links - 16/2/12

Disciplining a child is like being on a permanent diet - Soph on the persistence it takes to discipline.

When all your kids go to school - Jean reflects on this big transition.

Is Golilocks too scary? - The Guardian raises this question and wonders if these books will be rewritten. I hope not!

Don't give up - an encouragement to persevere as a follower of Jesus.  I think we all need to hear this regularly!

Intrusion into the Christian bedroom - Ed Welch questions whether Christians should only be guided by their consciences in the bedroom. (HT: Jean)

My child's dream - to have friends - I read this article through tears. "Researchers followed children with disabilities and their families through interviews and observation for 32 months. One of the key findings was that parents face huge pressure to 'make their child normal' and when they aren't successful, the child and family are excluded -- from friendships, at school and in the community. The biggest barrier to participating in sports or community activities was not access or transportation, but attitudes."

The down side of school from home - a very honest post from Rachael. "Most home schoolers face fierce criticism from friends and family because of their decision to home-school. They end up having to defend themselves so often that it makes it difficult for them to talk about the difficulties they face without people saying "I told you so" or "well send them to school, then"." I suspect many of us are afraid to share the down sides of the schooling option we've chosen for fear of criticism or pressure to change. Thanks Rachael for sharing!