Category: Raising boys

How to nurture a boys heart

Published on by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

Nurturing my boys’ hearts is one of the most important parts of my role as their mother. As a homeschooling mum of three boys, my husband and I have the privilege of being with them daily, shaping their character and guiding them toward Christ and into being strong boys and eventually men.

Homeschooling gives us a beautiful window of time and influence to not only teach academics, but to shepherd the hearts of our sons with intention. I always remind myself that It’s not just about teaching maths and reading—it’s about helping them develop a heart that seeks after God, is resilient, loves others well, and stands firm in the Christian faith. In a world that will constantly try to define them by achievements and success, I want them to know that their true worth is found in being sons of the true King.

Seeing their hearts

When we started our homeschool journey I was so geared toward only building them up academically, but I very quickly realised that in order to build a meaningful learning experience for them, I would need to win their hearts over with love, friendship and trust. Building a relationship with each boy where I do my best to see them for their individual strengths and personalities would help strengthen their sense of safety and confidence. It isn’t easy, because most of our days are quite loud and feel chaotic, and so the last thing I want to do is notice and compliment all the great and fun things about them (just being honest!) It’s a discipline that I am working on being more intentional in.

It’s also really easy to focus on correcting behaviour all the time, but true growth happens when we understand the heart behind it. When a boy is acting out or withdrawing, it’s often a signal of something deeper—confusion, frustration, or even a need for connection. Being intentional in this area for me means, trying my best to remember to pause, ask questions, and listen with grace.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1

Grace-based correction—rooted in relationship—helps a boy know that he’s loved, even when he makes mistakes.

Encouraging emotional honesty and empathy

Many boys are naturally active, physical learners, but they also carry deep emotions—sometimes masked by noise or movement. We’ve had to learn to give our sons language for their feelings. This helps them to communicate in a more self controlled way when they are feeling an emotion.

Creating an atmosphere of love and grace at home is also essential. I want my boys to know that our home is a safe place where they can be vulnerable, share their fears, and ask hard questions. I remind them that no mistake is too big for God’s grace and that nothing they do can separate them from His love—or mine. By showing them unconditional love, I hope to give them a glimpse of the immeasurable love of their Heavenly Father.

Conversations

Intentional conversations are another way I nurture their hearts. Whether it’s around the dinner table, during a car ride, or at bedtime, I try to engage their minds and hearts with meaningful discussions. We talk about faith, courage, kindness, and even the struggles they face, or anything random that may come to mind. I want them to know that their thoughts and feelings matter, and more importantly, that God cares about every detail of their lives.

Life skills

In raising boys, we’re not just preparing them for independence—we’re shaping their character and hearts for the life God is calling them to live. Teaching life skills within the rhythm of home and homeschool life is a sacred opportunity: a chance to model servant leadership, responsibility, and integrity. The boys are involved with learning to cook, tidying the garden and house, caring for each other and discussing life matters. As we teach our sons to work with their hands and think with wisdom, our desire and prayer is that it will help them grow into men who are not only capable but compassionate—anchored in faith, and willing to serve and work hard.

Service

Encouraging them to serve others is another way to shape their hearts for Christ. I remind them that true strength is found in humility and that leadership comes through service. Whether it’s helping a younger sibling, assisting a friend, or participating at church, I want them to experience the joy that comes from putting others before themselves. Jesus was the ultimate servant, and I pray my boys will follow in His footsteps.

Above all, I entrust their hearts to the Lord. I can do my best to teach, guide, and love them, but ultimately, their walk with God is their own. My prayer is that they will grow into men who love Jesus deeply, stand firm in truth, and live with integrity. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” That is my hope and prayer for my boys—that as they journey through life, their hearts will grow to be steadfast in Christ.

woman and child holding clothes together

The importance of teaching household skills + some creative ideas!

Published on by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

As a homeschooling Christian mother blessed with three sons, I have found myself reflecting deeply on the values I wish to instill in my children. In today’s rapidly changing world, where traditional gender roles are being redefined, I believe there is immense importance in teaching my boys the skills needed to work within the home as well as outside. While societal norms may have shifted, the timeless principles of responsibility, service, and stewardship remain invaluable, especially within the context of a Christian household.

From an early age, I have sought to cultivate a nurturing environment where my sons not only understand the importance of contributing to the household but also embrace it as a privilege and a responsibility. Contrary to outdated stereotypes, teaching boys to work in the home is not about limiting their potential or confining them to traditional gender roles. Instead, it is about empowering them with essential life skills that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives as they grow older.

Servanthood

Our desire, first and foremost is that our boys know the Lord and walk in His ways Lord willing. I hope and pray that they will take on the role as spiritual leaders of their homes, willing to take on difficult tasks and to face problems with heart until they come to a solution. This takes on the form of servanthood. As Christians, we are called to emulate the example set by Jesus Christ, who demonstrated humility and service through his actions. By involving my boys in household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry, I am not only teaching them practical skills but also instilling in them a spirit of humility and selflessness. These seemingly mundane tasks become opportunities for them to practice love in action and to serve others with joy.

I have to remind myself that this is the training ground. So even if an activity takes much longer, or I receive resistance because they would much rather do something else, I have to gently persevere, encourage and normalise hard work because it is good work!

Accountability

Teaching my boys to work in the home creates a sense of responsibility and accountability. In a world that often prioritises individualism and self-gratification, it is a desire for me to instill a strong work ethic and a sense of duty towards their family and community. By assigning age-appropriate tasks and holding them accountable for their contributions, I am equipping my sons with the tools they need to become responsible and dependable men.

Moreover, teaching my boys to work in our home promotes a culture of teamwork and cooperation within the family. As siblings, my sons learn to collaborate and support each other in completing household chores, creating a sense of unity. These shared experiences not only strengthen their bond as brothers but also prepare them to navigate the complexities of relationships outside the home. They often hold each other accountable when the one is not pulling their weight!

Stewardship

In addition to the practical benefits, training my boys to work in the home also aligns with biblical principles of stewardship. As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us, including our time, talents, and material possessions. By teaching my sons to care for their home and belongings, I am reminding them of stewardship and appreciation for the blessings they have been given.

Here are some fun creative ways for you to encourage responsibility for your children!

  1. Chore Chart: A weekly chart where children can track their daily chores and mark them off when completed.
  2. Responsibility Checklist: A checklist of daily responsibilities tailored to different age groups.
  3. Behaviour Tracker: A printable to help track positive behaviors and areas that need improvement.
  4. Allowance Tracker: A tool for tracking chores completed and allowance earned, helping children understand the value of money.
  5. Goal Setting Worksheet: A sheet where children can set short-term and long-term goals and track their progress.
  6. Time Management Planner: A daily or weekly planner designed for children to organise their tasks and activities.
  7. Reading Log: A log for tracking books read, along with space for notes or reflections on each book.
  8. Family Rules Agreement: A printable contract where the family can agree on certain rules and responsibilities.
  9. Responsibility Badge System: Printable badges or certificates that children can earn when they demonstrate responsibility.
  10. Problem-Solving Worksheet: A worksheet that guides children through the steps of identifying problems, considering solutions, and taking action.

These printables can be designed to be visually appealing and easy to use!

Thank you for joining me on this journey of motherhood and faith. If you found comfort and encouragement in this post, I invite you to explore more of my writings on similar topics.

Why is motherhood so hard?

How do I balance family and personal life?

9 hacks to help you thrive in motherhood

Affirmations for mothers at home

On my blog, you’ll discover a wealth of stories, tips, and reflections aimed at nurturing your spirit and supporting you through the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

From practical advice on balancing daily responsibilities to heartfelt reflections on deepening your relationship with God, there’s something for every season of motherhood. I’ve shared real-life experiences, lessons learned, and moments of grace that I hope will resonate with you and provide the encouragement you need.

Visit my blog for more posts on creating a peaceful home, finding joy in the little moments, and leaning into God’s strength amidst the challenges. Let’s continue this journey together, growing in faith and love, one step at a time.

Blessings,

Alethea

faceless black kids drawing and playing on carpet at home

How to create a fun learning environment for kids

Published on by Alethea Awuku3 Comments

Cultivating a space where curiosity thrives, imaginations soar, and hearts are touched by the wonders of God’s creation is an incredible process to be part of. As mums we have the opportunity to provide that for our children yet at the same time, it can feel overwhelming when we think of our tidy homes being transformed into a playground for little hands, minds and feet. Creating a fun learning environment is totally doable in any environment, and with a few systems and strategies in place, we can transform pockets of areas, and most importantly our atmosphere to bring life to all the souls that dwell in it.

I lean toward minimalism, but I have still found a few ways to make room for play and imagination in my home. In today’s post I am sharing some ideas that we have incorporated into our space to make learning fun for our 3 boys.


Please note that this post contains affiliate links. The purpose of this post is to recommend items that we use or would use. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep this blog running.

  1. Use colourful, relatable and engaging decorations: Decorating a wall or part of it with beautiful thought provoking artwork helps to spark the imagination. Incorporating bright colours within the learning space such as posters, artwork, and educational materials related to the subjects your children are studying is useful for igniting further interest in that area. So take your time to search for beautiful imagery, because it’ll not only be visually beautiful and inspiring to look at, but it’ll naturally lead to a conversation about the creativity, wisdom and unmatched power of God.
  2. Incorporate Games and Interactive Activities: Integrate educational games, puzzles, board games, and interactive learning activities that make learning feel like play. These can also include scavenger hunts, role-playing games, and simulations. Teaching on and learning about subjects such as Maths, English, History and Science can be brought to life by incorporating hands on activities. This just cements the information and children are more likely to remember facts and information when it is presented in a vivid way. The boys love learning in a very hands on way, and with my kinesthetic learner, group activities, and hands on activities work really well.
  3. Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Design a comfortable and inviting reading area with bean bags, pillows, rugs, and shelves stocked with a variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and picture books. This could be in the children’s bedrooms, or in the living area next to the sofa. Reading nooks serve as a personal sanctuary (no matter how small or simple it is) and encourages regular quiet reading time which is great for everyone! It helps to break reading and learning out of a box and reinforces the truth that learning can and does happen everywhere!
  4. Utilise Hands-on Learning Materials: Providing manipulatives, such as blocks, LEGO, puzzles, and art supplies, that children can use to explore concepts in a tactile and hands-on manner is great for creating a fun learning environment. They are so useful for engaging the mind during down time or “gap moments” before something else is scheduled to take place. I have found that my boys are always engaged for a while as it really suits their learning style.
  5. Integrate Technology in a Purposeful Way: Incorporating educational apps, interactive whiteboards, educational videos, and digital resources can enhance learning experiences and allow children to explore topics in innovative ways. The boys love watching Science Max at Large, Dude Perfect, Superbook, Dr Bionics and Science Planet.
  6. Outdoor Learning Spaces: Taking advantage of outdoor spaces for learning activities whenever possible is a must if you want to create a fun learning environment for children. They love to run, jump, dive, create and so much more. If you don’t have a garden or balcony space, the park or fields, trails are absolutely great for getting everyone outdoors for fresh air and fun. You can also conduct science experiments, go on nature walks, get involved in gardening projects, or art sessions in the backyard or local parks. The boys attend forest school once a week and really enjoy swinging, jumping, building dens, playing in mud and working on craft activities.
  7. Incorporate Music and Movement: Music, songs, and movement activities are so important for children as they make learning complex information really fun and easy to remember (think of times tables, poems, languages science information). A quick search online can yield so many results and helps to to enhance learning and energise the atmosphere. Create playlists with educational songs or encourage children to create their own music related to the topics they’re studying!
  8. Celebrate Achievements and Milestones: Recognising and celebrating our children’s achievements, progress, and efforts with praise, rewards, certificates, or special activities can make their learning experience fun. Positive recognition boosts motivation and fosters a sense of accomplishment. We use stickers, and an achievement “trophy” that they boys can earn when they go above and beyond to do a particular work without prompt.
  9. Encourage Collaboration and Teamwork: Providing opportunities for the children to work together on projects, to solve problems collaboratively, and to share their ideas and knowledge with one another is important when trying to build a fun community based environment. We have regular “sports days” in our garden which is so much fun. It gets very competitive which adds to my fun haha.
  10. Rotate Learning Centers: Set up different learning stations or centers with activities related to various subjects or skills. Rotate these centers periodically to keep the environment fresh and exciting. We all need change once in a while to freshen our minds and give us new inspiration. Children are no different. When we change up the space every now and again it invites new energy into activities, and I have found that engagement and focus is also improved.

I hope these tips and ideas have been helpful by incorporating these elements into your learning environment, you can create a space where children feel excited, motivated, and eager to explore and learn! Are there any other things that you do to make learning fun for your children?

toys on the floor

5 ways to Navigate diverse learning styles in our children

Published on by Alethea Awuku3 Comments

I looked at my little 5 year old as I attempted to engage him in some sit down learning and I felt two strong emotions. Compassion because I could see he wasn’t just struggling with the task, but he really wasn’t enjoying it. I also felt frustrated because here we were, on yet another day and I felt like a failure at not being able to “crack the code” when it came to winning his interest and attention to sit down and work through some pages with me.

Teaching our children can feel like a very daunting task, and one of the beautiful benefits of home schooling is that learning can be tailored to the strengths of each child, and time can be given to really personalise their learning experience and build their confidence. Equally, it can be frustrating because you are dealing head on with their struggles everyday. If you are feeling overwhelmed with where to start with the different personalities of your children, here are some strategies that you can try which I hope will help:

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep this blog running.

1. Identify Each Child’s Learning Style

Learning styles infographic

Understanding how each child learns best is the first step. Common learning styles include visual (learning through images and spatial understanding), auditory (learning through listening and speaking), kinesthetic (learning through physical activities and hands-on experiences), and reading/writing (learning through reading and writing activities). Supporting our children to learn in a way that is natural to them will help them thrive and it will alleviate a lot of the frustration that we and they feel when it comes to growing learning and discovering the word around them.

It takes time and you may have good days and bad days, but I’m learning to just embrace it all and take my time and try to enjoy the process. First born is very much a kinaesthetic learner and so I can exercise wisdom in this area, and instead of expecting and demanding him to do book work, what I try to do with his learning is to break it up into chunks of tasks. He will do what I refer to as core discipline studies which is a few minutes on penmanship, working out some number sums, and a little bit of phonics. Once he has completed that, his reward is working on a lego project or STEM activity which he absolutely loves.

2. Create a variety of learning activities:

Offer a mix of activities that cater to different learning styles. For example:

  • For visual learners: You could use diagrams, charts, videos, and illustrations to explain concepts.
  • For auditory learners: Engage in discussions, storytelling, reading aloud, and listening to educational podcasts.
  • For kinesthetic learners: Incorporate hands-on activities, experiments, role-playing, and physical games.
  • For reading/writing learners: Provide written materials, encourage note-taking, and assign reading assignments followed by discussions or written summaries.

DIY project tasks have worked really great with my eldest because it allows him to use his brain in a very active way which he absolutely loves. He loves to solve puzzles, and find solutions to tasks, so this has really engaged him. I also see how it fuels his confidence because once he realises his strength and what he’s naturally good at, he wants to learn more and he wants to do more. He loves to talk about the things that he’s created and how he has put it together which is so encouraging to hear.

My second born is predominantly a read and write learner. He takes in information that’s written down in a very logical way. He enjoys books and equations so I find that the traditional books work well. He enjoys the typical comprehension, questions and tasks, and figuring things out, so my approach for him, leans towards text, and any visual or auditory representation of an idea, which he does really well with. Seeing these two different learning styles makes me realise that God really makes none of us the same. We are wired so differently, so uniquely, so wonderfully by Him. As a mother, it is amazing to be able to nurture and bring out, and help my children to discover who God has made them to be.

3. Provide Choices

And another way you could figure out your child’s learning style is by providing them with a few choices for different types of work that you want them to complete over the period of a few weeks and observe what they gravitate to. This will help you to know where to lean into for learning activities. You can also engage in conversation with them about things they enjoy and why they enjoy it. This will give you an idea of how to put together their learning and play sessions. Hopefully in doing this, it will help your child to enjoy and stay focused on what they consider to be fun while also learning and activating a huge part of their brains in an activity. 

Offer choices whenever possible to empower children in their learning process. For instance, allow them to choose from different assignments or projects that align with their interests and learning styles. Observe how your children respond to different learning activities and environments. Talk to them about their preferences and experiences in learning situations.

4. Create an environment that makes learning look fun

I am a minimalist calm, create a spa like ambience in my home type of girl, and so the thought of turning my entire home into a nursery or learning class doesn’t quite appeal to me, but I do recognise that for children, visuals are so important for inspiration, for memory, and for representation of where they are in this life stage. My laminator, my printer and Twinkl website are my best friends as I print put together little resources and learning packs for the boys.

I always have to remember that they are children and it’s important to encourage them to see the world with wonder, and to beautify it in a way that appeals to their senses. When I look at it from that perspective, creating a learning environment whether it’s a corner, conservatory, a whole room, or a bedroom seems like so much fun and even an inspiration to myself.  

Creating a fun learning environment can really enhance their engagement and enthusiasm for learning. Most of us don’t have a separate room that we can turn into a magical learning world for them but if we really look around, we’ll see that we have pockets of space throughout our homes that we can use. If you want to encourage a love of books, you could create a small nook with either a book shelf or some baskets and keep a few books there, or scatter small piles of books throughout the house for them to casually pick up. The same can be done with toys and puzzles or whatever their interest may be.

5. Assess, pivot, personalise and pray

We can pray and ask God to give us wisdom to encourage and teach our children, as well as to give the process over to Him to do a work in our own hearts. We all change as we grow and so do our children’s learning styles over time. Keeping our expectations open will help us to pivot when we need to without feeling too overwhelmed. I am trying to be so much more intentional about just enjoying life and enjoying the process with them. The rest will surely fall into place as we journey along.

A book that has really encouraged me in this area is Sally Clarkson’s book: Awaking wonder. As mothers we want the best for our children. We want them to thrive in every area of their lives and we want to give them a strong foundation. However, it’s so easy to lose sight of the wonder that is found in the journey to this destination, and I think that I’ve come to understand how childlike wonder really can become lost in the fog of formulas, strict curriculum and pressure from external things. Helping my boys to engage authentically and confidently with who they are, while leaning into the truth that wonder and curiosity without constraints does empower such a powerful educational experience.

My encouragement to you Mama

“To give a child the gift of time to imagine, to dream, to create, to engage, and to wonder is to allow time and space for his heart to be touched by the beauty surrounding him, for his mind to have room to grow strong on the feast laid out for his imagination, and for his emotions to bathe in the tranquility of a peaceful life in an unhurried rhythm. Then we offer a feast of theology, math, story, literature, virtue, faith, science, nature, art, music and culture upon which to apply his wondering and wonderful mind. To lay this foundation is to give our children beauty and strength of imagination and the strong pleasure of learning and acquiring knowledge over a lifetime. Wonder is the catalyst in shaping a powerful, engaged intellect.”

Sally Clarkson
green plant on white ceramic pot

9 must read books for Christian mothers

Published on by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

For Christian mums looking for inspiration, guidance, and spiritual nourishment! Whether you’re navigating the complexities of motherhood, seeking to deepen your faith, or simply craving moments of reflection and perspective in the midst of the demands of it all, I hope that these nine books will encourage you just as much as they’ve encouraged me! Each one offers a wealth of wisdom, practical advice, encouragement, and insight, reminding us of the profound significance of our role and the love and grace of Christ that sustains us on our journey.

book gift guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here. 

Risen Motherhood: Gospel hope for everyday moments

What I love the most about Risen Motherhood content is how they connect our faith with motherhood. It helps you to life up your eyes and perspective to see things from a Biblical worldview which is so helpful- a needed reminder! It’s not a ‘how to’ book for mothers, but an encouragement that everything we do is by God’s design and for his purposes. Nothing is too mundane or small in this season. <a href="http://<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Risen-Motherhood-Gospel-Everyday-Moments/dp/0736976221/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36R77O3G3K8CM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i1c1n54y9HgHyWdHTlKYFQIpWNnqTlIq6kHyftvbPXThy-Mliaz_jYRQtuR2_wRw1hErTal9_o7mP0IV3YngnRvLor77ky12mxNJjzJLDE1QjxL41YDDbNVi94or5sDoROOXKXhsqJB-xiA3Ee7o7v99j_p3AileJKkOUP-ChcZXh4IYGYei5nZaHqUV_FNsC1mwfCRSrj2V6Gy6RpvfuRPoQ5CCfGGPWAB-MZ_dGvk.GLcNGwmACLTwB_Mc_PVwgroKg3r4e7iR6G7NjGpL2i8&dib_tag=se&keywords=risen+motherhood&qid=1710657442&sprefix=risen+motherhood%252Caps%252C90&sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=gracedforhome-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=4e578b21670ccb6030b08b7fadbf720c&camp=1634&creative=6738">Get your copy

Get yours here.

Shepherding a child’s heart

The first parenting book that I read and it blew my mind away! The wisdom in this book is incredible and very convicting. Tedd Tripp really goes into detail on the importance of looking at the heart of our children and seeking to disciple the heart over correcting outward behaviour. It’s challenging, informative, direct and focuses on Biblical principles and practices.

Get yours here.

Memory Making Mom

If you are feeling overwhelmed with creating new and unique family traditions this book is really helpful in kickstarting it for you. There are so many ideas to bring joy and personlised experiences into your home which is something that all of us want to give to our children. I see it as part of our legacy building and what makes our family “us” so this book is a little gem!

Get yours here.

Awaking Wonder

I love Sally Clarkson and her vision and heart for home. She is an older much wiser and seasoned woman who comes along side you in her books to share the heart of God for our lives and it is such an encouragement and challenge to our hearts as mothers.

Get yours here.

Treasuring Christ

This is a really great practical book that helps us to keep our eyes on Christ in the midst of the busyness and chaotic moments in motherhood. Reading the book shook my preconceptions about the significance of hardship in motherhood, deepened my understanding of biblical teachings regarding trials, and reinforced the truth that contentment and joy can’t come from anything else but Christ.

Get yours here.

Sacred Parenting

It’s not your typical how-to guide, which is really refreshing considering the inundation of parenting manuals that are out there. What I love the most about this book is that it prompts us to reflect on the higher calling of nurturing children for the glory of God. It also gives a lot of practical and realistic tips that don’t feel so overwhelming to achieve.

Get yours here.

Desperate

For this review I’ll have to post the authors statement as it sums up the book perfectly.

Desperate is for those who love their children to the depths of their souls but who have also curled up under their covers, fighting back tears, and begging God for help. It’s for those who have ever wondered what happened to all their ideals for what having children would be like. For those who have ever felt like all the “experts” have clearly never had a child like theirs. For those who have prayed for a mentor. For those who ever felt lost and alone in motherhood.

In Desperate you will find the story of one young mother’s honest account of the desperate feelings experienced in motherhood and one experienced mentor’s realistic and gentle exhortations that were forged in the trenches of raising her own four children.

Get yours here.

Missional Motherhood

A great encouraging book helping us to know that in the midst of all the busyness, motherhood is anything but insignificant and I think it just hits this nail squarely on the head. It is too easy to wonder if anything we are doing is worthwhile because raising other human beings can be so taxing.

The book focuses on the Gospel and how this should shape our desires, and realities in motherhood. The bigger picture from a theological perspective.

Get yours here.

I hope you find these useful!

Affirmations for mothers at home

Published on by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

I am humbled by the breadth and depth of my role as a mother to my 3 boys. I am even more humbled (and often overwhelmed!) by the opportunity to be able to be with them each and everyday – watching them grow and come into their own.

The motherhood journey isn’t easy at all, and yet I truly believe that it is a sacred calling. It is an incredibly enriching and character shaping role in which we need all the encouragement and love to just keep going- one- day-at -a -time. It is deeply refining.

I am guilty of getting lost in the busyness of everyday life and responsibilities (because it all needs to be done!) and I often forget to fill my cup up as I am pouring into others everyday. It is easy for me to reach burnout and I have come to realise that daily short reminders and affirmations are a great way for me to incorporate multiple infusions into my mind and heart as I train, live with, enjoy, discipline and disciple my children.

I am always researching, reading, downloading, printing and creating something for the boys and you must do too! I thought that while we are busy making wonderful resources for our children, we should also be encouraged along the way, because as tough as our motherhood journey is, it is also incredibly beautiful and we can thrive in it by the grace of God.

I created these downloadable and free printable scripture based affirmations for mums. May they encourage, edify and remind you of your significant significant role as mum.

Motherhood Affirmation cardsDownload yours here

Morning get ready hack with 3 boys!

Published on by Alethea Awuku2 Comments

Getting children ready in the mornings can be a pretty stressful and daunting task, especially when you have more than one! The tantrums, protests and distractions can send you over the edge at 6.30am before the day has even started.

With my three boys, there can be several things happening all at one time, not to mention rummaging around their room looking for clothes for them to wear. One morning I thought to myself ” there has got to be a slightly better way to get a handle on getting ready in the morning”.

I decided to start with the night before and prep the clothes that they would wear for the next day, so that at least that would run smoothly for me. I was hopeful and my effort paid off. In the morning when they awoke, each one went to their pile of clothes, and got on with trying to get dressed by themselves. I injected a little bit of fun into the process by initiating a competition -which they of course loved.

That’s when I realised that this system would really work and in addition to making it easier for myself I could use this as a teaching and character nurturing moment- each and every day. So the next day we took a trip to Poundland and picked up 3 boxes, labelled them and had fun filling it with clothes that they helped pick for the next day.

Most mornings, they wake up between 5.30-6.00am when I am exercising. They have a lot of demands at that time (ha!) so I direct them to their box, and they now know that when they wake up, they need to go straight to their box and change into their clothes for the day.

This hack has worked so well in encouraging each boy in the area of independence, routine and responsibility so I thought I’d share as it is a small but big shift that has unexpectedly changed the flow of our mornings!

If you try it, let me know how you get on and if it improves the chaos of the mornings!