March 7, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on Mom Moment: Offering our Kids Empathy
The other day my youngest daughter asked me a question I’d been dreading. She looked up at me with her pleading brown eyes and said, “Mommy, can I do your hair?” I decided to risk it and let her take … Continue reading
October 5, 2018
by Maralee
Comments Off on Teaching Empathy to Children (radio interview)
Empathy isn’t natural for kids. It’s something they learn by watching our example, and through the conversations we have. It’s become important to me to teach my kids about empathy intentionally and thoughtfully. I was glad to share with the … Continue reading
June 5, 2018
by Maralee
Comments Off on Everything I Know About Empathy I Learned from “American Pickers”
Maybe it’s the Midwestern sensibility. Maybe it’s the cool junk. Whatever it is, I’ve always had a soft spot for “American Pickers.” As I watched an episode recently, it got me thinking about what a great display of empathy always … Continue reading
April 17, 2018
by Maralee
1 Comment
This January my oldest son decided he was going to read through the Bible in a year. I offered to pay him every month he completed his goals and I thought that might last a month or two. Here we … Continue reading
January 23, 2018
by Maralee
2 Comments
I majored in psychology and sometimes I felt out of place in my classes. I was a Thinker in the midst of people who felt called to study psychology in part because of their deep connection to their own feelings. … Continue reading
January 18, 2018
by Maralee
Comments Off on Sex Trafficking is YOUR Problem (and one thing you can do to help)
I’m going to be really honest with you about the evolution of my understanding of sex trafficking. I’m wondering if maybe it’s been your process, too. Step 1: Sex trafficking is a really bad thing that happens in other countries … Continue reading
July 10, 2017
by Maralee
3 Comments
I’ve got a confession. We watched “Moana” as a family for the first time on Saturday. . . and then we watched it four more times over the next three days. This movie clearly resonated with each member of our … Continue reading
November 2, 2015
by Maralee
1 Comment
A friend from college unexpectedly lost her four year-old son in a heartbreaking accident. A close friend was recently diagnosed with another health problem on top of the others she already wrestles with. Painful struggles in my own family have … Continue reading
May 8, 2013
by Maralee
5 Comments
I have endured some really painful Mother’s Days. During our days of houseparenting and struggling with a fresh infertility diagnosis I have walked through the doors of my church with 6 handsome young men I was mothering all around me, … Continue reading