Tag Archives: Parents

Our kids (and families) aren’t defined by a diagnosis…

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Dr. G

Your child is not defined by their diagnosis. They’re the same kid that they were when they got up this morning, with the same strengths, weaknesses, gifts and talents. As Christians, we’re defined by who we are in Christ. Their diagnosis is not their identity. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

“Thinking Orange”…A Parent’s Perspective-Mike Woods

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Dr. G

I could list a handful of wonderful gifts that you give my children by providing a special needs ministry. Today, however, I’d like to share with you four wonderful gifts that you bless my wife Linda and I with by providing a special needs ministry to our children and by being a welcoming church: Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Parents | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Faces of the movement…Jeff Davidson

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Dr. G

He’ll talk about the differences in men and women as it relates to being parents of a child with special needs. He’ll discuss how men and women are wired differently, think differently, and react differently to being a parent of a child with special needs. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Parents, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Shootings in Chardon

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Dr. G

We as parents are doing a very poor job of raising kids whose actions reflect the values we profess to hold and demonstrate the resilience to navigate a hostile culture. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Guest Blogger Jolene Philo…Back to the Basics

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Dr. G

As I interviewed parents and compiled their stories, one thing became very clear. The families who coped most successfully were those who had gone from viewing their children’s special needs as burdens to seeing them as blessings. The basics of an effective support system can help lift a family’s burdens and be an integral part of that necessary transformation. Continue reading →

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Kids With Aggressive Behavior at Church…How Can Parents Help?

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Dr. G

Parents of kids at risk for aggressive behavior have responsibilities they should meet in order for everyone (their child, other children, volunteers and church staff) to have a God-honoring experience that promotes Kingdom building and spiritual growth. Here are four steps parents can take to help improve the likelihood their child will be safely and successfully included in church programming and activities… Continue reading →

Posted in Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Kids With Aggressive Behavior…What’s it Like For Their Parents?

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Dr. G

Bottom line…families of kids with maladaptive aggression have lots of needs. They need a welcoming church where they can grow spiritually so that they can fulfill their responsibilities as the primary faith trainers to their other children. They have relational needs. They need Christian community, but they also need time to build their relationships with one another. They also need a place where they feel accepted. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Strategies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Should Christian Parents Only Use Christian Mental Health Professionals?

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Dr. G

I think the critical issue for parents who have a kid in need of mental health care is finding a clinician with a track record of demonstrating excellence in what they do, regardless of that person’s belief system. Continue reading →

Posted in Mental Health, Parents, Strategies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Are Parents of Kids With ADHD Stigmatized at Church?

Posted on May 22, 2011 by Dr. G

Earlier this week, Shannon Dingle had a wonderful post on her blog The Works of God Displayed (I’d highly encourage readers of this blog to subscribe to Shannon’s blog) on perceptions of folks in the church about the diagnosis of ADHD. I’d encourage you to read her post, because I’m challenged to express my opinions as eloquently as she did on her blog. I very much appreciate as well the comments on her blog from a pastor (Perry) who was willing to give voice to some of the thoughts and feelings Shannon was seeking to describe in her post.
Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Controversies, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

“Thinking Orange”…A Parent’s Perspective-Mike Woods from Making Room

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Dr. G

You are God’s gift to families who have a child with autism. God calls people just like you to Himself, and then blesses you with the purpose of becoming part of a community of Christ-followers focused on helping “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40). In Scripture God calls his people to live out the gospel pattern of welcome and generosity. “Therefore, “ Paul says, “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Ro.15:7). Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Parents | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments