Brenda blogs weekly on life, faith, and parenting beyond the storybook image here at Life Beyond the Picket Fence Blog. She also writes for 10 to 20 Parenting and Whatever Girls. Join her and the not-so-perfect community by subscribing at Life Beyond the Picket Fence.
6 Questions for Raising Girls in a Digital World
I smiled, listening to my friend talk about her tween daughter and her daughter’s friend. The girls were entertaining themselves by taking selfies and filming videos on their phone. Inside, my heart sank at the new playtimes of selfies, videos, Instagram, and Youtube...
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4 Tips to Reimagine If-Only’s
I looked around the room thinking how much solace I'd find if only I lived there. I was in the parlor of a colonial home in the mountains of Northern Virginia. I've been to Virginia often in the recent years visiting my daughter who went to college there. The...
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The Naked Mom: Practical Tips for Vulnerable Spaces
Vulnerable is a word I'm familiar with as a midlife mom. The last few years, everything I was sure about feels like it's slipping away, like tequila that makes that girl's clothes fall off. Only it's not my clothes slipping off, it's the security, and comfort I've...
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The Gift of God’s Unchanging Character
How can you celebrate Christmas when it’s the worst year ever? Find out how the gift of God’s unchanging character brings a new perspective to the holidays.
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4 Gifts Your Kids Won’t Tell You They Want
Christmas is stressful finding just the right present for your teen or tween. While I love that my older kids send me links to online gifts I can purchase from my living room with coffee in hand, added stress creeps in…… Is there something everyone else is getting...
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Caught Between Tired and Tears
Parenting in midlife is the best of times and the worst of times. You live between opposite extremes, often caught between tired and tears. Here’s what it’s like in the fledging season of life.
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Coming Home When Holidays are Stressful
The concept of home evokes feelings and expectations. Reframing your image of home makes the difference between holiday anxiety and a healthier perspective.
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The Power of Showing Up
When insecurities plague you, avoidance is tempting. But three principles equip you to show up and face your doubts, faking it with the best of them.
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Why Your Kids Need Boundaries
Kids need boundaries around them to navigate a world that’s increasingly hostile, unsafe, and confusing for kids. It’s our job as parents to put the fence posts in place.
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5 Ways to Protect and Defend Your Marriage and Family
Christian marriages and families are bombarded by spiritual attack, but the enemy isn’t political. Learn 5 practical ways for to defend and protect your family.
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5 Things to Know About Your Needs
Women meet the needs of others, yet we seldom feel okay stating our needs. Here are 5 truths about why knowing your needs are important.
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Back to School Toolkit
Parents need a parenting toolkit to help their kids navigate the school year. Here are critical resources and practical ways to help your kids.
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