Mollie T. Cox, Author at 100 Words

Be the First To Ask For Help

May 16th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

I had three preschoolers. My nearby friend had more preschoolers. I was overwhelmed many times. She was overwhelmed most of the time. When I ran errands, I occasionally offered to include hers. She always declined.

One morning, I wanted mulch. Our house was for sale and potential buyers were coming that afternoon. Mulch would significantly improve our curb appeal, and I didn’t have the car that day.

During a quick morning phone conversation, my friend mentioned she was taking all—yes all—of her small children shopping at a garden center. At that moment, I realized I was desperate enough to ask her to bring me mulch. My friend drove up a couple hours later with three oversized bags, which I immediately spread under our azaleas.

More than mulch, she brought a new attitude. My future ofers to help were embraced. Why? I don’t know. Maybe my friend realized that adding her items to my cart would not impose. Whatever the reason, our friendship grew from my mulch request.

It didn’t stop there. Other friendships grew when I was vulnerable to ask for needed help.

Is it easy for you to request help?

Homeschooling, Memories, Parenting, Photos

Clutter? Photos Help

May 9th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

An experienced mom had learned how to fight the clutter battle, and I took her “take a photo” advice to heart.

My boys built Usborne Cut-Out models of a Viking town, Roman villa, Roman amphitheater, multiple castles, knights’ masks and more. They enjoyed their results.

However, you can’t keep that stuff around. When the models had served their purpose and then hung around a bit longer, I took a photo and we moved on.

The advice prevented arguments and showed respect for the boy’s efforts. Not only did I have years of clean surface areas, nineteen years later, I have reminders of projects that would have crumbled and been tossed by now.

This system works today. My sentimental family members are more likely to toss something if they take a photo before parting.

Do you have a method for making it easier to part with sentimental items?

Homeschooling

Examine Advice

May 2nd, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

“I can’t tell you everything we’ve learned. You’ll compare my friend’s children to mine, and penalize them. She isn’t teaching as much.”

When I reviewed homeschoolers’ portfolios for the local public school system, I was shocked and saddened to hear this disinformation. The only standard for evaluation was the state homeschool law.

“Why do you believe this?” I asked about this and other erroneous statements.

“The leader of my support group warned me,” or “I read it in a magazine.”

What did I learn along the way? Respected leaders both knowingly and unknowingly gave bad advice. Most expressed legitimate concerns, but some operated out of fear. Others had agendas: increased membership or profits from their products.

Our public school system did not want conflict. Neither did it have the resources to make homeschoolers’ fears come true. My supervisor believed in the value of homeschooling.

What did I do? I became wiser in my carefulness. I particularly examined advice that produced fear or advised secrecy. It’s common sense but easy to forget when you are passionate about a cause. Even homeschooling. I did.

Be wise as a serpent, yet innocent as a dove.
Matthew 10:16 ESV

What advice have you questioned?

Homeschooling, Parenting

Deprivation Becomes Desperation

April 25th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

One of my most embarrassing parenting moments was when a son grabbed five snack packs of chips after a t-ball game—one of each variety—which was as many as his six-year-old arms could hold. I admonished him to choose one and put the others back.

My son’s teammates seemed content with their single pack. After reflection, I realized they were not more righteous, but less desperate. We were a chip-free home.

I had seen similar reactions in other children. Sisters who were only allowed cake at holidays and birthday parties stuffed themselves silly at my son’s four-year-old birthday party. Why didn’t I stop them? They were too quick.

Deprivation leads to desperation.

As parents, especially if homeschooling, we can become so caught up in academics, sports and discipleship that we allow deprivations to creep into our children’s lives: unscheduled time, pure mom and dad time, activities that seem frivolous. The consequences can be as harmful as food deprivation.

Deprivation creeps into our own lives too. We deny ourselves rest and fellowship in order to meet parenting and homeschooling demands.

Which “chips” and “cake” do your kids lack to the point they are desperate? What about you?

Book Recommendations, Parenting

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

April 18th, 2021
Mollie T. Cox

I have a hard time reading books about abuse. I actually stop reading any story that hints it is going in that direction. However, Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is not only an honest look at experiencing and surviving sexual abuse, but it is also beautifully told and ends with hope.

Even better, Fighting Words empowers victims to stand up and gives them words to tell would-be abusers that their behavior is unacceptable.

Like Guitar Notes by Mary Amato (see here), this is not a novel to hand your children. It is best previewed because of the richness of the story and what it can teach parents—not because of a problem. Your tweens especially may not be ready for every page, but they are ready for the “Fighting Words” you can give them after you read Della and Suki’s story.

As our children re-enter the world after months of isolation due to the pandemic, we must again be vigilant to protect them.

Have any novels helped you start important, difficult conversations?