THE AWKWARD MOM

because uncomfortable conversations are the ones worth having

Tag: FamilyLife

Talking to Kids about Sex–without Purity Culture

Reading Time: 3 minutes

talking to kids about sex

My high school and college years hit smack in the middle of purity culture, with all its strengths…and weaknesses.

It’s easier now to see what fell short during those years. But man, was I deep in it. (How many times have I thought about trying to message all the women from that Lady in Waiting study I led?) read more

When Your Child is Deconstructing Faith

Reading Time: 6 minutes

child deconstructing faith

My daughter was highlighting my hair (yes, from a box. Yes, to cover the gray that’s laying siege to my scalp) when she told me about a friend who’s not sure if she identifies herself as a Christian anymore.

As when I hear about anyone who’s deconstructing faith, my chest tightened at the sternum. It’s painful for the person, and it’s painful for those who love them. read more

Daily Prayers for Holy Week and Easter for Your Family

Reading Time: < 1 minute

prayers for holy week and easter for families

This morning my teenagers are peeling themselves out of bed for that oh-so-exciting first school day after Spring Break.  And for all us types with less liturgy in our lives,  it might actually be easy to let Holy Week slide into that sludgy pile of Great Things I Really Meant to Focus On.

So I’m tossing both of us a low ball here. read more

How & Why to Do Lent for Kids–& Make It Fun! (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Lent for Kids

Confession: In the past, I have personally known Lent is almost here when fast-food signs start advertising fish sandwiches. So maybe your kids ask, “Hey, what’s Lent?” around Ash Wednesday (PSA: today is the start of Lent!). But if it isn’t something your family typically observes, you might be scrambling for answers that don’t include “Filet-O-Fish.”

So allow me a brief rundown of lent for kids, in language they (/we) can understand—and some tips to help it sink in. read more

Is Your Friend Considering Divorce? Ways to Help

Reading Time: 2 minutes

divorce

Heartrending news landed in the New York Post this week: Divorce rates spiked 34% between March and June this year.

According to the article, 31% admitted quarantine caused “irreparable damage” to their relationships. read more

Personal Life Update: Boring? Fascinating?

Reading Time: 5 minutes
family personal update

My family, end of 2019.

So usually I’m squirreling away posts with ideas in case you’re stomping through some of the same territory I am: Kids failing a band audition (and helping them deal with failure). Teens whose choices scare the crap out of you. Wondering if you’re burning out.

But every now and then, maybe some of you want an update on my life this side of the screen. (Maybe you don’t.) read more

“How can I get my husband to talk to me?” Tips for engaging the strong, silent type

Reading Time: 2 minutes

husband talk So my husband is a classic introvert, which may (rightly) make you wonder what it’s like being married to a person like yours truly.

He’s also a friendly introvert. His entire occupation is dedicated to taking care of people, and sometimes his entire day is full of meetings. With, y’know, people who talk.

That is to say, sometimes he arrives home with The Look on his face. read more

Interview-your-Child Fridays: The Christmas Interview

Reading Time: 2 minutes

For ideas on how to make the most of these questions, see the first interview.

interview your child fridays

  1. In the Christmas story from the Bible, what character would it be the coolest to be?
  2. What’s one of your favorite activities to do around Christmas time?
  3. What’s one of your best Christmas memories? What did you love about that time?
  4. What is your all-time favorite Christmastime snack?
  5. What do you think the world would be like if God never sent Jesus?
  6. What do you think God would want for Christmas this year? Parents, this is a cool time to talk with kids about God wanting our hearts. My kids also repeatedly ask to use What God Wants for Christmas, a book with surprise gift boxes to open that tell the nativity story. You could use Micah 6:8 to guide you: He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you: To do justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Rather than just pushing “good behavior”, this is a chance to show that Jesus is the One who creates this in us!
  7. If you could have one Christmas wish, what would it be?
  8. What one gift would be the most meaningful to you this year?
  9. What’s one of the top gifts you’ve ever received for Christmas?
  10. What gifts has God given you this year?

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Guest post: Crown Him with many crowns

Reading Time: 2 minutes

My son—my oldest—turned twelve a few weeks back. Helping him with his piano lesson, I played a few notes of the “New World Symphony” for him. He didn’t remember a bit of it—though we played it night after night after night for him as an infant, willing that cranky boy to go to sleep in one different house after another during a crazy season of life. We visited 13 states in his first 13 months of life. I’m pretty confident he was grumpy in all 13.

But mothering him well looked so different than what it does now. Now we’re having conversations about puberty, about ethics; he just finished reading The Hobbit, and borrows my phone to play TobyMac while he washes dishes. Each stage—crabby or not—has enveloped me in a rich joy that could only be flattened if I attempted to describe it to you.

Baden age 12 5 Baden age 12 1 Baden age 12 2 Baden age 12 3 Baden age 12 4 read more

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