each other when one of us grounds the kids from their devices!? Like… “What have you done? Now they will be all over us and constantly seeking our attention because they are bored!” All jokes aside though, it is important to unplug. We will often take short drives just to get out of the house. Go to the park. Get our favorite drinks from Sonic. When it’s warm, take the drone and RC cars out in the cul-de-sac and play! 

It really doesn’t matter how glamorous the activity… what matters is just being in the moment. Don’t let your kids remember you by how much time your face was glued to your phone or computer. Not only are you an example, but you are THE main example impacting the very core of their being. And your children will be affected by what you do or do not do. Be there in every way. Mentally and physically.

4. Create Family Traditions

Traditions, big or small, give your family something special to look forward to. It could be baking cookies every Christmas, having pizza on Friday nights, or taking a yearly camping trip. These rituals create lasting memories and give your family a sense of identity.

For us, especially around the holidays, it’s shooting the BB gun on Thanksgiving at whatever target we can grab. Mostly sheets of paper on a box, but occasionally momma’s rotten pumpkin decor. Or how we go out every year and let the kids pick out a new Christmas ornament to put on the tree.

Traditions might seem small and insignificant, but over time, they add up. And years from now your children will be sitting around with their children reminiscing about their childhood. What do you want them to remember or carry on with them when you are gone?

Establishing rituals fosters a sense of identity. Ideas include:

Personalized Ornaments: Allowing each family member to choose or create an ornament annually adds personal significance to holiday traditions.

Holiday Craft Kits: Creating decorations together can become a cherished tradition.

5. Show Gratitude and Appreciation

Take time to recognize and celebrate each other. A simple “Thank you” or “I’m proud of you” goes a long way in strengthening family bonds. Encourage your kids to do the same with their siblings and other family members.

Our daughter is constantly drawing something new. And over the last year, she has amazed me as she learns and develops new ways to draw and color things. Just recently she asked for new crayons because she wanted to be able to add texture to her drawings. Texture!? Okay!

It’s really easy to passively say, “Oh that looks good.” and then go about my day. But it’s really important to stop for the whole 1 to 2 minutes it might take to really look at what your child has done and actually commend them for a job well done. And being the artsy mom I am, even give her a couple of tips here and there.

This shows two things. 1. I see you, I hear you, I love you, and I’m proud of you. And 2. I want you to feel seen, heard, loved, and proud of yourself!

Expressing thanks strengthens bonds. Tools to facilitate this:

Recognition Boards: A family bulletin board to post achievements and positive notes to celebrate individual contributions.

Gratitude Journals: Encourage family members to document daily appreciation, fostering a culture of gratitude.

6. Pray Together

Prayer is a powerful way to bring your family closer, not just to each other but also to God. Whether it’s a daily family prayer, grace before meals, or coming together during tough times, prayer helps create a foundation of faith and unity. For our family, we pray every night before bedtime. If the kids sleep over anywhere or we are ever away, they expect our bedtime routine to continue regardless.

7. Serve Each Other and Others

Acts of service within your family build mutual respect and love. Helping a sibling with their homework or surprising your spouse with a chore they dislike shows care. Additionally, serving others as a family—through volunteering or donating—teaches compassion and reinforces your shared values. 

This year Addison has learned about Angel Trees and really has the heart and desire to be a blessing to a little girl her age this year for Christmas. So we are planning on adopting a child to buy a Christmas gift for through the Tulsa Salvation Army.

It’s a small thing to us, and the least we could do, but it’s also something we are trying to teach our children. Jesus wants us to care for the homeless, the orphans, the widows, etc. So we are teaching them to be like Jesus. 

8. Learn and Grow Together

Make learning a family affair. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe, taking a class, or working on a DIY project, shared experiences help your family grow closer. Plus, it’s a fun way to create memories and discover new talents together.

Back in June of 2024 and then again in November, I (Denise) had surgeries on both of my elbows. Which meant I needed help in places like the kitchen and making dinners. Don’t get me wrong… takeout was our friend. Ha! But when we just wanted a home-cooked meal instead, the kids, and even Matt got to be my hands and listen to instructions as I taught them how to make something. Whether by scratch or from a box. It led to some pretty funny moments, and even a few… ugh just let me do it moments as well!

9. Practice Forgiveness

No family is perfect, and disagreements are inevitable. What matters is how you handle them. Practice forgiveness, both giving and receiving, and teach your children the importance of apologizing when they’re wrong. Forgiveness fosters peace and keeps relationships strong.

I’m (Denise) terrible at accepting responsibility for my mistakes. I can only assume this is due to how I was raised. Perhaps I just didn’t pick up this life skill early on. Who knows? I avoid confrontation at all costs. I beat myself up when I mess up more than anybody I upset possibly could.

But as I continue to grow up and life presents more and more opportunities to get it right, I’m maturing and learning that how you respond to situations matters. As I listen to the way my children respond to each other and other people sometimes, I’m constantly reminded of the example I’m being. Which pushes me to beat myself up as a parent, but then try my hardest to be better tomorrow.

10. Celebrate Each Other’s Strengths

Each family member brings something unique to the table. Take time to recognize and celebrate individual talents, achievements, and qualities. This not only boosts self-esteem but also reminds your family how much they’re loved and valued.

Matt is so good and explaining things. He remembers everything and I’m often jealous of the way his mind operates. This allows him to be the amazing writer he is, and what will allow him to achieve his goal of publishing his first fiction book in the coming months!

I’m artsy. I could design things all day long and be completely content. I might have gotten my kids hooked on Minecraft for the simple joy of being able to create something while also spending time with the kids. 😉

Ethan is in that stage where he’s trying to figure out what to do with himself. He’s good at a lot of things. But his favorite thing to date is gaming. And he can tell you everything you need to know about Minecraft, Ark, and Fallout.

Addison is so smart. I’m convinced she can be anything she wants to be when she grows up. My dad has been teaching her Spanish and she’s picking it up so quickly. She loves gaming too, but she’s especially fond of crafting and drawing!

Building a Legacy of Love

Family bonds don’t strengthen overnight—they’re built one moment, one choice, and one intentional act at a time. By prioritizing love, respect, and faith, you’re not just creating a happier home—you’re building a legacy of connection and trust that will last for generations.

Which of these tips do you want to try in your family? We’d love to hear how you strengthen family bonds! Share your thoughts and stories by emailing us at [email protected]. Together, we can inspire each other to create closer, more connected families.

Parenting Challenges

5 Parenting Lessons We’ve Learned the Hard Way

by Denise Wright

Introduction

Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a journey of joy, love, and growth—but also one filled with unexpected hurdles. Over the years, we’ve faced plenty of family challenges that taught us parenting lessons we couldn’t have learned any other way. While we didn’t always handle things perfectly (and still don’t), each experience helped shape us into the parents we are today and continues to shape us into the parents we will be tomorrow. Every day, we strive to be better than we were yesterday.

Here are five parenting lessons we’ve learned the hard way, hoping they’ll encourage you on your parenting journey.

1. Always Put God First

This is a lesson we’ve learned (and relearned) time and time again. Early in our parenting journey, we made the mistake of thinking we could do it all on our own. But when the family challenges piled up—financial stress, health scares, and emotional struggles—we realized that everything falls apart when we put God second.

Now, we wake up reminding ourselves that if we keep God before us, nothing can stand against us. We lean on our faith during tough times and teach our children that God is the ultimate provider. Does that mean we’ve mastered this thing called life and nothing ever goes wrong? Absolutely not! But it does mean that when the day inevitably brings heartache, stress, and the great unknown—like your kids calling out for you for the 100th time in the last 10 minutes while you’re trying desperately to have your own thoughts (too specific?)—God is there. He’s already in tomorrow before we even take our first waking breath.

Parenting lessons don’t always come easy, but this one is foundational to our family’s growth.

Integrating faith into our daily routine has been transformative. Here are some resources that have helped us:

Children’s Bibles: Our Daily Bread is engaging and accessible for kids, making scripture reading and devotion time a shared family joy.

Family Devotional Books: The Kingdom Family Devotional by Tony Evans offers 52 weeks of insightful devotions tailored for families.

2. Quality Time Matters More Than Perfect Plans

We used to think that parenting success was measured by how many picture-perfect moments we could create. But some of our most meaningful family memories have come from the simplest things: a heartfelt conversation at bedtime, a spontaneous game night, or a walk around the neighborhood. These moments are the ones that will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

I once heard a story about a tombstone with only a name and a single line, no dates. When asked why, the family replied, “Because the moment you leave this earth, the only thing that matters is what you did while you were here. It’s the time in between.”

We learned this lesson by burning ourselves out trying to do it all. Now, we focus on presence over perfection, knowing that what our kids truly need is our time and attention. Not every gadget or toy they think they need, but us. Our job is to raise decent human beings who will one day grow into adults, Lord willing, just like you and me. Yikes—no pressure, right?

We’ve found that simple, shared activities often create the most cherished memories. Here are some of our favorites:

Outdoor Activities: Ladderball is an easy game that gets everyone outside and laughing together.

Board Games: Apples to Apples is a family favorite in our house. It always brings laughter to the table and it’s pretty easy for kids but still enjoyable for adults!

3. It’s Okay to Ask for Help

One of the hardest parenting lessons to learn is that you can’t do it all alone. There have been several challenging seasons—including the one we’re in now—where we’ve found ourselves needing to rely on family for support. In fact, we’ve lived with family more than we haven’t during the 12 years we’ve been married. While humbling, it teaches us the value of community and how asking for help doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re human.

My father always says, “That’s what family is for!” And he’s right. Yes, it’s humbling. Yes, it requires swallowing your pride. But whether it’s leaning on extended family, friends, or your faith community, never hesitate to seek support when life feels overwhelming.

Building a support network is crucial. These resources have been invaluable:

Parenting Books: Gary Chapman has a variety of books in the self-help genre called “The 5 Love Languages” that have helped us understand and meet our kids’ emotional needs. Whether you have young children or teenagers, he has books to cover each individually, not to mention one for men and women!

4. Mistakes Are Opportunities to Grow

We’ve made plenty of life and parenting mistakes, from flipping a coin to make big decisions to losing our patience and failing to set clear boundaries. But through every misstep, we’ve learned that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s being present and willing to grow.

Every challenge, argument, and tough decision is an opportunity to model resilience, forgiveness, and humility for our kids. After a particularly stressful incident a few months ago, we moved from Montana back to Oklahoma. We left most of our belongings 25 hours away in storage, bringing only the essentials as we moved in with my (Denise’s) parents. Mistakes brought us here. And while mistakes are part of life, they should never be forgotten; they help us learn and grow.

Just the other day, Ethan had a disagreement with his grandmother. He questioned her judgment rather than trusting her intent, which caused frustration all around. We want our kids to listen and obey, but sometimes we forget that they also face stresses and anxieties that they don’t yet know how to process. It’s our job to help them understand what they’re feeling and teach them how to navigate those situations in the future.

If we don’t, they could grow up like many of us adults today—riddled with anxieties we don’t know how to process. So, here’s a novel idea: listen to your kids and give them the same respect you hope to receive from them.

5. Consistency Is Key

Whether it’s bedtime routines, discipline, or family values, one of the most valuable parenting lessons we’ve learned is the importance of consistency. Kids thrive when they know what to expect, and that stability helps build trust and security.

But let’s be honest—staying consistent is hard. Life gets busy, and routines sometimes fall apart, especially when you’re not living in your own home. The key is to keep trying and remember that progress is better than perfection.

You’ve heard the adage, “Practice makes perfect.” In our house, we say, “Practice makes better.”

Conclusion

Parenting is one of life’s greatest adventures, filled with joys, struggles, and invaluable lessons. These five parenting lessons—putting God first, valuing quality time, asking for help, learning from mistakes, and staying consistent—have shaped and continue to shape our family in profound ways.

As you navigate your family challenges, we hope these insights encourage you to embrace the ups and downs of parenting with grace, humility, and faith.

What lessons have you learned the hard way? We’d love to hear your stories! Send us an email at [email protected].