tracey westphal
Tracey is currently home educating her four children, ages 7-11 in the great state of Michigan. She enjoys sharing the ups and downs of parenting and hopes to encourage others. In the past, her work has appeared in Today s Father, Grit, and Group Magazine.
Read More »
...
- Page Views
- 26,448
- Content
- 180
- Fans
- 39
- Contributor since
- 2/17/2011
Motto
Encourage, uplift, and edify others.Affiliations
tracey's tidbits
1
Displaying Results 1 - 180 (of 180) for All Content
-
Talking to Your Teenager: Keep the Conversation GoingConversations between parents and preteens and teens can be awkward and daunting. One mom shares 10 tips on keeping the conversation going.
-
Hope is Born: 8 Reasons to Tell StoriesStories can teach history, science, math, and a variety of subjects, including relationships. A story creates empathy. Children see life through the eyes of others. Listen in as one story teller mom shares why she tells stories. -
Foreign Policy--No ApologyWill Obama's continued "compromise with other nations" contribute to America's demise as a world power or provide us with stronger allies? -
Education--Is My Child Being Taught to Simply Be Productive or Actually Educated?There is a difference. Many educational models seek a productive child, but is this really the best approach? One mom explores five key concepts to creating leadership in her children. -
Take Care of Your Shoes! How to Create Responsible ChildrenTelling your kids what to do is not enough. Parents must not only show them what to do, but involve them in the process. In this way, "Making them own it" is paramount. One mom teaches her son how to take care of his shoes. -
Nine Tips for Relationships with ChildrenParents can find encouragement and information on building better relationships with their children.
-
Banner Traits: How Do I Instill Kindness in My Kids?One mom discovers that kindness must come from the heart and not from a hanging school banner. This piece lists several great parenting strategies. -
Choose Books for Boys that Reflect Good CharacterWhile Jack in the Beanstalk portrays a young boy as a disobedient trespasser, Fire Cat by Esther Averill reflects values that include hard work and kindness to others. One mom reviews three great books for boys.
-
New study says more television equals less healthy kidsRecent study says children's health suffers in relation to the amount of television they watch from ages 2 to 4. -
Weight loss is possible for parentsParents need to maintain a healthy weight. By combining diet and exercise with accountability and goal-setting, a lifestyle change and a healthy weight can happen. -
Three Ways Stories Affect ChildrenStories teach children character issues and moral lessons for life -
How to Comfort Your Children After Their First Fender BenderThis is a how-to on comforting your children and remembering what to do after a minor car accident. -
10 Life Lessons for ChildrenOne parent shares the life lessons children need to master as they head for adulthood. -
Four Benefits of Regular Exercise in Parenting"Mommy movement" is good for mommies and for their children. One parent explores five great benefits of regular exercise. -
5 tips for parents of the visually impairedHear from a mom of visually impaired twins. Her "been-there, done-that, still-smiling" attitude shines through these helpful tips. -
5 ways my Facebook friends help my parentingPeople say, "There is no face in Facebook". Yet, Facebook is a source of camaraderie and encouragement for one mom as she parents her children.
-
Five Ways Songs Are Good for ChildrenSongs not only entertain children, they help them learn. -
Five Ways to Deal with Bee StingsFirst aid and comfort are the basics in treating bee stings in children. -
Parenting by the whole pictureLike artists, we must step back and observe the work we are pouring into our children. Perspective is a good teacher.
-
The 3 jerk rule applied to parenting"A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can't go anywhere until you change it." How one mom defeats her own "mommy monster moments".
-
The Six D's of Doing RelationshipsAvoid the drama and discord. Define the problem and develop a strategy for good relationships instead.
-
6 "be's" of parentingSix ways to become better at parenting
-
No such thing as perfect parentsForgive and be forgiven. Grace in the parent/child relationship goes both ways and brings peace and freedom.
-
Teach Your Children How to Make Good ChoicesThis author explores three practical ways to help children learn this valuable life skill.
-
Teach Your Children How to Find a SolutionThe fine art of compromise can and should be taught to young children.
-
Principles of Parenting: Boundaries and RelationshipsRules without relationship create rebellion. Love without life-lessons creates laziness.
-
Movie list: A great gift for a 10-year-old childHow to pick out movies for your older elementary kids
-
Why do I need family traditions?Creating family traditions keeps your family grounded to the values that are important to you.
-
Make your child's birthday specialOne parent's solution to "specializing" a birthday.
-
Five Building Blocks for Discipline Issues"Parents must get across the idea that,'I love you always, but sometimes I do not love your behavior.'"--Amy Vanderbilt
-
Teaching kids kindnessHere's a list of practical ways to teach kids kindness.
-
Clearing the ClutterOne mom shares some practical ways to clear clutter from your home.
-
Teach your kids lessons while watching Amazing RaceHow parents use the Amazing Race to teach values to their school age children.
-
Pet Ownership for FamiliesThe kids really want a cat, and with a few guidelines, one family becomes first-time pet owners.
-
Guide to teamwork in familiesOne parent explains how to foster this valuable trait in your family.
-
Patience while parentingOne mom shares what "having patience" can teach your children
-
Surfing Safely: Internet Rules for FamiliesOne family shares their rules for internet usage
-
Take stock of your closetOrganize what you have before you purchase new
-
Inspire and believe in your children and they will aspire to greatnessCertain characters traits, including perseverance and courage help children achieve their dreams.
-
Guide to organizing kids' clothesEven with limited storage space, one mom makes the most of it. She stays organized with clothes for four children as they grow into and out of different sizes.
-
Fun Catch Phrases to Use with Your Children"Toodle-loo, Kangaroo!" is just another fun way of saying goodbye. Catch phrases can be used everyday and helps keep everyone smiling.
-
How to Make and Decorate a Cradle from an Oatmeal ContainerA fun and easy project for grandmas and granddaughters. Plus it can make a wonderful gift.
-
Make Your Own Fun: 7 Kids' Toys Available in Your HomeUsing a little imagination and a few household objects, children can make their own fun without new toys or movies.
-
Six Annoying Phrases Your Kids SayAuthor shares six of today's overused annoying phrases and how to handle them
-
Yes, I feed a family of 6 for $150 a week10 tips to stay in your grocery budget and eat healthy.
-
The Easter Bunny is not comingFor one family, the choice to skip the bunny is really about telling the truth.
-
Followpoem based on an image of the baptism of Christ
-
Tips for Organizing Medicines5 ways to organize household medicines
-
10 Fun Picture Books for Seven Year OldsTwin boys and their mom list their favorite books of all time.
-
Potty Training Your ToddlerThis piece offers several practical suggestions for potty training. It also reviews the book "Toilet Training in Less Than a Day" and provides encouragement from a mom who used this method with all four of her children, including twin boys.
-
Making Memories With Out of Town GrandparentsOne parent of four children shares valuable suggestions on how to cultivate great grandparent moments during those "vacations to Grandma's"
-
How to let your child fail -- and learn from itThrough reasonable safe risks, children leave their comfort zone and grow from their mistakes. If parents never let them make mistakes, they cannot learn from hem.
-
Create a time capsule with your childCreate a box of current events in your child's life to be opened in 10 years.
-
Nature walks with childrenOne parent shares how to turn an ordinary walk into a learning experience
-
Grandma lives so far awayLooking to connect your kids to those out-of-town grandparents. Here are five suggestions to help in long distance relationship connection.
-
Keeping Track of Kids' SchedulesOne mom shares ways to make sure the right kid is at the right place at the right time.
-
Where Are the Rules?Establishing and posting rules and consequences helps both children and parents. Find out how.
-
Building Bookshelves: The Benefits of Reading for ChildrenWhat does reading do for children? One educator shares several reasons to encourage children to love books.
-
How do I really love my family?What about me? It isn't fair. What does it mean to love my family anyway?
-
Dad, can I give this away? Generosity in a 'me' worldIs it possible to have children who are generous in today's age of marketing to youngsters about what they want and deserve? Absolutely. One parent shares five tips for fostering this attitude of generosity in your children.
-
Just Ask for Directions Already--one Mom Interprets ProverbsTeenage boys require wisdom, even when they think they know it all. Proverbs 1 is a good model for addressing the young man you call "son."
-
How to make the most of St. Patrick's day for your familyMarch 17 is St. Patrick's Day and a perfect time to celebrate while waiting for spring. St. Patrick, who by the way, is not Irish, is a fascinating historical figure. Sharing history and some fun activities is a great way to have fun.
-
Connecting kids to grandparentsFind some practical ways to encourage those "I love you, Grandma!" moments for your children.Also published on:
-
10 Questions to Consider When Planning a Family VacationMaking sure you and your spouse are on the same page is important when planning the "when, where, and how much" details of your vacation plans. Read one vacationing parent's perspective of ten things to consider.
-
The Criticizer--How to Handle Someone Who Challenges Your ParentingMom of four children, ages 6-10, lists five ways to diffuse the criticizer in your life. "You shouldn't be striving for the Mom-of-the-year pin from this person."
-
Sweet Sleeping TwinsOne mom shares how her sons have always loved physical contact with each other.
-
Tell Me Again--Why is Self-Esteem so Important?Wife: "I want her to have good self-esteem. . ." Husband: "Yeah, but I don't want her to be a conceited little princess, either." One mom shares tips on teaching self-control to children.
-
How to be a proactive, instead of reactive, parentBusy mom of four shares four helps to prevent exhaustion, and promote healthy parental recharging.
-
Teaching Your Children About the Chinese New YearLearning about other cultures is important for children, especially as technology and business make our world more “global” than “local.”
-
Teach Your Child How to Say "Thank You" to the Adults in Their LivesCommunication with "grown ups" is important for every child. Teaching your child to say "thanks" is one more step in the right direction.
-
Parenting: Molding the Minds of the Young"I'm sorry. Your mom is not available at this time. Please leave a message and I will get back to you later. Beep." Tried and true parenting tips to help parents in this exciting and often frustrating job of helping our children reach adulthood.
-
Top Five and Worst Five Things About HomeschoolingOne homeschool veteran of nine years shares from her experience.
-
BeneathHaiku is a celebration of juxtaposition.
-
Summer Fun in Your Own BackyardGreat ideas on what to do with water in your own yard.
-
Ten Tips for Active Summer KidsSchool's out and the children are starting to bounce off the walls. Here is one mother of four's top ten for an active summer. Enjoy your children.
-
How Not to Dread "Crafts" with the ChildrenThis list of simple solutions will help parents of school age children transition their craft times from harried to happy.
-
"Hey, It's Free Lunch!""There's no such thing as a free lunch." How do I teach my children this harsh reality while still emphasizing the importance of generosity?
-
She Shall Be Called WomanWives need three things from their husbands: equality, protection and love
-
The Saga of the NinjasLocal bookstore deemed off limits to children by one parent. She asserts Ninjas will descend upon trespassing youngsters.
-
Considering Home School?You don't have to be an expert to be a home schooler.
-
Afghan Troops--When Are They Coming Home?This is the new hot topic for presidential candidates. Is the United States a Superman or a policeman?
-
Five Things Never to Say to a Stay-at-home MomMost stay-at-home moms fight these stereotypes on a regular basis. Be part of a stay-at-home mom's support system and not her critic.
-
Grand Rapids LipdubWhile this year's list of dying cities by "Newsweek" includes Grand Rapids, Michigan, this city will not accept such a label.
-
A Foundation for Life -- How to Make Wise ChoicesWise choices require a foundation of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." (George Santayana)
-
The Art of CorrespondenceOne writer rediscovers how much she loves actual paper letters. This realization is brought about by a facebook message.
-
Grand Rapids Area Guide to the FireworksThese are fireworks that will occur on Monday, July 4th, 2011 in the West Michigan area.
-
Fresh WaterHaiku--Love poem
-
Fourth of July Events in Grandville, MichiganFind out first hand the fun things to do in Grandville from one family who has made this city their annual tradition for the fourth of July.
-
My Husband was Not Designed to Meet My Needs?The earlier a young wife learns her husband is not God, the earlier she can have peace and rejoice in her marriage.
-
Gender Free! The New Way to ParentOne family's decision to keep their little boy/girl's gender secret affects the world's definition of "child rights".
-
Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Air Zoo --A ReviewOne family of six enjoys their day at this unique aviation museum.
-
Little Tikes Basketball Hoop -- a Twisted ReviewThe classic Little Tikes Basketball Hoop has 101 uses for twin boys. These uses have nothing to do with basketball.
-
How to Let Your Small Child "Help"Young children often simply need to feel like a part of the action. Inventing small tasks can help your children feel included.
-
I, AsimovIsaac Asimov is known as one of the fathers of science fiction, and his influence is still with us today. While his favorite short story is "The Last Question", he is probably best known for "I, Robot" which became a block buster hit movie in 2004.
-
The American HorseA poem based on a photo of a beautiful 24 foot sculpture originally designed by DaVinci, on display at Frederick Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
-
"Tech Etiquette" --Do I Take This Call or NotWhat is rude and what are your rights regarding the public use of cell phones.
-
Two Great Michigan Schools for Career AdultsCornerstone University and Davenport University have programs tailored specifically for the returning adult student that are not only flexible, but affordable and able to be accomplished in a timely fashion.
-
So When Does School End for You? Fighting the Sarcastic Beast WithinOne homeschool mom shares how she should and shouldn't answer this question. Discover tips to tame your own sarcastic responses.
-
Basho, Haiku WarriorLearn about the ancient Japanese form of poetry-haiku- and it's namesake samurai, Basho.
-
Create Your Own Writing Assignments Using Yahoo! Contributor NetworkDiscover some creative answers for that "what do I write about?" question that go beyond the assignment desk.
-
Letterboxing, a Fabulous Way to Spend Time as a FamilyFiguring out the clues in this elaborate scavenger hunt will encourage problem solving and add entertainment to a simple walk in the park.
-
Yes, I Am a WriterThis word "writer" has too many stereotypes attached.
-
Memorial Day Parades and Ceremonies in the Grand Rapids, Michigan AreaIncludes parade information for Grand Rapids, and areas west of the city, including Grandville, Jenison, Holland and Grand Haven.
-
The ComingThis poem exposes the heart of the Samaritan women who met Christ at the well and discovered Living Water.
-
Containers--Using Bins to Keep Kids OrganizedEach of our four children has their own container. It's an open "bin" where their special treasures go or the toys they don't want their little brother to destroy.
-
A Few Things to Consider About the Library"It's library day!" My five year old announced as my great grandmother's eyes met mine, "The library?" she intoned sarcastically, surely thinking of a stuffy quiet place. "We love to go to the library," I explained, "I would be lost without it."
-
Wired to MultitaskSimultaneous book reading is an amazing phenomenon. Our lives are multi-tasking machines, yet be careful of the word.
-
"Heaven is for Real" -- Book Review"Heaven Is For Real" is the name of a wonderful easy read that is entertaining, faith-confirming, and true.
-
Rhema Moments in the Word of GodDiscover how God's Word strengthens one woman's life journey as she experiences infertility, uncertainty, inadequacy and anger.
-
Graduation-A Culmination of SacrificesAfter two years of major sacrifice of time and resources, the day had finally arrived--graduation day, 2011. My husband would soon be the proud owner of a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
Name GamesAuthor includes links to find your star wars name, and your soap opera namestar
-
Words Have Meaning and Names Have PowerNames are important; they have meaning. They identify us and set us apart. They can also be very entertaining.
-
Pornography, Now Available at Your Local LibraryProtecting children just added one more difficult step. Porn is now available at the library.
-
Tornadoes Devastate the South, April 27, 2011Did you turn to the news the morning of the disaster or sit transfixed by youtube's videos? Life changing and record breaking events impact our nation dramatically in one day.
-
Review of Love Wins, by Rob BellRob Bell's book, Love Wins, has sparked nationwide controversy, especially within the evangelical Christian circles. This may have been intentional on Rob's part.
-
Questions Children Ask at EasterWhen Jesus rose from the dead, did that make Him a zombie? One parent smiles and answers kids' questions about Easter.
-
Child's Play or Sacrilege?Should my kids and their friends be playing "crucifixion" in the backyard?
-
The Adventures of Cowboy MarkThe brave and bold cowboy Mark fearlessly confronts a band of cattle rustlers.
-
Eyeball Washing -- a Look at RPJoin one disease-carrying woman as she wrestles dragons, and hopefully discovers joy in the journey with Retinitis Pigmentosa.
-
Writers Beware--What Happens when Your Words Come Back to Hurt You or OthersOne author discusses liability issues in the case of Hawaiian travel writer, Mr. Andrew Doughtery
-
Lazy Kids Make Lazy ParentsIs it that kids turn into lazy parents or do lazy parents make their kids lazy? Maybe it's both.
-
Homeschooling-- Early Math All in a Deck of Cards, Part IIA deck of cards holds many options for children in first through third grades and can be a nice break from the tedium of worksheet work, or computer curriculum.
-
Homeschooling-- Early Math All in a Deck of Cards, Part IHere are some great ways to teach basic math concepts to young children (toddler through kindergartener) using only a deck of cards.
-
Memorial DayPoem celebrating summer's start while remembering soldier's sacrifice
-
How Does Your Family Do "Family Day"?Your family day must match your family. Finding a balance is crucial for everyone.
-
Negative NationToday's emo kids are not exactly the "my future's so bright I gotta wear shades" teenagers of the eighties.
-
Thinking About Moving?When you first consider moving, have a direction to go. Here are some first crucial steps for when you plan to begin the planning.
-
Create an Easter Egg Hunt to RememberSeven tips and ideas for a memorable Easter egg hunt for children.
-
How to Buy Children's GiftsIf you tell a soon-to-be ten-year-old to make a birthday list, he will think he is getting a flame thrower and some dynamite. Here are one mom's tips for getting practical gift ideas from her children.
-
Homeschooling Twins--Why Aren't They Learning the Same?One mom sees the pitfalls of comparing her twins and shares tips for individualizing their learning.
-
Summer CallThis sonnet blends grief with hope in the images of snow and spring.
-
Are Parents Protecting Their Children from Sex or Preparing Them for It?In Finding Nemo the dad says, "I promised I would never let anything happen to him!" Dori's response, "That's a funny thing to promise..." Protect AND prepare your teens about sex.
-
Supplement History in Your Home School, the Magic Tree House BooksOne home school educator discovers this series for her children, and the rest is history. Discover how to use a book series to supplement your history lessons.
-
ChoicesA poem about the death of Jesus, son of God
-
O Never Star -- a Poem of HopeBrowning's famous hope poem is a living poem that reflects scripture. Author also includes Dickinson's Hope is a Thing with Feathers poem.
-
Happy Mother's Day--Thank You and GoodbyeOne busy mom shares her mother's day tradition of going out to breakfast ALONE.
-
First Time to New York City, a One Day TripYes, you can visit New York City in just one day. One traveler shares her tips and insights on visiting the Big Apple for the first time.
-
Do You Trust Me?What follows is the usual raucous banter of four kids asking, "Where are we going? What are we doing? Where are my shoes? Hey, that's my shoe, not yours."
-
Joy that Never Departsa short rhyming poem about Easter's message for children
-
Robert Frost, the Outside PoetOne Frost fan shares facts about Frost's life and poetry and why he is an outside poet.
-
Heraldshort poem to rejoice that spring is here
-
On Mother's DayThought provoking faith poem that tackles the sorrow of infertility and miscarriage while facing Mother's Day.
-
Maternity Tourism, Symptom of a Larger DiseaseThe problem is greater than women traveling here just to have their babies receive citizenship. Solve the problem, not the symptom.
-
Looking Through Albums with ChildrenLooking through photos is a great way to share not only stories, but also teachable moments with your child.
-
Pictures Are to ShareEnjoy your pictures by putting them in albums. Keep it simple. Keep it fun.
-
Celebrate Easter Using the BibleThrough Bible verses and personal stories, one believer shares what Easter means personally and what it can mean for all of us.
-
Dealing with a Sick ChildOne mom shares five tips for your family when dealing with a sick child. Includes keeping records, adjusting your schedule and knowing when to call the doctor.
-
Five Top Qualities of an Effective ManagerA retired manager with twenty years experience and a soon-to-be business management graduate answer the question, "What makes a good manager?"
-
Always Ask the Right Questions Before RentingIt's important to ask the right questions before you sign the lease agreement in any renting situation.
-
The Best Way to Plan MealsOh no, it's five'o'clock, and what are we having for dinner? Here are some great tips on last minute meals and practical advice on how to effectively plan ahead.
-
Home School AdvantageThis article lists several advantages to home education without the "My way or the Highway" attitude.
-
Shattering the Stereotypes of Home School SpellingI want my students to not only work hard, but also to enjoy spelling. These programs have activities that make mom say, "That's enough spelling."
-
The Benefits of People WatchingFind four advantages of engaging in this timeless art.
-
Three Habits of Happy MomsOne mom shares three ways to cultivate happiness. "Happy mama makes a happy house."
-
The Ryan Exper (iment) IenceStarbucks has always sold the frosting and not just the cake. It's about the experience, or is it? One man experiments with the principles that founded the coffee shop giant.
-
Hiking Trails in Ottawa CountyDiscover some great hiking trails in Ottawa County, Michigan. From a long strenuous trek over the dunes to a flat paved path around a man-made lake, this article will help you plan your next adult or family hike.
-
Japan's Nuclear Crisis: Should I Purchase Potassium Iodine?What is a meltdown and how does radiation travel worldwide? What can I do for my family?
-
Family Things to Do when Your Husband is Gone in the EveningsLife doesn't have to stop when Dad isn't home. If Dad has class two nights a week, there are many ways to make those nights special for your family.
-
Five Ways to Support Your Husband Going Back to CollegeYou may need to remind yourself it's not just his decision to gain his degree; it's yours too.
-
Book Review Amy LeFevre Me and NobblesThe small green book with the interesting title, Me and Nobbles, instantly captured my interest. Little did I know what a gem it would be or how much my little family would enjoy this heart-warming story of a boy named Bobby.
-
The Adjustment BureauCould it be a chic flick disguised as a sci-fi thriller or is it religious commentary?
-
Unique Birthday Cards for Children (and Adults)Here are three tips for getting a smile from the birthday boy or girl.
-
AprilA spring poem of blessing.
-
Make the Most of Your Family Zoo TripThe zoo is fun for stroller-aged or even five year olds, but my seven and nine year olds aren't excited. A homeschool mom shares tips to make an exciting and educational zoo trip. Includes a sample scavenger hunt.
-
Are Your Children Ready to Visit a War Memorial?War memorials can be an educational and emotional part of your vacation. Here are five tips to prepare your elementary children for the experience.
-
Homeschoolers--How to Create StorytellersGet your young authors excited about creating stories by using patterning. Patterning is using a well-written piece of children's literature as a template for your child's story. Remember that writing is a separate subject from penmanship.
-
Homeschooling Without a Dedicated ClassroomDiscover how one mother of four makes the most of her space.
-
Re-gifting Invitations: How to Personalize Your CardHow many invitations do you throw away each year? You can surprise your family and friends by using an invitation to create a unique card that matches their personality.
-
Homeschool Mom Teaches Active Boys to ReadSix year old twin boys learn better by keeping things active. This home educator uses the phonetic approach in several creative ways to turn these pre-readers into readers.
-
Great Thrift Stores in the Jenison, Michigan AreaDiscover three great stores within one square mile in Jenison, Michigan. Find out what each has to offer and what makes each one unique.
-
Winter Candle Globes: A Fun Way for Kids to Make Ice LanternsTeach kids about the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas, while making a fun decorative project for wintertime. Use these ice lanterns out in the snow to light up a dark winter evening.
-
The Best Donut Shop in Wyoming, MichiganFind out why Marge's Donut Den is the best.
-
Toddler's Top Five BooksA homeschool mom's take on great books for toddlers. These books encourage imagination and create life long learners.
-
Easy, Healthy Desserts Made from ScratchHomemade desserts in the right portion sizes and at the right times will be a healthy and affordable treat for your family. Includes two recipes, mountain pie and homemade applesauce.
-
Introvert or Extrovert: Which One Are You?Find out if you are an introvert or extrovert. Knowing who people are and what they need gives you an advantage.
-
Student Loan Debt-- is it Really Worth It?After ten years of payments, post grad weighs her investment. Were the words "paid in full" truly worth the cost?
-
The Easter HuntAn interesting version on an old classic. This egg hunt is not for children, but a grown-up. Can Uncle Ryan find his egg this year?
-
Visiting the Grand Canyon for the First Time?Looking for some tips from someone who's been there? Here are six tips for planning a great trip to the Grand Canyon. It's over 215 miles to travel from the North Rim to the South Rim, with many options to enjoy this historical and immense landscape.