Resolve Conflicts With L.O.V.E

CM Magazine Jan-Feb16

In the January/February 2016 issue of Children’s Ministry Magazine, I wrote about training children to resolving conflict in a God-honoring way.  I thought I’d share a behind-the-scenes insight into why I wrote about this important task.

This month, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who led the Civil Rights movement from the mid-1950’s until he was assassinated in 1968.  Through all of this efforts toward peace, Dr. King’s platform was based on nonviolence.

Children today are exposed to more violent images than ever before.  Sadly, these images are everywhere our children are: television, movies, phone and tablet screens, and video games.  What breaks my heart even more is that many children experience violence first-hand in their own homes and communities day after day.

I believe that helping children resolve conflict in a healthy way will help them work through down the road.  Whenever my own children have had sibling squabbles or see my husband and I disagree about something, I remind them that healthy conflict resolution will serve them well in relationships with family members, friends, bosses, and their future spouse and children.

Our churches (and homes) are fertile training soil for us to build on.  In the current issue, I share 4 ways that we can do that.  If you are a subscriber, you’ll find my column on page 30.  (There is even a very cute printable bookmark that you can download online.)  If you’re not a subscriber, consider becoming one.  You can find out you can save 70% off here.

Let’s help our children resolve conflicts with love!

My 6 Favorite Pinterest-Inspired Valentine’s Crafts for Kids

Valentine’s Day crafts are some of the cutest crafts that children will ever make!  Here are 6 of my favorite Pinterest-inspired Valentine’s Day crafts for kids of all ages:

For Babies & Toddlers

From The Educators’ Spin On It

Have fun with your babies & toddlers this Valentine’s Day!  This site has some great, hands-on ideas using items that you likely already have on hand.  My favorites are:

  • Heart Cookie Cutters
  • Felt Hearts
  • Heart Scribbles Art
  • Heart Prints

Valentine Crafts - Baby & Toddler

From Second Grade Sparkle

I absolutely adore this heart mosaic craft.  I hope to have our younger elementary children do this activity.  You can adapt it for preschoolers by tracing a heart shape from contact paper and have preschoolers add pieces of tissue paper to make a stain-glass mosaic.

Valentine Crafts - Heart Mosaic

 

From Bible Wise

Preschoolers will love this simple heart mobile.  And it’s easy prep for you – you’ll need scissors, crayons, hole punch and yarn.

Valentine Crafts - Hanging Mobile

 

From Preschool Crafts for Kids

Another craft your preschoolers and 1st graders will love.  And the supply list is quite short.

Valentine Crafts - Heart Necklace
Heart Necklace

 

From Kinderart.com

Another heart mosaic craft but this is geared more toward elementary children and preteens because it provides a challenge for them.  I think even boys might like the challenge.

Heart Mosaic
Heart Mosaic

 

From Smart Savvy Living

Who doesn’t love the classic coupon book?  What a great way for kids to show their loved ones how much they care.

Valentine Crafts - Coupon Book

You can also find inexpensive, prepackaged craft options from Oriental Trading and Guildcraft.

For more fun ideas, be sure to check out my Valentine’s Pinterest Board!

What Valentine’s Day Crafts do you have planned for this year?

6 Deliciously Easy Valentine’s Day Snack Ideas for Kids

As a girl, I enjoyed Valentine’s Day in our house.  My mom always made it special with decorations, candy, cards and a red & white dinner (i.e. spaghetti, lasagna, etc.).  I have tried to make new traditions with my family for Valentine’s Day and one thing we all enjoy are sweet treats.

If you’re looking for sweet treats for your own children or children at your church, check out six (6) of my favorites, courtesy of Pinterest.

From Pillsbury.com

Kids can stick wooden sticks into fresh-from-the-oven sugar cookies and then decorate the cookies with icing and all kinds of fun sprinkles and candies.  Great for preschoolers & school-age children.

Valentine Cookie Pops
Valentine Cookie Pops

 

From Hatter and Hare Events

This snack features fruit, but you can use that heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut many foods – apples, pineapple, mango, kiwi, bananas, strawberries, cheese, bread, brownies, cookies. Great for toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Heart-Shaped Fruit
Heart-Shaped Fruit

 

From Pampered Chef

Great for preschoolers and school-age children

Heart-shaped Rice Krispy Pops
Heart-shaped Rice Krispy Pops

 

From Baby Steps 365

Great for toddlers & preschoolers

Toddler Snack Mix
Toddler Snack Mix

 

Some other personal favorites of mine are:

  • Jello Jigglers (strawberry, cherry, or raspberry-flavored)
  • Cupcakes (can have kids decorate with icing and toppings such as candies, sprinkles)

For more fun ideas, be sure to check out my Valentine’s Pinterest Board!

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day sweet treats?

Christmas Activities for Children

Earlier this week, I posted a guest post that shared ways to celebrate Christmas with children.  I thought I’d share a few more ideas I’ve come across online that you could incorporate this Christmas.  These ideas can be used at home or in a classroom.

Christmas kids

For Kids of All Ages

I’ve shared lots of ideas to get you started on my Advent/Christmas page on PinterestThere are printables, craft ideas, yummy snack options, and games that kids will love!

Brandon Baker listed many books to help children focus on the real meaning of Christmas on his blog.  If you’re using the books at home, you can take time to wind down a busy day with one of the many story books mentioned.  If you’re using the books in a classroom setting, you can choose to read a portion of a book each week until you finish.  You could also use one of the books to supplement a lesson.

For Kids Ages 2 – Young Elementary

I came across an Advent devotional using the “Jesus Storybook Bible.  Preschool families in our church receive this Bible as a gift from our ministry and they LOVE it.  What a great way to tie in all of the Bible stories that have been read throughout the year!

For Kids Ages 2 – 12

Jenny Funderburke has a great Family Advent Calendar on her blog.  Each day has a different Bible reading (or audio recording); a brief devotional to read and/or watch on video; a prayer activity; and a practical, hands-on activity to do that relates to that day’s topic.  A great resource!

These ideas are just a small plethora of Christ-centered ideas for children this Christmas.  And don’t worry about it being too late to begin using an Advent devotional.  It’s never too late to help your children understand the true meaning of Christmas.

I’d love to hear what ideas you’ve found helpful!  Please share them below!