"Trust in the Lord with your whole heart and lean not on your own understanding..." - Proverbs 3:5
 Over the last several years there has been a movement of people promoting minimalism as a way to cut down on clutter, save money, reduce anxiety, and more. There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence of the positive effects of minimalism on individuals and families. Some are even tempted to turn this technique toward the technology in their lives regain some free time and set a better example for their children.
 It’s easier than ever to look around and be bombarded with the perfect families in your community that seem to swing through life with ease. The pressure to raise intelligent, well-adjusted, successful children can weigh greatly on families and steal their joy.
 It’s a stressful world out there, and these days more than ever there is so much pressure on parents to raise the perfect kids, have the perfect job and keep a perfect home all the while keeping a relaxed smile on your face. And while there isn’t much we can do about pressures coming from the outside, we can work to create a relaxed and low-stress environment in our lives and in our homes. If all of this seems too overwhelming to you, here are some parenting tips that might help you.
 These days there is no limit to the number of activities your kids can be involved in. You’re taking them from extracurriculars at school, to soccer practice in the afternoons, youth group at church, girl scouts, art classes, and even more. On one hand, the opportunity to introduce your children to a wide array of experiences can provide them powerful inspiration in their lives. On the other hand, each new hobby drives them farther away from the things that matter most.
 Some children take to school very easily, while others need a little more support to enjoy their time in the classroom. If your child fits into the latter category there are plenty of ways you can support them and help make education fun. Check out the following three parenting tips to learn more.
 Private education is such a great investment for your children’s future, but how do you know if they are getting the most out of each day? One factor that holds some children back from academic success is a lack of good sleep. Here are three nighttime tips for preparing your kids for a successful day of private school.
 It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we wind down to the end of the year, you and your children will become more and more inundated with Christmas. And in the midst of all of that holiday joy, it’s easy to forget the real reason we celebrate this holiday. And the more you forget the purpose for all of this joy and celebration the less exposure your children get to the true magic of Christmas.
 There is a lot to be grateful for living in Central Florida. We’re surrounded by beautiful oceans on either side and rivers and likes wind their way through our peninsula. Our weather is temperate and this year we managed to avoid any big summer storms. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to celebrate home, family, and all of the other blessings you have in life. But how do you teach your children to practice gratitude during the holiday season?
 Your child is finally ready to go kindergarten. It’s an exciting time and a scary time all at once. There may be tears (yours and theirs) and that’s okay. Taking this big step of sending your child off to school for the first time isn’t something to scoff at. As you count down the coming year there are some important parenting tips that can help both of you prepare for them to start school.
 No parent wants to watch their children struggle, especially not in school. And for some, the academic rigor of private school takes some getting used to. But regardless of why your child is struggling in private school, there are many ways that you can support them and encourage them toward success.
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