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Jen Bradbury
Jul 06 · 5 min read

What students need most when they’re stuck spiritually

On the first day of swim lessons, the lifeguard asked my nearly four-year-old daughter, Kendall, to put her head underwater and much to my shock, she did. This immediately advanced her from Level 1 (for anyone who can’t put their head underwater)...

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#apologetics #toddlers #parenting #faith formation #discipleship

Jen Bradbury
Sep 04 · 5 min read

Notes from the pandemic: The plight of young (unvaccinated) children & their parents

Last Tuesday, exactly one week after the girls started school, we got the dreaded call that 6-year old Hope had been in close contact with someone at school who tested positive for COVID.

Because of the close contact, Hope had to quarantine for...

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#toddlers #children #education #grief #Pandemic #privilege #parenting

Jen Bradbury
Jul 17 · 5 min read

On not being welcomed at church

Last Sunday during worship, I sat in the comfort room with my two-year old, Kendall, in tears.

To be clear, I was the one in tears, not her.

We’d gone into the cry room to nurse. When we returned to the sanctuary, she started chattering. A LOT...

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#toddlers #parenting #church #worship #breastfeeding #baptism #books #youth ministry #Community #student leadership #culture of welcome #Pandemic

Jen Bradbury
Jan 27 · 5 min read

Dear Future Self: Thoughts on priorities, refugees, and welcome pack deliveries

Dear Future Self –

I want you to remember this week ten years from now.

This is the week you made a controversial parenting decision. Oh, don’t get me wrong. It isn’t the first you’ve made. It won’t be the last. But this is the one I want you to...

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#parenting #refugee #toddlers #babies #youth ministry #theater #Jesus #discipleship

Jen Bradbury
Jun 12 · 5 min read

Why opening presents is an important part of toddler birthday parties

My daughter, Hope, recently turned four. Of course, we wanted to celebrate her well, with a duo of Frozen themed parties, one for friends and family, and one for a handful of her school friends.

Having gone to a number of toddler parties in...

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#gratitude #Community #toddlers #parenting

Jen Bradbury
Apr 12 · 5 min read

Review: Parenting Beyond the Rules by Connie Albers

Since taking a new call, my responsibilities have expanded to include youth and family ministry. As such, I’ve become much more intentional about ministering to parents than I ever have been before. I’ve also become much more aware of resources...

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#vocation #brave #parents #toddlers #parenting #books

Jen Bradbury
Feb 22 · 5 min read

Review: When I Pray For You by Matthew Paul Turner

Filed in Book Review

I’ve been a fan of Matthew Paul Turner ever since he wrote ADULT books. Back in the day, his book, Relearning Jesus, made for great fodder with my student leadership team. I’ll admit, when he switched to writing children’s books, I was a bit...

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#Prayer #toddlers #student leadership #parenting #books

Jen Bradbury
Dec 22 · 5 min read

Review: The Brick Builder's Bible

My three-year-old daughter, Hope, LOVES Legos. A friend got her a Lego kit for Christmas and she and my husband did it in one fell swoop. I’m honestly not sure who had more fun: her or my husband. Because of Hope’s interest in Legos, I was excited...

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#toddlers #books #children's ministry

Jen Bradbury
Oct 30 · 5 min read

Review: I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

Filed in Book Review

I am a bookworm. For as long as I can remember, books have been my love language. My dad used to joke he’d have to buy the house next door to ours in order to house all my books. Sometimes, I think my husband feels the same way. Because of my love...

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#toddlers #books

Jen Bradbury
Oct 24 · 5 min read

7 questions to help you determine the developmental appropriateness of a curriculum

I have a three-year old.

As Christmas approaches and I choose gifts for her, I’m constantly looking at the age recommendations of toys. I do so because I want to know if a toy is developmentally appropriate for her. If I give my daughter a toy...

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#Teaching #toddlers #youth pastor #youth ministry #faith formation

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Tags

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Latest Posts

  • What students need most when they’re stuck spiritually
  • Notes from the pandemic: The plight of young (unvaccinated) children & their parents
  • On not being welcomed at church
  • Dear Future Self: Thoughts on priorities, refugees, and welcome pack deliveries
  • Why opening presents is an important part of toddler birthday parties
  • Review: Parenting Beyond the Rules by Connie Albers
  • Review: When I Pray For You by Matthew Paul Turner
  • Review: The Brick Builder's Bible
  • Review: I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel
  • 7 questions to help you determine the developmental appropriateness of a curriculum

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