Dear friends,

With Christmas coming fast, let's be intentional in staying connected to our kids!
Regular "check-ins", multiple times a day, can become natural and even a highlight of your kids' day as you make them a routine.
Use the time during breakfast, the car ride, dinner time, and before bed to be available and ask what is going on.  

I made it a point to go to the gym this year with my oldest son; not to get fit, but instead, to ride in the car with him.  I wanted to stay connected and be available for him to chat about whatever he wanted. To date, we've gone 129 times this year.  It took commitment and a willingness to be interrupted so that we could have that time together. 129 car rides adds up! That's 20 minutes each way. I would not trade those 5,160 minutes for anything!  I would do anything for my sons and daughters. This was a small event with big rewards.

Pick a hobby, a game, or even a chore to connect with your kids regularly.
With the holidays, emotions and expectations become heightened which can lead to elevated anxiety and distress.  Get ahead of this by being in tune with your kids feelings and what they are experiencing.  
I will always cherish the car rides to the and from the gym this year.  It has given us time to reconnect and strengthen our bond. Our kids are worth it.
Let me know how I can help.
You are loved and prayed for!  Our prayer is to be a support and blessing to each family. Drop a note on any specific need.  It is a privilege to pray for you!
Love and Blessings,
Jennie Offield
Director of Family Ministries and MDO
210-367-7632
[email protected]