Episode 40: How to Enjoy the Holidays with Kids

Shawn Kemp, #40 of the Seattle SuperSonics, this episode is for you. Thank you for all the highlight reels of great dunks, and for entertaining us so well in the 90s.  This is our LAST EPISODE of 2018! We talked about some of the goals that we set earlier this year, and how we did with them. We use the model set forth by Entreleadership, and you can too! We do these at my work, and then I brought them into our home, and small group. Such a simple, yet specific way to set goals for all the key areas of your life! The interviews with Christie Priem was referenced quite a bit, so if you still haven't check out episodes 38 and 39, so you can also be equipped to manage behaviors and thrive through this holiday season (and beyond.) We also mentioned a podcast episode that we heard by Jen Hatmaker. She interviewed the authors of 'Boundaries', Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. Check out her blogpost on the episode here. It's full of great info about the book and the two authors. We also mentioned some points from this great book in this podcast episode.  The main point we make is that you need to manage your own expectations for the holidays. If your kids are little, then don't overextend yourself, just to make other people happy. If you need to sit out of a few holiday activities, then just do it! Don't try to please everyone, by actually making yourself, and your immediate family, completely miserable. Also, be sensitive to the emotions of your foster and adoptive kids. They may not be feeling the joy of the day, as they may be experiencing guilt, and/or sadness for not being with their bio families. Talk about it. Figure out a plan that works for everyone. The (Good) Word of the Day: "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  Mark 6:31  I am reading a plan by Priscilla Shrier, and this was a verse that she talked about. The disciples were so busy that they were not able to stop to eat. Jesus was not a fan of this. He commands them to go with him, to a quiet place, and get some rest. Is there a chance that Jesus is saying the same to you? Thanks so much for listening today! We appreciate you so very much, and without you amazing listeners, we wold not be at episode 40! We hope that you will take a break, and enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones. If you Want to Connect on Social Media: You can find me at: Jihae Watson on Facebook Fostering Voices on Instagram Jihae Watson on Instagram AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community with more people!